Rayglass Boats has launched a new Protector Expedition Series, evolving a custom hardtop design developed for a European superyacht owner into a production offering for offshore and adventure-focused boaters.

The new series is the first major evolution of the Protector hardtop design in nearly seven years, according to Rayglass. It adds 800mm of fore-and-aft length to the hardtop, creating 5.6 square metres of roof space and additional capacity for equipment including roof racks, kayaks, mountain bikes, and solar panels.

“The Protector Expedition originated from a custom project commissioned by one of our customers, and the response from boaters was immediate,” says Gregor Wilson, lead designer at Rayglass Boats.

“Interest in the design continued to grow, reinforcing the demand for a platform that delivers additional versatility and capability while maintaining the offshore performance Protector is known for.”

The Protector Expedition Series launch follows wider development of the Protector range and its international market presence, including the expansion of its European distribution network announced earlier in 2026 and the introduction of its R Edition RIBs in 2025.

From custom superyacht tender to production series

The Expedition concept dates back to the end of 2022, when the owner of a large European superyacht commissioned a custom Protector through Ancasta Yacht Services.

That project later became a broader product direction for Rayglass. In March 2025, the company unveiled a customised Protector Targa 380 developed as a multipurpose superyacht tender following a 14-month collaboration between Rayglass, Ancasta Yacht Services and the owner’s representative.

The boat was designed to work as both a tender and chase boat, allowing the owner to explore independently with family and carry a range of equipment.

The move towards greater customisation continued, with Rayglass announcing in February 2026 that it was expanding its customisation capability for the superyacht sector. That development included the Protector Targa 410 Expedition, with features aimed at increasing its suitability for extended cruising, watersports and support duties.

The new Protector Expedition Series now brings elements of that custom development into a defined production range.

More space and a redesigned hardtop

The Expedition hardtop incorporates a forward-sloping windscreen, which Rayglass says improves visibility from the helm while reducing screen glare and condensation. Larger side windows and the additional hardtop length also create a more spacious helm and cabin environment.

The increased overhead area provides additional flexibility for mounting electronics and other equipment, while the expanded roof space can accommodate larger quantities of adventure and watersports equipment.

The Expedition is available on the Protector 380 and 410 platforms. Rayglass says the vessels have a more European influence than current Protector models in the New Zealand market, while retaining the underlying Protector design.

Power options include inboard engines up to 740hp and Mercury Marine outboards up to 1,200hp.

Rayglass says it is currently building moulds to meet demand across the Protector range, following interest generated by the original custom project.

“The Expedition Series builds on the proven Protector platform with meaningful enhancements to functionality, storage capacity and onboard comfort,” Wilson says. “It delivers greater flexibility for extended adventures while retaining the performance and durability that define the Protector brand.”

The Protector Expedition Series targets adventure-oriented recreational boaters, commercial users, and owners seeking more equipment capacity and longer offshore trips.