Mako 3m RIB

Distributed here by Mako Inflatables Australia, the South African-built Mako 3m rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is one of the smallest composite hypalon/fibreglass dinghies in the world.

Measuring 3.0 x 1.5m with cockpit floor measurements of 213 x 75cm and rated from 5-15hp, the 3m RIB weighs 40kg fully inflated. Relatively large 40cm diameter tubes are fitted and there are four separate buoyancy compartments, including the underfloor air tank. The tube tanks have automatic pressure release to prevent over-expansion on hot days or when left in strong sunlight, while the standard double-acting foot pump provides 2lt per stroke.

GULL-WING EFFECT
The fibreglass bottom has two full-length planing strakes and a "warped" shape with a reasonably deep forefoot and moderate deadrise at the transom. Forward, the raised bow tube hangs down slightly from where the fibreglass bottom attaches, creating a gull-wing effect to provide excellent lift forward.

A towing/trailering eye is fitted right at the forward end of the bottom and strengthened by a backing plate in a cockpit floor recess.

The squared-off bow tube compartment has an anchoring loop strongly taped around the tube, while the side tubes have grab ropes attached to strong fabric straps, which also provide low backrests when sitting on the tubes.

The cockpit floor has an effective non-skid pattern and was sufficiently stiff not to flex under my 110kg bulk. Forward is a shallow recess with an eye either side for strapping a fuel tank (up to 25lt) in place, while just ahead of the transom is a drain recess, which also has the screw-in drain plug for the underfloor compartment (no leakage occurred in this during four hours of testing). Cleverly, the transom drain plug hole is smooth to prevent any dirt washed out being trapped in screw threads. The transom drain plug stays in place by compression of shallow threads in the rubber section. However, the loan boat's plug did allow a small amount of water past it and Mako is considering fitting a captive screw-in plug.

Flanking the cockpit floor are plastic paddles held firmly in place with Velcro straps. Initially, I was surprised that oars and rowlocks are not provided, but then to use these effectively a thwart would be needed, which would severely encroach on cockpit space. Few owners are going to row a RIB when it performs so well with even a small outboard!

A towing eye is fitted either side of the polyethylene transom bracket plates, which securely hold an outboard in place.

Fitted with the 25kg Suzuki DF6, ground tackle and safety gear for two adults, the hull self-drained with the drain plug removed. Even after deliberately depressing the transom to flood the cockpit floor, when the transom was released, the water drained back out to within about 50cm of the transom. This means that when the boat is tied up alongside, it won't fill up in rain squalls or need bailing when towed in a rough sea.

PERFORMANCE
It had been several years since I'd tested an inflatable, and the stability underway or at rest was incredible compared to even a 3.6m rigid dinghy. I could even place my full bulk on a side tube without fear of capsizing, and when I sat on a side tube without another adult opposite while underway, the boat heeled no more than a couple of degrees.

Run at Wide Open Throttle into a chop to 20cm, the Mako had a soft ride for a hull of this size and refused to ship any spray into or across the chop. Because of the polyethylene transom plates and the rigid fibreglass bottom structure, vibration through the hull was much less than a similarly sized aluminium dinghy. I found sitting on the starboard tube and steering with my left hand very comfortable.

PERFECT MATCH
Described in detail in the "Low Pollution Tender Outboards 2" article recently in Trade-A-Boat, the Suzuki DF6 provided an excellent blend of performance and fuel efficiency.

The 1.5lt integral fuel tank eliminated the need for a bulky remote tank, while the 180° steering combined with full gearshift easily overcame the Mako's reluctance (due to tube drag) to steer where wanted when going astern.

Spinning a 7in pitch prop and pushing a total of 240kg including two adults, ground tackle and safety gear, the Suzy needed WOT to plane the Mako and maintain a clean plane, where it averaged 14.3kt on 5460rpm using 2.6lt/h. But back at Dead Slow Troll, it averaged 2.5kt on 1280rpm, sipping a mere 0.2lt/h.

Over a "loop" including 10% WOT and 40% DST operation, averaging 4kt the Suzy consumed 0.63lt/h and had a fuel/oil ratio of 1050:1, creating very little pollution underway. And when the throttle opening was kept below half, averaging 3kt and including 60% DST operation, the Suzy used 0.30lt/h, giving up to five hours of pottering around from the integral fuel tank!

VERSATILITY
Once you've tried the 3m Mako, you really wouldn't want to go back to a rigid dinghy. With its stability and four buoyancy compartments, it provides a level of safety not found in rigid dinghies, while the soft tube sides (complete with rubbing strakes) will not damage topsides.

Overall the standard of build and finish was very good with all metal fittings being stainless steel and all plywood being marine grade. The Hypalon tubes (much more durable than PVC) have a five-year warranty.

As of April, the Mako/Suzuki combination retailed for less than $5500, very reasonable when factored into the cost of a 10-12m cruiser or yacht. For more information, contact Mako Inflatables Australia, tel 0419 408 266.