French fast fishing boat model premieres in UK
Specialist RIB supplier Ocean First Marine will be hosting the world premiere of 3D Craft’s Norden 600 at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, 15-24 September 2023.
3D Craft is a division of the leading French RIB manufacturer, 3D Tender. Its specialist fast fishing aluminium boats are new to the UK, and are now available exclusively in the UK through Ocean First Marine.
Featuring 3D’s high-precision stabilised hulls, the Norden range of aluminium boats is designed with a combination of air and foam compartments integrated into the hull to reduce rolling when stationary, and to ensure a ‘smooth, highly manoeuvrable ride even in the roughest conditions’.
Ocean First Marine says the boats are equipped for long-distance offshore and coastal use and come with a combination of internal or external cockpit layouts, suspension seats and on the larger boats, a fully enclosed cabin with compact kitchen and optional onboard toilet. Additional features include grab hand rails, rod holders, side storage trays, optional bluetooth stereo speakers, a dive ladder, 40L fish tank, washdown pump kit, and optional EVA anti-slip floor. All boatscome complete with LED deck lights, LED search lights and headlights, bilge pump and electric windlass.
“We’re delighted to be launching the new Norden range of fast aluminium RIBs into the UK,” says Simon Bennett of Ocean First Marine. “These sophisticated fishing craft are a style normally only seen around New Zealand and Australia, where they are extremely popular.
“Now they are available from a European manufacturer with a highly regarded reputation for the design and build of sophisticated and seaworthy craft, a notable first for the UK market.”
Ocean First Marine will also be showing the new Featherlight range of ultra-lightweight aluminium RIBS on its stand (F006). The Featherlight 335 model will be used as a demonstration boat for the new TEMO 1000 electric outboard, which is being launched at the show by Marine Components International (Stand J296).
