Protector is a brand that’s synonymous with performance, capability, and speed. The world’s first ‘R Edition’ adds more speed, exclusivity, and a little extra luxury to create something entirely new - a higher performance edition of the standard Protector.

After recently finishing the build and test driving the first R Edition, a 330 Targa, we can confidently say that this is one of the fastest RIBs on the water.

Same tough hull design, more speed

The R Edition is the first boat in New Zealand to feature brand new Mercury Racing 400R, V10, 5.7 L outboards. These things are absolute beasts, packed with cutting-edge technology, and smart engineering to improve efficiency and output. 

With these on the back of a custom designed Protector, the results are truly extraordinary. The vessel manoeuvres and accelerates instantly, even at high speeds, and the tough Protector hull ensures unmatched stability, and a comfortable ride in any condition. 

When we started testing, Dean Harris, Rayglass CEO, insisted he needed to be onboard to experience what these engines can do:

“Protector has a long history of using Mercury engines. The previous 450R engines were hugely popular, but these new 400R V10 engines feature so many performance enhancements. In our testing we exceeded 60 knots, easy.”

“There are not many production cabin RIBs capable of that on the market.”

The technology behind the class leading speed

These aren’t your everyday engines - they feature huge enhancements, including Mercury Racing Quad Cam Four Valve (QC4) design with proprietary 92mm throttle body and tuned intake to maximise airflow and power. This special throttle body provides instant throttle response, while a specialised fuel pressure sensor provides precise fueling under acceleration to further enhance acceleration. 

There’s a race tuned gearbox built for boats capable of exceeding 85 mph, a specially engineered prop designed to handle huge amounts of horsepower, and 6600 full throttle RPM. 

In other words, these things can really go.

Same capability, more exclusivity, luxury & tech

These beautiful machines have the same hulls as regular Protectors (because we couldn’t figure out how to improve on perfection). But they do have added luxury, more technology included as standard, and a little exclusivity. 

That includes red accented graphics and colourways available only on R Edition models, plus R Badging, and luxurious diamond stitching as standard. 

To complement this special design and performance, as standard we’re including Mercury electric steering and joystick piloting with integrated autopilot, bow thruster, and sky hook function. If you can take your white knuckles off the throttle for long enough, the R Edition Protector is immensely practical, and easy to manage - perfect for any mission. 

Dean adds that this is not your everyday vessel, and that they make the ultimate commuter:

“This is for the discerning buyer who wants a unique and exclusive vessel. They’re a blank canvas and they’re highly customisable, so they can be changed to suit any preference.”

“We’re seeing big growth in demand for superyacht tenders and commuters. We see these boats slotting right into that market. They feature the same utilitarian capability that Protectors are famous for, but with a mean performance edge, and exclusive features.”

 

Want a spin in a Protector R Edition? 

 

Contact Protector Boats International Sales & Marketing Director, Lyndsay Turner, to enquire, or arrange a sea trial. 

 

[email protected]

+64 21 931 664