Solemar SX25: Full Test of a “Maxi-Rib” in a Compact Format

Solemar SX25: The Sea Trial with the 250 HP Mercury V8

Powering us today for the occasion is an outboard motor that needs no introduction: the 250 horsepower Mercury V8, an engine capable of delivering some seriously impressive performance on this RIB.

From the very first moments, driving the Solemar SX25 proves to be thrilling. As you open the throttle and push the levers down, getting onto plane is almost instantaneous. The boat lifts quickly out of the water, levels out into a perfectly flat running attitude, and accelerates effortlessly up to around 20–22 knots.

Onboard, you immediately notice the level of comfort this hull provides, despite its compact dimensions. The ride is consistently smooth, and the sense of safety this RIB conveys is remarkable.

To test the dynamic behavior of the hull, I accelerated to around 30 knots and then executed a series of sharp, tight turns.

Under these conditions, the Solemar SX25 leans progressively until it rests on the tubes, then continues to track through a nearly perfect circular path.

Even when tightening the turn to the limit and hard counter-steering to the left—where the propeller’s rotational force causes the most body roll—the result remains unchanged. Sure, the centrifugal force inevitably increases, but pushing this hull off its track is completely out of the question! The boat holds firm on its circular course without shifting a single millimeter.

Crossing the wakes created by our own maneuvers, the Solemar SX25 inevitably catches some air, but it slices back through without any issues whatsoever. The hull cuts through the waves brilliantly, throwing the water wide and avoiding any harsh impacts.

In short, it is a truly well-designed hull.

Here are the key data recorded during our test:

• Cruising Speed: At 20 knots with the engine working at 3,580 RPM, fuel consumption is 30.3 liters per hour, or 1.5 liters per nautical mile. This is an excellent performance, especially considering this is the most common cruising speed for the majority of boaters.
• Fast Cruising: Accelerating to 30 knots (at 4,250 RPM), consumption comes in at 43.3 liters per hour, or 1.44 liters per nautical mile. Fuel efficiency actually improves, making long, comfortable, and economical sea passages implicitly possible.
• Top Speed: Pinning the throttle and fine-tuning the trim, our Solemar SX25 reaches a top speed of 42.7 knots. A very respectable result for a boat of this size.
• Thrilling Acceleration: From a standstill, engaging auto-trim and pushing the throttle wide open, the boat hits 40 knots in just 17 seconds! A genuinely exhilarating performance that lets you enjoy a healthy dose of adrenaline.

How the Solemar SX25 Is Built: Maxi-RIB Comfort in Just 8 Meters

Returning to the harbor, we explored the layout, fitting, and finishes of the Solemar SX25—and we can tell you right away, this boat is exceptionally well made! But let’s take it step by step and break it down in detail:

• Aft Swim Platform: The large swallowtail platform wraps around the central outboard motor, giving guests the ability to jump into the water and get back on board with extreme ease.
• Aft Dinette: Even though we are on the entry-level model of the range, the dinette features a large U-shaped sofa with dimensions that are truly extraordinary for this category.
• Table and T-Top: In the center of the sofa, a large table can be set up for comfortable dining under the shade of the large extendable T-top, which extends out from the roll bar.
• Aft Sunbed: By lowering the central table, the entire area converts into a massive sunbed capable of accommodating up to three people.
• Helm Station: It literally speaks for itself; it offers a setup worthy of a significantly larger vessel, with instruments and controls always perfectly within reach.
• Bow Sunbed: Moving forward to the bow area, we find a second sunbed—obviously smaller than the aft one (remember, we are on a 25-footer)—yet still capable of seating one or two people in complete relaxation.
• Changing Room and Head: A huge surprise on a boat of this size is the inclusion of a changing room built into the console, which can also house a marine toilet. This feature greatly enhances comfort during long days at sea. A neat and comfortable forward-facing seat was also integrated here, which I am sure will be one of the most popular spots while underway.

Conclusions

If you are looking for a RIB that offers the performance, comfort, and high-end finishes of a maxi-RIB in just eight meters, then the Solemar SX25 is definitely the boat you are searching for.

Solemar SX25 Technical Data Sheet

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)