Once upon a time, the RIB was a very predictable creature. If it was at all worthy of the name, it would involve a heavily built hull wrapped in a vast collar, with some jockey seats, some open deck space and some serious seagoing credentials. We all knew what to expect and we were unaccustomed to disappointment.

But the last ten years has seen these simple classifications robustly contravened by the blending of previously unsullied boat types. We’ve seen RIBs with radically tapered tubes, we’ve seen inflatable collars integrated into elevated fiberglass mouldings and we’ve seen leisure RIBs with step-through screens and sports boat style cockpit layouts. But a RIB with a wakeboard tower and racks? That’s a new one on us.

Heavy metal mania

It comes as no surprise that the owners of Skua RIBs have an established background in metal fabrication, because there is high-class stainless steel everywhere you look. Starting at the back end, the deeply cushioned and contoured aft bench is backed by a steel plate with the Skua logo expertly cut into it, revealing a crimson flash from the upholstery. Move forward and in addition to the metal cleats, grab rails, nav lights, vents and seat braces, you find a ludicrously complex and rather beautiful stainless frame for the dash - again cut with the Skua logo and again secured to the GRP moulding with at least 20 more fixing points than expediency requires. It’s a theme of great stylistic impact and enormous quality and it is likely to find big favour with the famously image-conscious watersports brigade.

Extras as standard

While we’re at the helm station, it’s worth taking a good look around because the dash is both spectacularly well equipped and very well organised. Beneath the moulded GRP lip that helps prevent glare on the dials and data displays, you have a heavy-duty iPod stereo unit from Aquatic AV, a Garmin GPSMPAP 551s colour chartplotter and a fixed VHF radio unit. You also have the wheel and left-handed throttle, a panel with four rocker switches and a pair of very informative analogue Suzuki dials. And it’s all exactly where it should be, framed splendidly by that steelwork.

And then you notice…

For the full test of the Skua RB6, pick up the October issue of Sports Boat and RIB, out from the 15^th September.

Click here to buy the current issue.