SCORPION PIONEER RIB
BU ILT 2006 PR ICE £49 ,995
Based in Lymington in the New Forest, Scorpion introduced its Pioneer RIB in 2007 to bridge the gap between its open models and cruiser range. The unusual looking wheelhouse was designed to protect the crew from the elements without removing the connection with them, hence the huge screen (60kg of 10mm toughened glass) that curves back into the roof moulding and open sides. The huge pantograph windscreen wiper maintains visibility whilst also bestowing more than a hint of high-speed train cab to the look.
INTERIOR
Two settees either side create a couple of berths for overnighting, and a table plus a sea toilet tucked beneath the centre seat provide extra creature comforts. It has even got 240 volt shore power. There is direct access to the small bow cockpit from the cabin, rather than having to go out of the back and then down the sides.
EXTERIOR
Four wrap-around seats keep the crew safe and secure at high speeds, protected by that massive hard top. Helm and navigator get matching Raymarine E120 Series multi-function displays linked to chart plotters and the radar. Further aft in the surprisingly deep teak-laid cockpit there are steps either side to assist with access and a bench seat towards the back.
PERFORMANCE
Two Mercury Verado 275hp outboard engines (new six years ago) grace the transom, offering up a serious amount of horsepower for a narrow 10m RIB. Cruising speed is about 40 knots, with a top end not far short of 60 knots!
SEA KEEPING
Scorpion is famous for its ultra-capable deep vee-hulls, with a fertile back catalogue of winning race boats and ocean-crossing explorers. The Pioneer displays the same wave-flattening longlegged gait as its siblings, with that huge hard top shielding the crew and helping to shrink distances, aided, of course, by twin 455-litre fuel tanks. In the Pioneer, Scorpion has produced a great all-weather commuter or an equally good explorer.