A range of RIBs with inboard engine
The recent Swedish shipyard Fugu Powerboats euros based in Stockholm euros has just launched into the world of semi-rigid boats with a first model, the Fugu 29 (9.2 m). At a time when outboard motorization is exploding with ever more powerful models, it is however on inboard motor with sterndrive base that the shipyard has chosen for the propulsion of these boats.
An innovative Petestep shell
This choice can be explained by the adoption of the innovative Petestep hull with deflectors. Its patented geometry allows air to be channeled from the steps to the rear. The wetted surface is smaller than that of a traditional hull, which offers a quieter and more stable ride with less euro friction, but also reduces fuel consumption by a third.
Fugu Boats announces a fuel consumption of 1 l/mile at 40 knots with the maximum power of 430 hp, a Mercruiser V8 of 8.2 liters. At 20 knots, the autonomy is around 300 miles. The maximum speed as for it exceeds 60 knots with this power of moteureuros; it should be said that the boat is light, only 1euros900 kg empty.
If the choice of the Petestep euros hull, which can be found on several models of the Vanquish range or on the first motor boat of the Scandinavian X-Yachts euros, was an obvious choice, the Spanish design studio BYD had to adapt to conceive the deck structure, while maintaining the structural continuity of the boat and ensuring a minimum weight for the sporty side. A first for the BYD studio.
A sporting vocation with relaxation at anchor
The look of the Fugu 29 is both rugged and sporty. Its design nevertheless manages to offer relaxation areas at the front and rear. The hypalon floats are covered with non-slip rubber. The advantage of the inboard engine is the possibility of offering a full bathing platform at the rear, coupled with a large sunbathing area that covers the engine compartment. The cockpit is equipped with a bench seat and four jockey seats on shock absorbers with folding footrests (you sit there a bit like on a horse saddle), a layout already seen on the Marlin 850 HD Pro ) to comfortably stall even at high speeds.
A small cabin without toilet.
The large center console has a protective, worked windshield and a dashboard that can accommodate a large navigation screen. The interior is simple with a double berth and the possibility of installing a toilet (optional). This is a feature that is becoming more and more standard on RIBs of this size.
Rigid side panels to move around on board
One of the striking features of the design is the "gangway" found on either side of the console and aft sundeck. Covered in rubber, it serves as a sort of rigid gangway for moving forward, as naval architect Tia Simo explains.
"These "walkways" are interesting features of the Fugu 29, both on the console and on the aft sundeck platform, a feature designed by the Fugu design team. We included them in the structural calculations, as they are a way to go forward using a rigid surface rather than moving on the tubes. They also stiffen the side of the console. It's both a mechanical and design element."
Despite the handrails on the console, it is not certain that the narrow width of the gangway facilitates circulation on board.
A high-end price
With a price of 165 euros, the Fugu 29 is on the high end of the market, but promises sporty performance and marine behavior that will appeal to perfectionist pilots.
Upcoming models
Mattias Wiklund Hedenfalk and David Giertz are at the helm of the Fugu Powerboats shipyard and are already working on the launch of the Fugu 21 and a larger model between 36 and 38 feet for 2023. The boats are built in Sweden, with a current production capacity of 10 boats per year. While the market is mainly focused on Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom, the start-up plans to increase its production capacity to 25 boats per year by mid-2022 and to open up to the French market with a reseller for the summer of the same year.
