Running at 40-plus mph in a short, 2-foot chop isn’t usually comfortable, but BRIG’s Eagle 780 RIB did so with amazing ease. Its 7.8-meter length (25 feet 9 inches) bridged three to four waves at once, while its deep-V hull (23-degree deadrise at transom, flowing to 38 degrees forward) cleaves them open. And this RIB’s 2-foot diameter Hypalon tubes absorb whatever impact there is when the hull comes down while also knocking down spray. At speeds in the 20s, our test boat rode through the chowder like a Bentley. Meanwhile, the tubes, which just kiss the water astern while at rest, ensure super-gentle motion on the drift. Aboard this boat, it’s easy to see why first responders and law-enforcement agencies often choose a RIB.
Yet the Eagle 780 is not an austere chase boat. There’s a huge bow sun pad, with an anchor windlass beneath it, and the sun pad can connect with the seat in front of the console for extra length. The stylish console offers space for large electronics displays, along with 4 feet 5 inches of headroom inside for changing clothes or using a portable marine sanitation device (a pump-out head is optional). That’s enough to accommodate even full-size adult men, and a grab handle placed strategically on the port tube makes it easy to enter and exit gracefully.
The helm seat offers bolsters for leaning, stowage, cup holders, and space for a cooler beneath. A removable table connects to serve folks sitting on the full-width stern seat, with more stowage under. Aft is a sternpost for tow sports. There’s a 12-gallon freshwater tank with pump and wand for cockpit rinse-offs. An arch above supports a Bimini top. Did we mention that the BRIG Eagle 780 is rated to carry up to 16 people safely? And check the fuel efficiency: You can play all day on 15 to 20 gallons of fuel. Now you might understand why big RIBs like the Eagle 780 are so popular in Europe and Australia!
