Issue XIII
Twisted #R001 Powerboat
Summer 2021
As a boy, I was fascinated by the sea. Simultaneously excited yet wary, I was drawn to water and dreamed that one day, I would conquer the waves in a boat of my own.
This week, a lifelong ambition was realised as we launched the first Twisted powerboat, the #R001. Developed from the Cobra Nautique 8.7 RIB, the #R001 marks the beginning of our journey of the best made better in the marine market.
It’s a natural progression from the automotive business – having spent more than two decades working with the Defender on land, essentially the RIB is the Defender of the sea. It’s a robust craft capable of performing in both calm and strong seas and boasts an impressive 450 bhp. At 8.7m long and powered by twin Mercury 225HP V6 outboard motors, it is built to perform in all weathers, reaching over 60knots.
As you’d expect, our obsessive attention to detail ensures our refinements will not disappoint. The #R001 is in full Twisted livery with stainless nsteel fuel tanks, A-frame, console and seat rail. There’s a full-length sunbed, an integrated fridge cooler and the option to reconfigure the seating.
The Twisted Defender was created to tow craft like this. To deliver the best possible design and performance, we’ve also modified the trailer so it has our official Twisted wheels and tyres to improve handling both on the road and on sand.
Cobra RIBS was the natural partner for us to choose for our inaugural foray into the marine market. Like Twisted, they produce a British designed and built rugged, high-performing product that’s second to none. They have the same ethos as we do, are roughly the same size and have similar ambitions. But while the thought of powerboats and regattas may conjure up images of glamorous launches and onboard parties, don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s all blinis and Bollinger.
I recently travelled down from Yorkshire to Salcombe experience a sea trial. Once aboard the #R001, we encountered waves up to 15ft that, thanks to the incredible engineering on the RIB, it coped with admirably. The similarity to the Defender is uncanny – they’re both workhorses in their own right, built to withstand whatever the elements may throw their way.
The work that goes into creating this Defender of the sea is incredible, it’s an absolute credit to the dedicated team of highly trained technicians who can create a craft that’s designed to look amazing and to perform to incredible standards.
In unveiling the #R001, we hope that our loyal customers will join us on our journey.
“The work that goes into creating this Defender of the sea is incredible, it’s an absolute credit to the dedicated team of highly trained technicians who can create a craft that’s designed to look amazing and to perform to incredible standards.”