The Vitesse Inflatable boat offers the fast, safe performance required of small, inshore boats used for search, rescue and surveillance – or simply for fun!

Made in South Africa for a number of years, this design, with its inflatable “hi-jacker” tubes has created a cult following of enthusiasts in club racing, such as the 500 mile Cape endurance race. Build quality conforms to U.S. Coastguard specifications. Surprisingly dry and comfortable to, the Vitesse has twin transom drain valves and one deck valve – so it can never fill with water. A safety line, with wrist strap, is fitted to a special pouch, mounted on the after section and the five tube design conforms with current safety recommendations and its twelve month warranty covers valves, fittings, tubes and GRP coated deck and transom.

The Vitesse is able to plane using very limited power and an eight horsepower outboard provides top speeds of sixteen knots, two-up, even in choppy water. Using the convenience of a lightweight 35HP outboard, the Vitesse will plane safely at speeds of up to 35 Knots with a full load. This is the recommended configuration because the engine and boat can be manhandled comfortably in situations where launching is tricky; at riverbanks and field floods, for instance. Such configurations allow the boat and engine can be packed into an estate car, where trailing is inconvenient, or you need to take the caravan, too!

Engines of up to 55 HP may be fitted, giving top speeds of well over forty knots but here, a trailer is advised. Specially designed trailers are provided to include a light-weight boat cover, quick release tie-downs and trailer board with fitted fog-light.

Optional accessories include, zip-up bow-locker, oar keeps, fire extinguishers with Velcro release tube mount, compass mount and water-proof stowage bags that mount on the gunwales. First aid kits, telescopic boat hook and a variety of other safety equipment is made by Helios, appropriate for marine use and rescue.

Handling the Vitesse is rather like driving a small car. Response to the tiller is quick and directional control instant and accurate. The boat does not heel into the turn, so, at speed, the skipper must be careful not to throw unwary crew overboard on tight bends!

Speed, however is not the delight of the boat. An unsurpassed pay load for its size, kind handling and brilliant stability at rest, together with the economy of being able to use comparatively small engines provides an “on the water” package, which is terrific value, easily launched and recovered and sea-worthy in the toughest conditions. The Vitesse will go wherever its big brother RIBs will go – and it suits a lot of inshore places its big brothers can’t go! 

Specification:

Colours: Blue & Yellow or Turquoise & grey 

Tubes: 2mm PVC calendered over 1100-denier nylon. Ozone and oil resistant and twice as abrasion resistant as Hypalon. Three main tubes and two sponson tubes.

Floor & Transom: Self coloured GRP coated marine ply with anti-slip finish.

As standard: 4 handles, gunwale line, rubbing strakes, repair kit, double acting foot pump, tow eye.

Warranty: 12 months