Antares, day dinghies (6 to 9 meters) made in Sardinia

The inflatable boat, or RIB, as it is called, is as versatile as it is popular, now ranking as one of the champions among dayboats, and not. From the smallest tender, to the maxi-rib cabin cruiser, the market is, in fact, now full of solutions to suit every taste and need. Now, among the productive realities, Antares Shipyards is one of the faces of the Belpaese on the front of the Rib by day and, with the recent management transformation (which saw production moved to Sardinia, in the province of Cagliari) has now four Inflatables between 5.7 and 9 meters to offer the home market.

Antares Shipyards, 4 inflatable boats from 5 to 9 meters

With the Sardinian breakthrough, the
Antares Shipyards
began a new path and, with it, charted a new trajectory on the production front, incorporating and adopting cutting-edge technologies within the production line. Taking advantage of new techniques, ranging from vacuum infusion printing to the study and choice of construction materials, the Shipyard has thus developed a new line of daily dinghies, 4 Made in Italy models that lend themselves to the most diverse needs. Here is a preview.

Antares Shipyards – Hulls and Construction

A key feature when looking at a RIB is undoubtedly the keel, the key to performance and safety. For the making of these, and thus the related composite shells, in the case of the inflatable boats we will see below, we can already offer no small detail. In fact, Antares Shipyard employs gelcoat and vinylester matrices reinforced with hybrid fabrics, i.e., carbon glass, to make its shells, processing the materials exclusively by vacuum infusion. A solution, this one, that not only lightens and toughens the matrices, but also prevents the eventual appearance of osmosis. Details often glossed over, but actually critical to understanding the life expectancy of one’s hull.

Capri 57 (5.7 m)

The Capri 57 is an ideal choice for the neophyte or those looking for a hull with which to explore the coast or enjoy short day trips. It is an agile and compact Rib, although still suitable for comfort and relaxation due to the two sundecks on board.

Capable of accommodating up to 11 passengers, this 5.7-meter Rib can accommodate up to 11 people on board, is rated CE C and, in terms of motorization, can see engines ranging from 40 to 140 horsepower installed, thus adapting, somewhat, to all uses and needs.

Lily 65 (6.5 m)

At 6.5 meters long, capable of engines ranging from 40 to 150 horsepower and strong with a maximum capacity of 12 people, the Giglio 65 is beginning to be a more structured dinghy, although remaining in a size range that is well manageable, even by the neophyte. Complete with forward sundeck, large locker below this one, aft sofa and side stern platforms, this is a Rib that lends itself to a wide variety of uses, whether these are dedicated to relaxation, offshore swimming, sports or summer exploration.

In more specific terms, the Giglio 65 offers a beam of 2.5 meters over 6.5 meters in length, is C-rated, and is made of polyester/vinylester. The tubulars, on the other hand, are made of neoprene/hypalon or neoprene-carbon. In addition to 5 lockers and a full console, aft boasts a roll bar.

Elba 78

With the Elba 78, the Shipyard goes up in size and range, offering a far more structured dinghy, complete with T-top and “real” center console approach. Capable of accommodating up to 16 people, there is a large forward sundeck on the Elba 78, concluded at the bow by two usable steps for both boarding and diving and water games. In the stern, just behind the helmsman’s seat, a sofa with a padded back comes to life instead, surrounded by side decks and access to the water immediately behind.

Looking at the specifications, the Elba 78 measures 7.9 meters long by 3 meters wide at maximum beam and can install outboard engines ranging from 175 to 250 horsepower.

Lipari 90

The Lipari 90 brings to a close the current line-up offered by Antares Shipyard, an inflatable boat 9 meters overall, 3 meters wide and strong with engines ranging from 300 to 450 horsepower. In this case, it is a well-constructed rib, complete with a rigid t-top to protect the wheelhouse, within which, among other things, a cabin with a bathroom is housed.

In the bow, a large sundeck dominates the spaces while, in the stern, in addition to an outdoor refrigerator, there is a convivial area with a sofa and coffee table. Aft of this, a swim platform anticipates the outboards, thus also providing a usable space as a beach area. Optionally, among other possibilities, the yard also offers a 4-pole bimini system, thus shielding the Lipari 90 from the sun on hot days. Up to 20 people can be taken on board.

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