Walker Bay has just launched the first RIB in its new Explorer series, a 14-foot Venture, that is rated for eight passengers and tops out at 30 knots with a 70-hp outboard. The company, based in Union Gap, Washington, says the Venture 14 has a range of 140 miles.
The new Venture is nothing if not adaptable. It can serve as a tender to a larger boat, a sport boat, a picnic boat, or you can just use it for fishing, diving and generally having fun. You’ll be comfortable on board since all the seating has thick cushioning, and the front console and bow seats have a plush backrest for reclining.
Driving should be fun, since the captain can choose among three different standing and seating positions. A flip-up bolster seat gives additional room for standing or elevated seating in adverse conditions, in addition to the normal fully seated position. The tilt steering wheel and top-mounted throttle make for ergonomic handling whether you’re standing or sitting.
The console gives protection from the wind and water, and it can hold a 9-inch plotter, two gauges, a stereo and a VHF. A cooler is built in at the front of the console, and the built-in fuel system holds 17 gallons of fuel. An integrated folding ladder, fresh water shower, flush-mounted stainless steel rod holders and a telescopic ski pole are all options.
The Venture 14 weighs 633 pounds and has a beam of 6’ 5”. It is built with Walker Bay’s proprietary composite stringer system that bonds the hull and deck into one piece for light weight and extra strength. The new RIB costs $18,715, not including the motor. You can order it in three colors. Read more:
