I
f I remember correctly, a couple
of years back we rated the Brig
780 among the softest riding and
most exciting boats we have ever
tested. Hold the phone. The new
Eagle 10 blows that model clean out of
the water, not only in performance, but
also in luxury and versatility.
In something of a coup for the local
importer, Neil Webster, the latest
addition to the Brig fl eet was released
in Australia when company owner
Slava Rodionov fl ew into town to unveil
the sleek Hypalon beauty at the Sydney
International Boat Show.
According to Webster, the Sydney
show has grown into a world-class
event with many cashed-up overseas
visitors wanting to experience the
latest and greatest. When I spoke to
Rodionov at the show he explained
that Australia is an important market
for his brand, boasting the lion’s share
of infl atable boat sales across a range
that includes knockabout 3m tenders
through to the 10.2m fl agship.
Brig was born 25 years ago when a
high-tech Ukrainian aerospace factory
started looking for new horizons after
the Russian empire folded. Turning
their expertise in producing Hypalon
and fi breglass components for re-entry
capsules for the space programme, the
engineers converted their aeronautical
skills into designing and building
infl atable boats.
Over time, Brig has become the
biggest manufacturer of these versatilevessels in Europe, building as many
models as all the other builders
combined and is now the biggest
builder of infl atable boats over 10m in
the world. It seems the workers took to
capitalism with a vengeance.BRIG IS BETTER
Perhaps learning something from the
mistakes of the Russian car industry
along the way, Brig has embraced the
need to innovate and keep reinventing
itself. According to Webster, they listen
to the market and the market said it
wanted a bigger, better RIB.
The trend to larger boats can be
seen on Sydney Harbour where 10
years ago a 6.5m RIB was maximum,
fi ve years ago it was 7.8m and now it’s
bigger still. Part of the reason is that
as more boaties take to RIBs the more
they are exposed and accepted. A
blast in a quality infl atable is enough
to convince potential buyers of the
inherent safety, huge carrying capacity
and incredible ride.
Following a two-year design and
testing process, the Eagle 10 presents
as a serious dayboat with overnighting
ability, and it does this without losing
marks in the fun-factor score. With up
to 700hp strapped on, it even picks up a
couple of points.
According to Webster, the new 10
metre’s design and functionality is a
game changer. Well, he’s the importer
so he would say that, but he maintains
there is nothing in the price bracket58 trade aboat.com.au