Please select your home edition
Edition
A+T Instruments BFD 2024 Leaderboard

New Arksen Discovery series on track to make waves this spring

by Arksen 18 Feb 2025 05:57 PST

Adventure specialist, Arksen, has diversified into the premium open RIB market with its new Discovery Series. In operation for over five and a half decades, the UK boatbuilder has developed new, cutting-edge tooling and design techniques to create two stand out configurations for its new model.

The Arksen Discovery Series consists of an impressive fleet of five premium open adventure RIBs ranging from six to twelve metres. They join the Arksen Adventure Series and the well-established Explorer Series with the Arksen 8 expected to make her world debut during the spring.

Crafted with precision and passion with a dedicated team of experts using premium materials and components and precise standards, these RIBs offer superior functionality, enhanced specifications and unrivalled internal deck space coupled with luxurious refinement - a haven of comfort and relaxation for all on board.

Andrew Whittaker, Head of Design and Development at Arksen, said: "We are thrilled with the progress of the Discovery series. Designed by a team with over 75 years of combined experience, the boats are a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in marine exploration. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice coastal explorer, our designs elevate your experiences on the water."

Arksen 8 key features:

  • 2.9-metre beam
  • 24 degrees deadrise deep V hull
  • Asymmetric deck design with large offset console
  • Rated for up to 500HP
  • Options for single or twin outboard
  • Built-in 495-litre fuel tank

The Arksen 8 is the first of five Discovery Series RIBs set to hit the water in early 2024, which will be accompanied by additional models later this year. With a 2.9-metre beam, the Arksen 8 offers a broad, stable platform and market-leading internal deck for maximum utility. This brand-new vessel offers an unrivalled on the water family leisure experience with high standard specifications. It is also available as a semi-custom explorer variant on the same deep V hulls that will be sold as one-offs for special projects or as superyacht tenders with its Arksen 8 Explorer.

Both Arksen 8 models share the same advanced hydrodynamic hull design that ensures a sure-footed and dynamic driving experience. The design features a 24 degrees deadrise deep V hull form with detailed spray rails and optimised forefoot that is capable of handling even the most challenging ocean swells and coastal choppy waters.

The Arksen 8 is rated for up to 500HP with options for either single or twin outboard engine installation, while the built-in 495-litre fuel tank provides sufficient capacity for extended cruising and adventurous voyages. The Arksen 8 sets new benchmarks for boating experiences and redefines the Grand Tourer RIB concept.

This new craft benefits from an asymmetric deck design with a large offset console that provides complete protection from the elements which houses a spacious head compartment with ample space to change in privacy. There is an option for a striking black GRP hardtop, complete with a retractable canvas roof and roof rack for more toys.

The Arksen 8s are under construction with the first hosting a single 350HP motor, producing a top speed of 45-50 knots alongside a 350nm range at a 28-knot cruise.

Nick Bailey, Arksen Discovery Series Sales Manager, said: "Our aim is to inspire and empower a new generation of adventurers to explore the world's most remote and captivating locations by designing a range of boats that gives the confidence to do so. We set out to combine performance, advanced technology and features typically found in larger boats to create an exceptional collection of vessels."

The Arksen 8 with a 300HP outboard and high sail away standard specification will start at £166,650 ex VAT, and €194,000 ex VAT. Additional Arksen designs will be revealed later this year.

To find out more about the Arksen Discovery series visit Discovery Series | Arksen.

Related Articles

A constant challenge for Team Banque Populaire
What lies ahead in 2026 for the IMOCA and Ultim teams Team Banque Populaire is preparing for a particularly busy season. Aboard Banque Populaire XI, an ambitious solo and crewed program is on the horizon, with victory as the sole objective. Posted today at 9:44 am
NZ ILCA Nationals - A glorious Day 1
Two great races in solid hiking conditions today for the first day of the NZ ILCA championships Two great races in solid hiking conditions today for the first day of the NZ ILCA championships, and already its clear that the form book is right on the money and there are going to be some really close contests for top honours in many of the fleets. Posted today at 8:26 am
Seldén launches E40rev - electric reversible winch
The world premiere will take place at boot Düsseldorf Seldén proudly presents the E40rev, a reversible electric winch operating in two directions and with two speeds. The world premiere will take place at boot Düsseldorf on January 17-25, where the winch will be displayed at the Seldén stand. Posted today at 8:00 am
SailGP Perth - Season 6 Launch
Zhik is on the water supporting the Black Foils and the United States SailGP Team The fastest boats in the world are back on the water as SailGP opens a new season at full speed. The Perth event will kick off 2026 with two days of racing in Fremantle on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January. Posted today at 6:46 am
Rag & Famish Hotel 2025-26
Young 18ft skiff team's big rookie season North Sydney's Rag & Famish Hotel has been an 18ft skiff sponsoring partner with the Australian 18 Footers League since 1996 when the late George Calligeros, the hotel's owner, decided to financially support his son's sailing career. Posted today at 6:13 am
Announcing the Clipper RX Ocean Racing Yacht
4th Generation Clipper Race Fleet of 12 new yachts under construction After 30 years circumnavigating the planet the world's most challenging ocean adventure has announced a multi-million GBP investment in an exciting new yacht design for the next-generation 12-yacht fleet. Posted today at 12:01 am
Webinar: North Sails Rolex Sydney Hobart Debrief
Join North Sails experts Alby Pratt, Mark Bradford and Rob Greenhalgh for a lively panel discussion Join North Sails experts Alby Pratt, Mark Bradford and Rob Greenhalgh for a lively panel discussion hosted by North Sails President Ken Read, as they break down the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and share key strategies to prepare for the season. Posted on 14 Jan
Entry open for 79th Block Island Race
A premier ocean racing event on the new England sailing calendar kicks off another huge year The historic Block Island Race, hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, returns on Friday, May 22, 2026, ushering in another season of premier offshore competition for sailors from across the Northeast and beyond. Posted on 14 Jan
2026 RORC Transatlantic Race day 4
MOD70s ignite Atlantic afterburners Four days into the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, the fleet has fully escaped the Canary Islands and locked into the rhythm of the trade winds. Posted on 14 Jan
Inside Contest Yachts
How the luxury performance bluewater yachts are built Discover the craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation behind Contest Yachts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Posted on 14 Jan
Rooster 2025Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERArmstrong 728x90 - Wing FG Board Range - BOTTOM