About this tender
The 38 Sport is the build we ask Goldfish Boat for when an owner's programme demands a serious open-water RIB that refuses to compromise on speed or sea-keeping. At 11.9m overall with a four-stepped 23-degree V hull, it sits in a different category from the typical tender-garage RIB - this is a platform conceived from the keel up for offshore conditions, carrying ten passengers to a CE Category B classification.
The headline figure is the speed range: 66 to 83 knots, depending on engine specification, which Goldfish configures through their online tool. That range is achieved in part through a patented staggered-engine arrangement - both Mercury TDI sterndrives mounted close to the keel, lowering the centre of gravity, reducing drive drag, and improving propeller grip. We'd put this alongside the fastest purpose-built chase platforms on the market when it comes to raw offshore pace.
Construction is fibreglass and carbon in a sandwich laminate using high-density Divinycell core. The result is a hull capable of absorbing repeated wave impact at high speed without the structural flex that undermines handling precision. Minimum displacement is quoted at 3,120 kg, which is lean for the length and consistent with the sandwich build. Fuel capacity is 570 litres, supporting a meaningful offshore radius on your programme.
Three top options are offered - open, T-top, and hard top - giving captains and project managers a straightforward choice between sun exposure and weather protection, with no change to the core hull or driveline. The 3D online configurator allows owners to specify and visualise their build before committing, which we find reduces specification errors and shortens the ordering conversation considerably.
Highlights
The four details we'd point out first to a captain who hasn't seen one on the water yet.
Both Mercury TDI engines are mounted in a staggered arrangement close to the keel rather than spread to the transom corners. This lowers the centre of gravity, reduces hydrodynamic drag from the drives, and maximises propeller grip - the engineering basis for the 66 to 83 knot speed range quoted by Goldfish.
The hull runs four longitudinal steps at a constant 23-degree deadrise. Steps ventilate the running surface and break suction at speed, reducing wetted area and improving directional stability in offshore chop. Goldfish state that this eliminates the planning threshold, giving the boat a clean, progressive transition onto the plane.
All hull panels are built with premium glass fibre mats and carbon in a sandwich construction over high-density Divinycell core. The laminate is designed to absorb repeated high-energy wave impacts without structural fatigue, which is the primary durability requirement for a boat running 66 to 83 knots offshore.
The 38 Sport carries a CE Category B certification - offshore, significant wave height up to 4 metres - in a RIB-type X classification. This provides a clear regulatory basis for use as a chase or escort vessel operating in exposed coastal and offshore conditions alongside a superyacht programme.
Buyers choose between an open layout, a T-top providing sun shade with a light structure, or a full hard top for weather protection. All three configurations are available through Goldfish's interactive 3D configurator, with no impact on the core hull specification or propulsion arrangement.
Gallery
The full specification
Specifications, prices, availability, and performance figures are supplied for guidance only and remain subject to confirmation by the yard, seller, broker, survey, contract, and final specification.
Questions, answered
Last call · Available
Goldfish · Son, Norway
Tell us about your yacht, your programme, and the missions 38 Sport needs to handle. We come back within 48 hours with a written assessment - fit for the brief, lead time, and trade-offs against alternatives in the same band.
Prefer to talk? +44 (0) 77180 88055 · other ways to reach us
From the library
