After 15 years in business, Ukrainian inflatable builders Grand Marine oversee an increasingly comprehensive fleet. In addition to a four-line range of inflatable tenders, they offer a compact aluminium RIB, an entry-level ‘Silver’ line of RIBs from 8 to 18 feet in length and a premier ‘Golden Line’, defined by its greater size, more lavish materials, more complex deck furniture and more sophisticated levels of styling. Until recently, the flagship of that Golden fleet was the 12-man G650.
Known as the G850, it immediately appears to be a major step forward, boasting 2 extra metres in length and a transom capable of accommodating 50% more power in a single rig or twice the power in a twin-outboard configuration.
Step on board and the layout of the 850 feels very clear and simple. It uses a forward lounging area and an aft dining area, with a central helm console dividing the two and a set of broad peripheral walkways linking everything up.
At the front end, the long, elevated lounging platform offers plenty of storage, plus quick access to the heads compartment through the leading edge of the console. The scale of the heads itself is very impressive, as is the ease of entry; and in addition to the upward sweep of the 850’s bow shape, you also get the security of elevated steel rails built into the top ends of the tubes to help them you in as you recline on the cushions.
