Storm Wavecutter 750 Centre Console Preview

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) have been a part of the local boating scene for decades, but uptake among the mainstream trailerboat market has been relatively slow.

A common sight around our beaches and waterways, RIBs are the vessel of choice for commercial and rescue operators, and those who require a light, robust, virtually unsinkable solution that’s easy to deploy and drive. They are also visible hood ornaments on the bows of big-dollar luxury vessels throughout the Australian network of marinas.

Storm has a boat to satisfy all of these established markets, but is also keen to target adventurous families and fishos by introducing them to a concept the Europeans and South Africans have embraced for decades: RIBs are probably the safest and softest-riding hulls available.

The first Storm Wavecutter we’ll be getting our eager mitts on for a test is the 750 Centre Console. Sporting an offshore-racing-inspired stepped hull with venturis, it certainly makes a statement. Stirred along by an eager 250hp Suzuki, our head tester John “Bear” Willis was impressed with the power when he recently went out for a sneaky late arvo run in a 750 Centre Console. We still can’t wipe the smile from his face.

Bear did suggest a few improvements that might make it a little more fishing-friendly, and Storm was very receptive. In fact, the company was happy to go on record as saying it would encourage customer input into its designs. How refreshing.

Keep an eye out — we’re shooting for a review.

SPECIFICATIONS: STORM WAVECUTTER 750 CENTRE CONSOLE

Material: Fibreglass hull / Hypalon collar
Hull Type: Deep vee with stepped hull
Length: 7.5m
Beam: 2.9m (fully inflated)
HP Rating: 250–300
Fuel: 400L
Capacity: 16

Originally published in TrailerBoat #295, May/June 2013.