In a first for the Irish marine industry, MarineServices.ie is proud to present the first all-electric powered rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Arriving in early February, RS Electric Boats’ Pulse 63 is a 6.3-metre-long RIB designed from the ground up to be 100% electric.

After a design, development, and testing period of over three years, this craft is now entering mass production. It's set to be a real game-changer in the marine industry. MarineServices aims to revolutionise both the commercial and leisure RIB markets with this groundbreaking boat.

Pulse 63 is a 6.3-metre-long RIB

The Pulse 63 is no longer a prototype; it delivers real-world performance and range with its high-performance electric setup. Expect a range of up to 100 nautical miles and top speeds of over 20 knots. Similar to electric cars, the power is instantaneous, providing swift acceleration and unrivalled manoeuvrability.

"Pulse 63 is a 6.3-metre-long RIB designed from the ground up to be 100% electric"

Constructed with shock-absorbing materials and designed for excellent stability, the Pulse 63 ensures a smooth ride. Its unique hull form creates an air cushion effect, resulting in a drier cockpit even when the seas get rough. Without the need for engine mounts, the cockpit is very spacious for its size, and the engine is virtually silent.

Pulse 63 - Expect a range of up to 100 nautical miles and top speeds of over 20 knots

Sustainability is key in the construction of the Pulse 63. RS Electric Boats have undertaken extensive research into the applications of alternative materials, and, building upon their successes in RS Sailing’s production, have developed an optimised laminate for the Pulse 63, which includes a PET core made from recycled post-consumer plastics. This innovative material is lightweight, durable, and incredibly strong.

Designed as an electric RIB from the outset, the Pulse 63 features some of the most advanced electric propulsion technology

Designed as an electric RIB from the outset, the Pulse 63 features some of the most advanced electric propulsion technology. The Electric Drive offers instant acceleration, featherlight control, and hydrodynamic performance. It also means less noise, reduced vibration, lighter weight, and lower maintenance.

This unique boat will be in Ireland from the 9^th-12^th of February. The RS Electric Boats and MarineServices.ie team would be delighted to demonstrate this masterpiece to both commercial and private users.

To book your timeslot and experience the future of marine travel, please email [email protected]

RS Electric Boats showcased its Pulse 63 recently at Italy's Lake Garda to a consortium of local stakeholders. The consortium aims to see the north end of the lake's events facilitated by an electric RIB fleet by 2024.

The move comes as, according to Alex Newton-Southon (CEO - Technical RS Marine Group), who attended, "the Italians are very much on it when it comes to sustainability."

The Italian consortium includes tourism specialists, mayors of local regions, presidents of communities, and councillors for tourism, and sport, as well as pertinent sailing clubs - all of whom are actively working towards preserving the natural, stunning beauty of the area and the sailing on offer.

While the lake's electrification aim had been widely vocalised, the call to action was taken by Milan-based Negrinautica (one of the largest watersports distributors in Europe). The company has a facility in Lake Garda and a long-standing successful relationship with RS Sailing, and thus, a keen interest in what RS Electric - can offer.

Consequently, Negrinautica set-up a conference of key stakeholders and invited RS Electric Boats. The invitation was extended partly because of RS Sailing's partnership with Negrinautica, which represents some of the most prominent sailing brands in the market, but mainly because the Pulse 63 is leading the field in all-electric RIBs.

"Negrinautica got everyone together to discuss their aims," says Newton-Southon, "and then we gave a presentation on the Pulse, what it stands for and what it can do. Then we took the stakeholders out to experience it. We've been asked to loan the area one for the summer. We will. This will then underpin their confidence that the Pulse 63 is reliable and it is what they think it is."

Newton-Southon says that although the strategy is being led by north part of the lake, in reality it is likely to be adopted throughout. "I imagine they'll want to replace all like for like boats in the area," he says. "The Italians currently allow up to 40hp on the lake - and there's a mixture of everything, as sailing schools, clubs, event organisers and police look to replace their current RIBs. The consortium was really engaged to see the future of electric boats.

"I've spent many years sailing in Lake Garda and to me it’s the best place in the world. To be able to support it with like-minded people with RS Electric is really powerful."

"Motorised navigation has been prohibited in the waters of Garda Trentino since the 1980s and electric mobility is certainly a direction to take: the world of regattas itself is moving in this direction," says Pietro Negri, owner of Negrinautica.

He says the Pulse 63 was chosen to be showcased as: "The electric transmission of the engine guarantees instant acceleration, control sensitivity and hydrodynamic performance on the water. Its simplicity generates low noise, low vibration, low weight and minimum maintenance."

This geographical aim, for sustainable boating at the heart of water-based strategies, isn't restricted to the Italians. Newton-Southon admits that there are other projects RS Electric is looking at, working with environmental agencies and other countries' specific needs.

It can run at speeds of up to 23 knots and a range of up to 100 nautical miles, depending on the average speed. It's 100% electric, uses emissions-free propulsion, and is made in the UK using sustainable materials and incorporates some of the most advanced electric propulsion technology available. It also introduces new benefits to RIB drivers such as increased acceleration, excellent manoeuvrability and low running costs.