Rayglass has long been known for hard-working, no-nonsense performance on the water, and the 330 Targa R edition marks a clear shift in ambition for the brand. Built on the trusted Protector hull, this 10-metre RIB keeps everything Kiwi owners have relied on for decades while adding premium finishes, reworked graphics, and a specification sheet aimed squarely at the luxury end of the market.
The thinking behind the R edition is straightforward enough: take a platform already proven in harsh offshore conditions and offer it to buyers who want capability without compromise on style. The result sits comfortably between a serious performance machine and a refined day cruiser.
At the heart of the package are twin Mercury Racing 400R V10 engines delivering a combined 800hp. That firepower translates to a reported top speed of 63 knots, putting the 330 Targa R edition well into sports-boat territory. Mercury's joystick piloting system, Skyhook positioning technology, and electric steering are all fitted as standard, with a bow thruster added for precise low-speed handling in tight marina berths.
The helm setup is equally well considered. A Simrad 16-inch NSS Evo3 multifunction display anchors the navigation suite, supported by Halo radar, an Airmar 1kW sonar, and VHF with AIS. A 360-degree LED search light and Fusion stereo system complete the electronics arrangement.
Comfort has been taken just as seriously as performance. A large hardtop enclosure shelters the cockpit, while a removable transom seat system adds flexibility for different uses. A freshwater wet station incorporates a fridge and sink, an electric toilet takes care of the practical necessities, and dual windscreen wipers handle whatever the conditions throw at the crew.
The interior presentation lifts the overall feel of the boat considerably. Diamond-stitched upholstery and custom R edition branding give the 330 Targa R edition a distinctly premium character, and the reworked layout makes it a credible choice across a range of roles, whether that is a high-speed commuter, a superyacht tender, or simply a day boat for owners with exacting tastes.
Rayglass President Dean Harris is direct about who this boat is aimed at. "This is a boat built for discerning buyers," he says. "We're pairing capability with styling and tech for owners who want something different."
The broader Protector range continues to serve its traditional markets without change. Those models remain familiar sights in work and patrol roles, including as SailGP support vessels. The R edition does not replace that lineage but extends the platform in a new direction, showing how adaptable the underlying design has become.
The first 330 Targa R edition is currently available for viewing at the Rayglass showroom in Mount Wellington, where it has already attracted interest from private buyers and superyacht programmes. With appetite for high-specification luxury RIBs continuing to grow, the timing of this release looks well judged.
