Combining the latest technological innovations with the great artisanal tradition of Made in Italy. This is the mission of Halma Rib, the established Sicilian shipyard specialized in the design and construction of high-end RIBs designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding owners and to offer a truly unique boating experience. The result of two full years of development, the Halma Rib HR 30 perfectly embodies this philosophy and winks at those who want to enjoy the sea aboard a high-performance, seductive yet at the same time comfortable and safe boat.
We had already fallen in love with it last year when we tested it in its inboard/outboard version: the sense of freedom and the adrenaline of that sea trial stayed with us. And that’s exactly why, as soon as the shipyard gave us the chance to test the outboard version, we didn’t think twice—the opportunity was simply too good to pass up. So we flew to Palermo for a new, exciting video test.
HALMA RIB HR 30 Sea Trial
The Gulf of Mondello welcomes us with a surprisingly warm and sunny day. It’s December, but the air feels almost summery: temperatures are around 20 degrees and the sea, virtually flat calm, promises ideal conditions to really put this RIB to the test and fully assess the qualities of its hull.
Our sea trial begins at idle speed, holding 600 rpm at 3 knots. Right away, we can feel that stability is out of the ordinary. Powering our Halma Rib HR 30 is a pair of 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards, for a total output of 600 horsepower, perfectly matched to a RIB of this size which, fully loaded, weighs around 3 to 3.5 tons. We speed up and, at 11 knots, the boat get up onto the plane instantly, levels out on the water and naturally accelerates up to 16–17 knots, delivering outstanding planing stability without even needing to engage Active Trim.
We accelerate a bit more and settle at one of the more “traditional” cruising speeds: at 20 knots, the two Mercury engines mounted on the transom are turning at 3,000 rpm while burning just 46 liters per hour, equal to 0.34 liters per nautical mile. Really impressive.
But we want to see how our Halma Rib HR 30 behaves at higher speeds, so we accelerate to 25 knots, another very interesting cruising speed, where consumption stabilizes at 61 liters per hour (0.37 liters per nautical mile). A quick push on the throttles and we reach 30 knots. The engines are at 4,150 rpm and fuel burn is only 80 liters per hour, still very reasonable. The real surprise, however, comes at 40 knots: at 5,000 rpm, fuel consumption settles at 105 liters per hour, which means just 0.33 liters per nautical mile. In other words, the boat’s real consumption remains almost unchanged as speed increases. An uncommon performance for boats in this category which highlights a very interesting side of the Halma Rib HR 30’s character: a RIB capable of fast transfers without having to worry about refueling.
But now it’s time to push hard and really put this boat’s hull to the test. We bring the speed back to 30 knots and, without slowing down, turn hard to starboard. The boat heels over but remains practically “glued” to the water, giving us an immediate sense of great stability and safety. The deck stays perfectly dry and, even when we counter-turn to port, the boat keeps running confidently, never nervous, tracing a wide circle on the water with almost geometric precision. Our maneuvers have kicked up waves of about a meter and a half, so without hesitation we decide to take them head-on, increasing speed to see what happens. Well… nothing happens. The hull slices through and spreads the waves in an extraordinarily soft manner, without any jolts, delivering a level of comfort that is truly surprising.
Still not satisfied, we throw our Halma Rib HR 30 into a very wide but fast turn. We’re doing 40 knots and once again directional stability proves to be perfect. One last counter-turn in an attempt to put the boat in trouble, but nothing … the feeling is always the same: running as if on an imaginary rail, with the agility of a jet ski, yet offering the stability and comfort that only the iconic boats from this Sicilian shipyard can deliver.
As mentioned, above, sea conditions in the Gulf of Mondello today are ideal for pushing the boat to its limits, so once we’re back on a straight course we push the throttles all ahead to test top speed. The two Mercury Verados raise their voices and acceleration becomes downright thrilling. The boat stretches out on the water and, in just a handful of seconds, we’re at 30 knots, then 40, then 45… 52.9 knots top speed! An astonishing performance for a RIB just 9 meters long.
Finally, the most eagerly awaited moment: the acceleration test. We slow down, come to a stop, place the throttles in neutral, engage forward gear and… full throttle! 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 knots… 53.1 knots in just 19 seconds! An extraordinary performance, clear proof of a well-designed hull and build quality that has nothing to fear from rivals in this market segment.
The Halma Rib HR 30 in detail
As the forerunner of a range that also includes two other models, the Halma Rib HR 30 represents a perfect blend of elegance and practicality. The exposed teak delivers an immediately striking visual impact, while the “widened” bow maximizes the usable space on board.
Centrally positioned, the helm station features a walkaround layout that ensures easy access to the bow and smooth, unobstructed circulation toward the stern. All instrumentation is within easy reach and finished with great attention to detail, offering a driving experience that is both comfortable and fun. The console housing the two forward-facing helm seats also accommodates, in its lower section, a refrigerator and a fold-out table, while on top it features a galley unit with sink and induction cooktop. Hidden beneath the helm cockpit, a practical changing room with a toilet completes the picture of a layout that is clearly very well thought out.
Moving aft, we find a large linear sofa that can comfortably seat 3–4 people, along with a huge sunbathing area for enjoying the sunshine in total relaxation. But we’re ready to bet that the most sought-after spot on this Halma Rib HR 30 will undoubtedly be the aft platform: a true beach club that not only makes getting in and out of the water easy, but also offers plenty of space for water activities to be shared with family and friends.
Conclusions
The result of a careful and innovative design effort, the Halma Rib HR 30 combines the generous spaces typically found on a 10-meter boat with extraordinary hull performance and handling, delivering a truly unique boating experience. Every outing becomes a moment of freedom and enjoyment, where comfort, elegance and harmony with the sea come together in perfect balance.
