The Pirelli 30: a ‘supercar’ on the water

Written by: Epco Ongering
Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPvN9Wh1fZ8

Supercars are luxury sports cars that combine extreme speed and performance with exclusive design and premium materials and finishes. If there were an equivalent category for boats, the Pirelli 30 we tested would certainly qualify. This Italian thoroughbred is incredibly fast, with gorgeous styling and impressive craftsmanship. The rubber-accented RIB (rigid inflatable boat) goes from 0 to 54 knots (100 km/h) in 13 seconds, while its impressive stability ensures you remain safely in control at all times.

Before we get started, let’s clear up one common misconception: Pirelli doesn’t actually make boats. Instead, the Italian tyre maker’s design department licenses the Pirelli name to a select group of prestigious companies that produce luxury goods. While the name may call to mind Pirelli’s famous rubber tyres, these RIBs aren’t inflatable boats, but speedboats with a polyester hull surrounded by a rubber tube. Pirelli RIBs are made by TecnoRib, a leading manufacturer of luxury RIBs renowned for sleek designs and superior build quality. TecnoRib sets the bar high and refuses to compromise on quality or performance.

Sacs Tecnorib was born of a merger between TecnoRib and another Italian RIB specialist, the equally prestigious Sacs. The company builds RIBs ranging from 3 to 19 metres in length at its facilities in Roncello, just outside of Milan. The Walkaround models are large cruisers with a relatively compact centre console, leaving plenty of room for you to move around on board. Designer Ted Mannerfelt has optimised the hull for super-fast acceleration and maximum speed. The craft is so solidly constructed that even those of us who aren’t experienced racers can safely fly through the waves at speeds of up to 54 knots (100 km/h). At 10 metres, the Pirelli 30 is the smallest member of the Pirelli walkaround family, which also includes 35-foot, 42-foot and 50-foot models. But despite its smaller size, this lightning-fast RIB still oozes class, luxury and style.

The materials and craftsmanship are impeccable, as you would expect on a vessel of this calibre. The white hull and tubes, terracotta-coloured upholstery and streamlined windscreen all clearly reveal the boat’s Italian pedigree. Up front are an anchor locker and a sturdy windlass manufactured by Quick – which naturally come as standard on RIBs like these.

In the bow, you’ll find a small bench and a seat in front of the console, both with storage space underneath. The centre console offers 1.85 metres of headroom and is equipped with a toilet, sink and shower, but no bedroom cabins. A remarkable characteristic is the width of the vessel – 3.3 metres. Sturdy, tastefully integrated stainless-steel handrails run the length of the boat for added safety.

The console features two built-in seats and a folding bench, as well as a comfortable footrest. The dashboard and Raymarine display are stylish without being showy. Behind the steering bench, you’ll find a wet bar and a dining area with a table and two sturdy benches. On hot days, you can fold the benches away and put up a sun sail, transforming this area into a sundeck. An additional option that we love is the stylish T-top (€8000), which was specially designed for the P30. You can also see that attention has been paid to small details such as drainage for the carbon-fibre poles. 

The two things we thought the boat was missing were a holder for small items like a phone or car keys, and adequate drainage for the holders for the carbon-fibre awning.      

Mounted at the stern are two glossy-white Mercury Verado V8 outboard motors, each delivering a whopping 300 hp. These formidable 4.6-litre blocks deliver astonishing power and acceleration, emphasising the Pirelli’s sporty, performance-driven character. Once we set off, we were immediately impressed by how smooth and quiet the motors are. They clearly held a lot more power in reserve, too: this RIB was just begging to be set free.

After the engine was revved, it was time to see what it could do. We opened up the throttle and within five seconds, we found ourselves flying along at over 30 knots (60 km/h)! The acceleration felt like being sucked into the wake of a fighter jet. After a total of 13 seconds, we reached the magic number of 54 knots (100 km/h). When accelerating, the trim is set to automatic, ensuring the motors remain in the ideal position at every speed. We ultimately clocked a top speed of just over 55 knots (102 km/h), which felt rather effortless.

The Pirelli 30 seems to offer an unusually large margin of safety, easily remaining under control even on the narrow, choppy river where we tested it. It doesn’t slam into the water, but glides smoothly over the waves. This maxi-RIB is also remarkably stable and can safely handle tight turns at high speeds. The handling is just as responsive at lower speeds, too. You can do pivot turns, perform high-speed circles, and accelerate like a Formula 1 driver.

The Pirelli 30 is basically a supercar on the water. It’s a gorgeous, exclusive, yet practical RIB for longer trips that would also make a perfect chase boat for a superyacht.

In the Netherlands, the Pirelli 30 is available through Best Boats, Pirelli’s exclusive importer for the Benelux and Germany since 2017. This Dutch company offers premium service and has over 25 years of experience in the industry.

Pricing for the Pirelli 30 is in line with what you would expect for such an exclusive RIB. The base model, with two 200-hp Verado V6 motors, starts at around €250,000. The model we tested, with the two V8s, will set you back around €300,000. In other words: around the price of an exclusive Italian supercar. Which is fitting, because supercars usually also feature Pirelli rubber, just like this super-RIB.

Eager to get your hands on this sleek little speedboat with Italian flair? Visit the importer’s website for more info.

If you’re in the market for a boat but the Pirelli doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, check out our online marketplace, which features a wide range of boats at every price point. Who knows – maybe your future boat is among them!