13 Sep
The versatility of a RIB with high-quality appointments, centre-console open-deck practicality and the ability for an overnight getaway
There are nearly 300 RYCK 280s out on the water from Copenhagen to Miami to Melbourne, and the fleet is expanding in Australia with the latest addition due to be launched in Sydney by the end of the year.
RYCK 280, hull #282 is being completed in the Hanse factory in Greifswald, Northern Germany, and is the most highly specc’d version of this award-winning sports day boat yet that Windcraft will have brought into either Australia or New Zealand.
Matched with the powerful new generation Mercury V10 350hp Verado engine, this RYCK 280 destined for the boating mecca of Pittwater, will be easily capable of delivering full wind-in-the air 45-knot performance.
The aesthetics of the RYCK’s distinctive reverse bow, grey colour scheme with contrasting black T-top, handrails and cleats is complemented by purposeful lines and real teak on the side decks in the cockpit and on the split stern swim platforms, ensures this is also a head-turning version of a luxury adventure day boat perfect for beach hopping and lazy weekends.
The new Mercury powerplant shares some of its DNA with its V10 sibling and uses a big-displacement block that delivers good torque spreads and plenty of power with less complexity and fewer moving parts compared with its inline 6-cylinder predecessor.
You could be forgiven for assuming a big V10 would add a lot of weight and bulk to the boat’s transom, but while the engine does have a slightly bigger physical footprint than the outgoing inline six, it still weighs less than equivalent rivals. This focus on weight goes as far as using plastic plugs to cap the ends of the hollow crankshaft to stop oil from entering them – oil in the shaft would give it more mass, making it slower to come up to speed. In summary, the V10 possesses a better power-to-weight ratio than the already well-proven engine it replaces.
Based on how Windcraft’s other RYCK owners are thoroughly enjoying their boats, #282’s new Owners should be regulars at one or more of the dozens of beaches or waterfalls dotted through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Relaxing after the anchor’s quickly deployed, up to eight guests can spread out across the RYCK 280’s three stylish on-deck socialising areas; the bow sun lounge, the helm station with branded and stitched chairs, as well as an aft L-shaped lounge with nicely crafted oak table located a few steps away from the swim platform and hot/cold shower. Awnings can be erected to keep both the bow and cockpit areas well-shaded during the heat of the day.
Chilled drinks are handily sourced from the fridge in cockpit under L-shaped bench on port side, while the outdoor galley with wetbar including sink and two-burner gas stove caters for all gourmet requirements.
If the Owners decide they want to overnight at a secluded cove they can quickly run their guests back to shore and then take advantage of the RYCK’s large cabin for its class, complete with double berth, reading lamp with USB, spot and indirect lights, stowage and blinds. On the starboard side is a separate toilet compartment, with high-quality sink and vanity.
The RYCK’s impressive social and entertaining features are more than equalled by its performance which reviewers have heaped praise on as “superb” and “amazing”, emphasising the smooth ride of the Bill Dixon designed two-step hull in choppy conditions.
A combination of a plumb bow that splits the wave horizontally dividing the water to each side with less ‘thump’ as it cuts through, and the deep-vee entry below the waterline that slices through the water keeps spray away from the boat, giving a dry ride at speed.
The RYCK 280 can be easily configured to a variety of uses: family entertainer, fast tender, adventure sports day boat or centre-console premium fishing platform. But it seems its blend of party boat with family appeal will make it a very popular purchase for its fortunate new Owners.
Contact our team today for more information on the RYCK 280’s pricing and options.
