SPECIAL FORCES: FUGU 29

There’s something inherently aggressive about black, high-performance RIBs.

Thanks to their speed, stability and durability, the RIB has become the preferred mode of transport for the likes of the SBS and Navy SEALS. This makes the likes of Fugu’s 29, an exciting purchase for thrill-seeking boaters.

Bravo Yacht Design

Designed by the Palma-based design outfit BYD, the Fugu 29 is essentially a homage to the world’s special forces, mixing minimum weight with maximum power. When Fugu, a Swedish start-up, first approached BYD’s lead architect Tia Simó, it asked for a structure that was not only able to support the high-performance PeteStep hull at great speed and under huge loads but also one that was well balanced and comfortable too.

“With such a high-performance boat, the structure design is very delicate,” explains Simó. “The material selection and mechanical properties take on the utmost importance. One of our main goals was to achieve structural continuity with a large number of steps or interruptions in the hull skins of the boat. Production techniques were also very important, so as to achieve the desired mechanical properties for the designed structure.”

The Fugu’s engine options run up to an 8.2-litre Mercruiser V8 with a whopping 430hp capable of speeds up to 60 knots.

Deadly performance

Named after the lethal pufferfish, the Fugu is designed to perform more than a cruise, hence the four Ullman Bulldog shock-absorbing seats complete with flip-out foot pedals. These legendary jockey seats allow the use of both arms and legs to absorb impacts, optimising the body posture into balanced straddling positions. The Ullmans aren’t fitted for show. The Fugu’s engine options run-up to an 8.2-litre Mercruiser V8 with a whopping 430hp capable of speeds up to 60 knots. Despite that immense top speed, the 29’s efficient hull results in consumption of around 1ltr of fuel per nautical mile at 40 knots, while slowing to 20 knots gives the Fugu a range of more than 300 miles.

“Performance and efficiency are always a balance between a good hull design, structure optimisation as well as arrangement and balance,” says Simó. “When you start adding unnecessary items to the boat the performance gets compromised, so it’s always hard to find the balance when we’re talking about a pleasure craft. I believe we have done so here with great success.”

Super fast and extremely safe, the Fugu 26 is a top performer, that comes with special forces looks.