Halma Rib needs no introduction. The Sicilian shipyard has always stood out for the design and quality of its high-end RIBs, known and appreciated worldwide. With the Halma Rib HR25, it has maintained the high standards we’ve come to expect—while still managing to surprise us. This is the brand’s new model and the entry-level option in its range, which we tested from Mondello to Palermo. In the video below, you can discover all the features and performance capabilities of this extraordinary RIB, which combines modern lines with advanced technical solutions.
Designed to offer comfort, safety, and high performance, the Halma Rib HR25 is suited for both recreational and professional use. It’s the smallest model in the HR lineup, but at just 8.10 meters, it offers the same comforts as its bigger sibling, the HR30, following in its footsteps when it comes to luxurious and elegant design.
This RIB’s innovations are evident even before it hits the water. The Halma Rib HR25 features a maximum beam of 3 meters, but with deflated tubes it can be easily trailered—making it convenient not only for use near home but also for transporting to explore new destinations.
Halma Rib HR25 Sea Trial
We begin our test by leaving the harbor with the engines at idle, around 1000 RPM and 4 knots. The sea is slightly choppy, with waves about half a meter high, and as soon as we speed up, the Halma Rib HR25 starts cruising without any issues. We pick up speed and the transition to planing is instantaneous: in a moment, we reach and surpass 12 knots, which is the speed at which the Halma Rib HR25 gets on plane. As you can see in the video, the boat levels out on the water and glides very well, with a wide, open wake — a sure sign of a hull that isn’t dragging.
We try accelerating a bit more and reach 20 knots at 4000 RPM, but the Halma Rib HR25 continues to cruise calmly and steadily, lowering its bow. With just a slight trim adjustment, the ride becomes even more comfortable. Even at 25 knots, navigation remains smooth and pleasant. Now, we want to see how the rib behaves in a turn; so, without slowing down, we steer to the left. The boat stays on its path without the slightest instability: it’s almost unbelievable how well this rib performs, even when pushed to extreme angles. It feels like riding a jet ski.
We counter-steer at 18–20 knots, and the directional stability is flawless — even hands-free (with the safety kill switch always attached, of course!): the boat sticks to a straight line, and we’re amazed at how fun and stable it is. Even with a sharp lean to the left, the Halma Rib HR25 keeps cruising calmly and smoothly, with no issues whatsoever — and we’re still going 20 knots.
But now it’s time to cross our own wake to see how this hull handles it. We cut through the waves and the boat lifts and jumps — as expected — yet it always lands softly on the water. The feeling is excellent; we’re doing 30 knots at 4400 RPM with some wave action hitting the bow, yet the cruising comfort remains top-notch. That’s truly a rarity for this type of boat — its behavior at sea is outstanding in any condition.
At this point, we want to push for top speed, to take the rib to its absolute limits. Powering our Halma Rib HR25 is a 300-horsepower Mercury engine, even though the boat can be fitted with an outboard up to 400 horsepower. We’re already cruising at 35 knots, but there’s still plenty of throttle left. We turn the bow opposite to the direction of the waves so we can go full throttle and see how the boat performs at maximum speed. So, throttles down — and off we go: 35, 38, 40 knots, even though the sea is quite rough today. We fine-trim it at 43 knots and hit a top speed of 43.7 knots, reached at just under 6000 RPM. That confirms the propeller pitch is also well matched for this boat.
The Halma Rib HR25 in detail
We bring the speed back down to 30 knots — the perfect cruising pace for when the sea isn’t perfectly calm, like it is during our test. We’ve still got 3–4 nautical miles to go before reaching the port of Palermo, where we’ll dock and show you the interior details of this wonderful Halma Rib HR25. As you can see in the video, design truly takes center stage on this boat — it’s simply stunning.
At the stern, there’s a large split swim platform surrounding the outboard engine, effectively creating a spacious beach club area designed to make getting in and out of the water easy. There’s also a large U-shaped sofa that converts into a sunbed, featuring contrasting colors and comfortably seating up to six people — an impressive feature for a boat of this size. The dinette area is equipped with a sink, a spot for an optional fridge, and a small stove — so you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your days at anchor.
Moving toward the bow, we find the cockpit with a well-designed helm station that offers excellent visibility. The throttle and all the boat’s instruments are comfortably within easy reach. But it’s the bow that truly leaves us speechless. Designers Inzerillo and Albeggiani, specialists in this size range of boats, have widened the bow of the Halma Rib HR25 to create an impressively spacious area. As you can see in the video, two people can comfortably lie down on the sunbed with plenty of room to spare. And that’s not all: at the forward end of the cockpit, there’s an additional sofa — sure to be one of the most popular spots when cruising — which hides a surprise inside. By lifting it, we discover a small changing room, even equipped with a toilet. This stunning Rib just never ceases to amaze.
Technical Specs
Length | 810 cm |
Width | 300 cm |
Weight (without engines) | 1500 kg |
Compartments | 4 |
Tube Material | Orca |
Tube Diameter | 45/62 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 300 l |
Water Tank Capacity | 90 l |
Max Engine Power | 400 hp |
Passengers Capacity | 12/14 |
Design Category | B/C |
