Inflatable to rival runabouts

Inflatable boats in Australia are generally limited to a couple of particular types -- tenders for bigger vessels and rugged workhorses for marine authorities -- but now Europe's largest inflatable manufacturer is aiming directly at the large tinny and fibreglass runabout market.

The majority of the boats used by families are in the five to six metre range -- big enough to take everyone fishing, powerful enough to pull a wakeboarder or a skier and still light enough to be towed behind the family car.

Brig inflatables have taken direct aim at that market with their new Eagle 580, a 5.8-metre boat which incorporates a T-bar ski pole just behind the centre helm position as well as enough room for all the family.

The Eagle 580's angular design is bold and modern and ensures it will be noticed when it reaches the launching ramp. Like its big brothers, the Brig 645 and 780, it has a raft of practical features as well as usual attributes of the inflatable boat which make it fun to be aboard and easy to get in and out of the water.

Unlike most inflatables, however, it isn't just available in grey. Brig has come up with a range of striking colours including red, white, blue and black.

Brig recommends fitting the Eagle 580 with a 115hp outboard, which gives plenty of speed and the grunt to pull a skier without breaking the bank with excessive fuel use.

The Eagle 580 will make its first Australian appearance at Sirocco Marine's stand at the Mandurah Boat Show, the biggest in WA, from October 14 to 16.