A shipyard with a glorious history launches a new series of luxurious maxi-RIBs. The company is called Cantieri Marel, and the brand is Halma Rib: this is a line of high-end RIBs, comfortable and fully equipped, standing out for their original design and refined finishing. Cantieri Marel is based in Palermo, and to discover the first model of the new series, the HR30, you can visit it in Genoa at Marina Porto Antico, where it is possible to see it and even test it at sea. While waiting to “get our hands on it,” we had a chat with Antonello and Filippo Amoroso, who recently joined the capital of Cantieri Marel to create this brand-new range of RIBs, which complements the existing lines.
The new Halma Rib brand
“Cantieri Marel used to produce work RIBs. With our family’s entry into the company, we wanted to develop a new series of high-end models with their own brand and identity – explains Antonello Amoroso – In addition to the first 30-foot model, which we will unveil tomorrow in Genoa at Marina Porto Antico, we will have a 25-foot model ready by the end of this year, and we plan to launch the 35-foot cabin version at the beginning of 2025”.
“Our family has strongly believed in this project – adds Filippo Amoroso – Both my brother Antonello and I work in the company, supported by Tonino La Rosa, who brings invaluable boating expertise. I like to think that our involvement represents a forward-looking and innovation-oriented approach”.
The HR30 in detail
The HR30, the first RIB in the Halma Rib line, has a maximum beam of 3.35 meters and a large deck area, giving the impression of greater dimensions than those of a typical 30-footer. From a distance, the difference from traditional RIBs is immediately noticeable, mainly due to the squared bow, much larger than the standard in this segment. “It’s neither easy nor common to have such an important maximum beam on a 30-foot boat, yet we achieved it”, says Filippo Amoroso proudly.
The entire design of the new Halma Rib was created by Inzerillo & Albeggiani Yacht Design. “We do everything in-house, from the hull to the deck, from components to finishes – explains Antonello Amoroso – We refused to use semi-finished products or external contractors”.
The finishes of the HR30 exceed the usual standards for RIBs. The large sunbathing areas, the fittings, and the LED lights give the feeling of being aboard a luxurious maxi-RIB. The cruising experience also promises to be outstanding: the deep V-hull ensures impressive stability, and above all, says Amoroso, “the boat stays dry at any speed. I’ve tested it myself and can confidently say that, during 360-degree turns at a speed of 25 knots, the HR30 provides an impressive level of comfort”.
The retractable cleats, laser-etched graphics, and the nearly invisible retractable awning are additional details that contribute to giving this Halma Rib gem a harmonious and sleek design. “The console, which is much larger than usual and features a unique design, also makes the HR30 stand out as a different kind of maxi-RIB – adds Filippo Amoroso – To set ourselves apart even further, we decided to place the entrance to the small changing room with an attached bathroom directly on the pilot’s side of the console”. Comfort is also excellent below deck, where guests can benefit from a headroom of 1.78 meters.
As for the engine options, the Halma Rib HR30 can be equipped with either two outboards or, as in the case of the model you see, two sterndrive engines, with a total maximum power of 600 horsepower.
The model exhibited at Marina Porto Antico in Genoa is powered by two Volvo Penta V6 280HP engines. “With a cruising speed of 28 knots, the maximum fuel consumption is 2.2 liters per nautical mile per engine”, says Antonello Amoroso. “The top speed is around 45 knots, which is an excellent result for a RIB that weighs nearly 5 tons”. The Garmin instrumentation, featuring a 12-inch screen, is also top of the line.
In conclusion, with Halma Rib, we are witnessing the birth of a luxurious and refined RIB range that is clearly positioned at the high end of the market.
Find out more at: www.cantierimarel.com
