Technohull Omega 45
The stylish, blazingly fast RIB can travel from Manhattan to Montauk on a summer afternoon faster than just about anything short of a helicopter.
Marine professionals depend on RIBs in the line of duty for a number of reasons. RIBs are lightweight, burn less fuel and need less horsepower to go faster—but can still accommodate large powerplants. The inflatable collar makes them durable and less prone to damage when docking or in the event of a collision. It also acts like a shock absorber for a stable, comfortable ride.
I’ve spotted RIBs all over the Med, serving as capable, family-friendly dayboats or tenders among the superyacht crowd—and their presence and LOA is growing stateside. The luxuriously appointed Technohull Omega 45 should help things move along nicely.
And move it will. The Greek builder says their flagship 45 will blast across the sea at 78 knots when equipped with optional quad, 400-hp Mercury Verado Racing outboards. Even with her standard package of three Merc 400s she’ll see 70 knots. The yard also offers inboard diesel and surface drive combos in 350- and 400-hp options, a good choice to simplify fueling for those buyers who will use her in concert with a mothership.
When the Omega 45 premiered in Miami this year, I was among the first on board and stood amidships with my back toward the dock. I admired the subtle upward rake of the black, tinted glass hardtop and how well the organized, carbon fiber dash contrasted with the teak decks and gunwale boards, the latter a nice touch for safe boarding. A quartet of shock-absorbing bolster seats in finely
stitched leather ensured comfort and safety while at speed, with a galley just aft. If desired, a double bench can replace the galley; however, there’s already additional seating for eight guests both aft and at the foredeck.
To my surprise, I turned around minutes later to find nearly every seat occupied by journalists, but the vessel stood stock still in her quay. Credit goes to the stability provided by the collars combined with the 45’s vacuum-infused hull. She should be surefooted at sea as well: Technohull claims their proprietary DynaStream hull technology was developed to optimize performance and comfort, with improved fuel economy, tight handling and lower planing speeds. Chines will divert spray from your crew when cruising at 48 knots.
Access to the below decks area built into the console is via a hatch under the seats forward of the helm. The just-enough amenities—a split head/shower, twin berths and optional air conditioning—make it an ideal spot to get out of the sun or change into casual evening attire after a day of snorkeling. A canvas door provides privacy when the hatch is open.
As a fully custom build, colors, seating options, finishes and the aforementioned power choices are chosen by the customer. Equipped with standard power, the vessel comes in at $530,000. They’ll even let you take delivery in Greece. I’m hard-pressed to think of a maiden voyage more fitting for the Omega 45 than Athens to Mykonos, with a stopover for lunch on Hydra. The azure Aegean Sea awaits.