As part of our commitment to create high-end electric RIBs, we’ve worked in collaboration with some of the UK’s best boat designers and engineers to bring the Pulse 63 to market. Our ‘Behind the Build’ series delves into the various studios and workshops that have helped develop our revolutionary electric RIB. This time we talk to Design Unlimited to find out about their work on the RIB’s aesthetic style, cockpit ergonomics and model configurations.
Design Unlimited is a multi-award-winning yacht design studio. They design both interiors and exteriors for custom superyachts, tenders, and production yachts.
“As avid sailors and RIB users ourselves we could really see the advantage of an electric platform for a rib, not just from a green point of view, but also the many different applications that it could be used for…We have been delighted to be involved in this exciting project. We actively embrace new challenges and to work with a product as interesting and innovative as the Pulse 63 has been hugely rewarding.”
Julie Tucker, Managing Director, Design Unlimited
Yacht Design Expertise
RS Electric Boats commissioned the expert team at Design Unlimited to design the tubes, cockpit ergonomics, sea access, sun protection and development of different user configurations including Commercial, Coaching, Superyacht and Leisure. The Design Unlimited team was also responsible for the exterior colours, graphics and wider aesthetics of the Pulse 63.
Design Unlimited had the challenge of making the Pulse 63 look sleek and smart as well as being practical for every user type. The team took full advantage of the extra space made available by not having an outboard on the back, and created a spacious cockpit with comfortable seating and maintained effortless access to the water.
Understanding the differing demands of various usage requirements, the team also developed a lightweight awning system for sun protection and implemented side step access – avoiding the need for users to step on or climb over the tubes of the RIB, thus allowing for considerably safer and easier boarding and disembarkation.
Extensive Design Experience
Design Unlimited has a long-standing relationship with RS Sailing, with the founding partners having sailed and raced various RS Sailing dinghies over the years. The team is also incredibly skilled and experienced in boat design and aesthetics.
Mark Tucker is Design Unlimited’s founder and Creative Director, and has a wealth of both sailing and design experience of over 30 years. A well-known and respected figure in the yacht interior design world, Mark is renowned for innovation and creativity, as well as technical understanding. Mark has overseen the studio’s extensive production yacht portfolio which includes work for Sunseeker International and Bavaria Yachtbau.
Mark is backed up by Senior Designer, Nigel Jones, who has brought extensive production-boat and custom tender design experience to the Pulse 63 project. Nigel’s degree in Product Design, and time working for leading yacht designers including Sealine International, has given him extensive understanding of all areas in the design and manufacture process and hands-on experience designing and managing a variety of projects from small sailing boats to superyachts, which has been invaluable to the evolution of the Pulse 63’s style and ergonomics.
Style and Ergonomic Highlights
ELECTRIC LEISURE RIB
The Pulse 63 leisure electric RIB is designed for fun on-water adventures with family and friends. The specially designed side step allows passengers to board the RIB with ease, and the large overhead canopy provides plenty of shade and protection from the sun. Wide, padded bench seating makes the journey incredibly comfortable and the option of a large sun pad in the bow provides an excellent space for sunbathing.
ELECTRIC COACHING RIB
Designed to make managing sailing fleets a breeze, the Pulse 63 has been kitted out with all of the design features you’d expect from a coaching RIB. With minimal seating, coaches have plenty of room to move around the boat and carry training equipment. A sturdy post at the stern makes dinghy towing simple, and with a choice of colours including white, grey and blue, you can either blend in with the crowd or stand out on the water as you wish.
ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL RIB
Customise your electric work boat to suit your on-water working activities. From tow posts and lifting points, to canopies and various seating layouts, Design Unlimited has helped us create a package that will work for your organisation. The Pulse 63 can also be customised with your company’s logo and be fitted with an extra-wide console if required.
ELECTRIC SUPERYACHT RIB
The Superyacht version of the Pulse 63 electric RIB has been designed to make crew utility work simple. The uncluttered layout provides ample room for crew and the forward position of the console generates numerous seating layouts. We can change the colour of the tender’s tubes, deck and upholstery to match the style of the mothership, fit a tow post or A-frame, and the option for lifting points makes garage stowage possible.
