BRIG is back in numbers and picking up momentum as we head into summer. Ukraine made BRIG Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are renowned for their quality, durability and design, with a myriad of options to choose from.
Ryan Slater, director at Sirocco Marine Queensland which represents BRIG, says he is thrilled with the response to the 2024 models. “People are excited that BRIG is back, and we’ve been receiving deliveries over the past few weeks, including the BRIG Eagle 8, which is one of BRIG’s most popular models.”
At 8-metres with a 2.9-metre beam, the BRIG Eagle 8 features 12-inch touch screen GPS fishfinder and instrumentation, large table with seating and sunpads, as well as an enclosed marine toilet in the console cabin, fibreglass T-Top and awning extension for shade. Its deep-V hull delivers a smooth, stable, dry ride, and it’s rated for up to 16 people. Fitted with a 300hp Yamaha or V10 350hp Mercury engine, the BRIG Eagle 8 is a sensational day boat with loads of storage and deck space for carrying gear such as standup paddle boards, surfboards, wetsuits, inflatables and more.
All BRIG models are designed and built in Ukraine at BRIG’s cutting-edge facility, applying aero and hydrodynamic theories drawn from aerospace expertise to continually push the boundaries of RIB design.
Sam and Nicola Hill with their three children have recently upgraded from a BRIG Eagle 650 to a BRIG Eagle 8, to accommodate their growing kids and their friends and to fulfil their ambitions of travelling further afield.
“The BRIG Eagle 8 is a full day boat,” says Sam. “It’s perfect for us. It’s stable, safe and has heaps of room for stowing our gear – lily pads, standup paddle boards, donuts and inflatables – and all of us, handles well in all conditions and is finished to a very high spec. The larger size has made a big difference,” Sam continues. “There’s a toilet and a shower on board, with a T-top for shade. We can get out for longer and go further now that the kids are older. The beauty of both boats is that the whole family can drive them. The kids are so confident and they love boating.”
The BRIG Eagle 650 was a fantastic entry level boat, as Sam explains. “We towed it to the Murray River and cruised for 600km from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill as the support vessel for a Dragon Boat World Record attempt by Boating for Brains in 2018. They made it!”
The new BRIG Eagle 8 is a step up. “It ticks all the boxes for us as a family,” says Nicola.
At 8-metres with a 2.9-metre beam, the BRIG Eagle 8 is powered by a 300hp outboard, and features 12-inch touch screen GPS fishfinder and instrumentation, large table with seating and sunpads, as well as an enclosed marine toilet in the console cabin, fibreglass T-Top and awning extension for shade. Its deep-V hull delivers a smooth, stable, dry ride, and is rated for up to 16 people.
“Every weekend from spring onwards, we get out on the water. Even in winter, we go out once a month. It’s great to take the kids’ friends with us as well, many of whom don’t have access to boating. It’s a whole new experience for them and fantastic way to make memories.”
“We love its manoeuvrability,” adds Sam. “We raft up with our friends who have motor yachts. But unlike them, it’s not a kerfuffle to take out our boat. It’s easy! We just say ‘let’s go!’ and head out.”
Sam and Nicola Hill and their kids enjoying their BRIG Eagle 8
Aboard the BRIG Eagle 8 Hills family and friends
Kalon Wall is a first-time BRIG owner, having upgraded from tinnies, and now the proud owner of a BRIG Eagle 670, powered with a 150hp Honda motor. Living on the canals in Mooloolaba, Kalon and his family have easy access to the ocean and are enjoying cruising out to Old Woman Island (Mudjimba Island), just two kilometres off the coast.
Surrounded by rocky outcrops, it’s a popular spot for fishing, snorkelling and surfing. With its sturdy Hypalon Orca tubes, and deep-V hull, the BRIG Eagle 670 is the perfect way to enjoy this unique landmark.
“The safety, smooth ride and layout attracted me to the BRIG,” explains Kalon. “There’s a lot of storage on board, a bimini for shade, and a table up the back. When we cruise the canals with friends, it’s a nice place to sit and chat with a glass of champagne. The BRIG Eagle 670 can certainly accommodate a lot more people than a tinny of the same size.”
As summer approaches, Kalon is looking forward to spending time on the water with his two children aged eight and thirteen, and breaking out the inflatables!
“We’ll explore the local waterways and try out pulling the tube,” he says. “I have to work over the Christmas break, so it will make getting out on the BRIG a lot more enjoyable.”
With headquarters and showroom occupying two levels of a superyacht shed at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, Sirocco Marine Queensland specialises in RIBs, with brands including BRIG, Zodiac, Sirocco, Northstar and Williams.
siroccomarinequeensland.com.au Ph: 0490 864 694
Published in print January-March 2024
