Zar Imagine 115: Sea Trial of an Amazing Maxi-RIB

Zar Imagine 115: The Boat Test

The strong personality of the Zar Imagine 115 emerges the moment you accelerate. The thrust delivered by the twin 425-hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards is potent yet smooth, allowing the Maxi-RIB to pop onto plane quickly and reach high speeds with minimal effort.

However, the most compelling feature of this RIB is its twin-step hull design. The two steps integrated into the bottom reduce the wetted surface area by drawing in air, essentially creating a cushion for the hull to ride on. This translates not only to increased efficiency but, most importantly, to a remarkably soft ride.

During our sea trial, the boat proved incredibly comfortable at a 30-knot cruise, maintaining a flawless trim and excellent directional stability. Pushing the throttles to the pins, the Zar Imagine 115 topped out at 48.6 knots. That is an outstanding figure given the vessel’s size, its fully appointed interior, and the extensive list of standard equipment on board.

Outstanding Seakeeping

One of the most successful elements of this project is the caliber of its hull. At high speeds, the Zar Imagine 115 inspires total confidence at the helm. Hardover turns at 30 knots are precise and smooth, with no unusual banking or slipping. When crossing its own wake, the bow stays incredibly level, effortlessly absorbing impacts to deliver a comfortable ride for both crew and guests.

The acceleration response exiting a turn is also highly impressive; the hull refuses to blow out at the stern or oversteer into the carve. Furthermore, during our sea trial, we recorded a 0-to-40-knot acceleration time of just 18 seconds, a testament to the vessel’s superb power-to-weight ratio. 

Mercury Verado V10 425: Power, Torque, and Technology

Sharing top billing with the hull during our boat test were the twin 425-horsepower Mercury Verado V10s. Today, the V10 Verado lineup stands at the pinnacle of Mercury’s offerings for high-performance vessels. These outboards feature a modern, naturally aspirated 5.7-liter block specifically tuned to produce exceptional torque at low to midrange RPMs, delivering sharp acceleration alongside remarkably refined, quiet operation. 

On the Zar Imagine 115, that sheer torque proved essential, providing quick holeshots, robust acceleration, and a steady, powerful climb all the way to wide-open throttle.

Moreover, the outboards on this Maxi-RIB are seamlessly integrated with Mercury’s state-of-the-art electronics, including joystick piloting, an integrated autopilot, and the Skyhook digital anchor. 

This setup significantly simplifies close-quarters docking and automatic station-keeping. Ultimately, the marriage of the twin-step hull and 850 total horsepower enables the Zar Imagine 115 to achieve top-tier performance without compromising ride quality or ease of handling. 

Zar Imagine 115: Generous Spaces and Unmatched Livability

Moving to the deck layout of the Zar Imagine 115, the aft section is dominated by an expansive swim platform that flanks the twin outboards, ensuring effortless boarding and water access. Immediately forward sit two large sunpads with adjustable backrests, designed to comfortably accommodate guests of any height.

The heart of the outdoor living space is a sprawling central dinette, configured with two opposing L-shaped settees, each served by its own table. This arrangement allows four to eight guests to dine alfresco in total comfort. The area is complemented by a fully equipped wet bar featuring a sink, an induction cooktop, a refrigerator, and ample storage compartments.

The defining characteristic of this model’s silhouette is its substantial hardtop. In addition to providing excellent sun protection, this structure elegantly houses integrated lighting, the audio system, and numerous other technical components.

A Modern, High-Tech Helm Station

Ergonomics take center stage at the helm. The captain commands the vessel from behind dual, highly configurable MFDs (Multi-Function Displays) that seamlessly integrate engine vitals, fuel economy, electronic chartplotting, and critical navigation data. The dash is completed by a sport-style steering wheel, digital binnacle controls, the Mercury joystick, and a comprehensive array of system switches.

Moving forward via the broad, well-protected side decks reveals a spacious bow area. Here, a large sunpad easily accommodates two or three guests and integrates with a forward-facing chaise lounge—undoubtedly one of the most comfortable spots on board while underway. This thoughtful design further emphasizes the Zar Imagine 115’s strong cruiser DNA.

Below Deck: Two Cabins and a Head with a Dedicated Shower

Below deck, the Maxi-RIB surprises with its remarkable volume. The forward cabin features a queen-size berth, while the aft cabin, situated beneath the cockpit sole, offers a sprawling king-size berth. The head compartment is notably generous, boasting a sink, a marine head, and—crucially—a separate shower stall, a true rarity for vessels in this segment. This interior layout comfortably sleeps four for multi-day cruising, significantly broadening the boat’s overall utility.

Zar Imagine 115 Final Thoughts

The Zar Imagine 115 represents a masterful blend of athletic handling and cruising luxury. The twin-step hull guarantees a stable, comfortable ride, while the 850-horsepower Mercury Verado V10 package delivers exhilarating acceleration and a top speed approaching 50 knots. Ultimately, however, it’s the expansive deck spaces, top-tier build quality, and genuinely functional interiors that win you over. These elements combine to make this Maxi-RIB one of the most well-rounded offerings in its class today.

Zar Imagine 115 Technical Specifications