Please select your home edition
Edition
RS Sailing 2021 - LEADERBOARD

New Arksen Discovery series on track to make waves this spring

by Arksen 18 Feb 13:57 GMT

Adventure specialist, Arksen, has diversified into the premium open RIB market with its new Discovery Series. In operation for over five and a half decades, the UK boatbuilder has developed new, cutting-edge tooling and design techniques to create two stand out configurations for its new model.

The Arksen Discovery Series consists of an impressive fleet of five premium open adventure RIBs ranging from six to twelve metres. They join the Arksen Adventure Series and the well-established Explorer Series with the Arksen 8 expected to make her world debut during the spring.

Crafted with precision and passion with a dedicated team of experts using premium materials and components and precise standards, these RIBs offer superior functionality, enhanced specifications and unrivalled internal deck space coupled with luxurious refinement - a haven of comfort and relaxation for all on board.

Andrew Whittaker, Head of Design and Development at Arksen, said: "We are thrilled with the progress of the Discovery series. Designed by a team with over 75 years of combined experience, the boats are a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in marine exploration. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice coastal explorer, our designs elevate your experiences on the water."

Arksen 8 key features:

  • 2.9-metre beam
  • 24 degrees deadrise deep V hull
  • Asymmetric deck design with large offset console
  • Rated for up to 500HP
  • Options for single or twin outboard
  • Built-in 495-litre fuel tank

The Arksen 8 is the first of five Discovery Series RIBs set to hit the water in early 2024, which will be accompanied by additional models later this year. With a 2.9-metre beam, the Arksen 8 offers a broad, stable platform and market-leading internal deck for maximum utility. This brand-new vessel offers an unrivalled on the water family leisure experience with high standard specifications. It is also available as a semi-custom explorer variant on the same deep V hulls that will be sold as one-offs for special projects or as superyacht tenders with its Arksen 8 Explorer.

Both Arksen 8 models share the same advanced hydrodynamic hull design that ensures a sure-footed and dynamic driving experience. The design features a 24 degrees deadrise deep V hull form with detailed spray rails and optimised forefoot that is capable of handling even the most challenging ocean swells and coastal choppy waters.

The Arksen 8 is rated for up to 500HP with options for either single or twin outboard engine installation, while the built-in 495-litre fuel tank provides sufficient capacity for extended cruising and adventurous voyages. The Arksen 8 sets new benchmarks for boating experiences and redefines the Grand Tourer RIB concept.

This new craft benefits from an asymmetric deck design with a large offset console that provides complete protection from the elements which houses a spacious head compartment with ample space to change in privacy. There is an option for a striking black GRP hardtop, complete with a retractable canvas roof and roof rack for more toys.

The Arksen 8s are under construction with the first hosting a single 350HP motor, producing a top speed of 45-50 knots alongside a 350nm range at a 28-knot cruise.

Nick Bailey, Arksen Discovery Series Sales Manager, said: "Our aim is to inspire and empower a new generation of adventurers to explore the world's most remote and captivating locations by designing a range of boats that gives the confidence to do so. We set out to combine performance, advanced technology and features typically found in larger boats to create an exceptional collection of vessels."

The Arksen 8 with a 300HP outboard and high sail away standard specification will start at £166,650 ex VAT, and €194,000 ex VAT. Additional Arksen designs will be revealed later this year.

To find out more about the Arksen Discovery series visit Discovery Series | Arksen.

Related Articles

Vaikobi V-DRY-X Team Kit
We speak to Pat Langley and Bart Milczarczyk V-DRY-X is a major launch for the Australian technical clothing brand Vaikobi, launching into the yacht racing team market with high performance outer layer clothing specifically designed to be customised with the branding and colours of that team. Posted today at 12:59 pm
Tom Dolan returns for Rolex Fastnet Centenary Race
Joining offshore racing legend Jérémie Beyou aboard the IMOCA Charal Irish sailor Tom Dolan will once again join offshore racing legend Jérémie Beyou aboard IMOCA Charal for the 100th anniversary edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most historic and demanding offshore races in the world. Posted today at 12:42 pm
RS200s at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta
Always go right and right On the leisurely drive over to Lymington on Saturday for a 1pm start, Karen had been telling me about previous events here being great, but my main take away point was that you always go right and right. And true enough that was the story of the weekend. Posted today at 11:23 am
Hurricane 5.9 SX Nationals at Paignton
2 punctures, 2 lost trailer wheels and a broken mast on the way to the event! Fleets from Starcross, Thorpe Bay, Stone, Datchet, Bala and Gurnard made their way towards to English Riviera. With a tally of 2 punctures, 2 lost trailer wheels and a broken mast, it was a miracle we got there at all! Posted today at 10:53 am
Admiral's Cup Tom Hicks Thursday Photo Gallery
He is always ready to capture Solent action Tom Hicks is always ready to capture Solent action, and the Admiral's Cup naturally delivered. These shots are from Thursday 24th July 2025. Posted today at 9:27 am
Sprite Week 2025 at Blackwater SC
A windy success It was a week to remember at Blackwater Sailing Club as this year's Sprite Week took place under lively conditions, delivering excitement, adrenaline and challenges for the sailors, officers on the bridge and spectators alike. Posted today at 8:46 am
WASZP Games 2025 Day 4 Photo Gallery
A snapshot of the day by Mark Jardine It was a case of grabbing the wind and sunshine while it lasted on Day 4 of the 2025 WASZP Games, and each of the fleets got a bit of racing in before the rain started to fall and the breeze died away. Posted today at 6:35 am
GP14 Leinster Championship at Greystones
Owens and Morris dominate on a sunny Greystones weekend The GP14 Ireland class decided to take a break from linking in with the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta where on alternate years the GP14 Leinster Championship has been run since 2017. Posted today at 6:14 am
Admiral's Cup Inshore Racing Day 3
Youth, grit and glory define inshore battle The final day of inshore racing at the 2025 Admiral's Cup delivered high drama, high stakes and no shortage of action, especially at race starts. Three intense races pushed crews to the limit and completed the six-race inshore series. Posted today at 4:58 am
WASZP Games 2025 Day 4
The Weymouth weather continued to keep the fleet guessing The Weymouth weather continued to keep the fleet guessing, with the northerly breeze hanging in the early forecast before giving way to a westerly build. Posted today at 4:38 am