“Quickstep”, a 7.5m Carson RIB with a stepped hull launched in 1999, has recently changed hands in Norway. Originally built for Carson’s own use this cabin RIB has had an extremely varied and successful life. During her 22 years she has been a demonstrator boat, broken a few records and travelled 1,000s of miles including the British Isles, circumnavigated Ireland, chartered in the Aegean, crossed the North Sea, cruised the Norwegian Fjiords and explored the Arctic.
Originally powered with a 275hp V8 Volvo DP inboard she has worn out several engines but the original boat’s structure and tubes remain good, testimony to Carson’s build quality.
In the very capable hands of her previous owners Amanda and Daniel, Quickstep crossed the North Sea from Scotland to Norway several times and explored the Norwegian Arctic. Now permanently based in Norway this intrepid couple recently decided to continue their adventures adding sail with their newly acquired motor-sailer. This will certainly provide them with more comfortable live aboard accommodation than Quickstep’s modest cabin.
At the time of writing (Jan. 2022) Amanda and Daniel are again sailing North via Norway’s fjiords towards the Arctic. We wish them fair winds and safe passages as we look forward to future updates (blog links below). Meanwhile Quickstep’s new owners are refurbishing her in readiness for more adventures in Northern waters.
When first introduced in 1994-95 the Quickstep design was truly innovative. It was the first production RIB with a stepped hull. Despite being relatively heavy with its HD commercial construction, cabin, inboard engine, etc. the stepped hull gave this design more speed for a given horsepower (50kts with 250-300hp) that in turn gave more range per litre.
Like all Carson RIBs handling was excellent giving level and fast acceleration onto the plane with a dry ride, good directional stability and exceptional grip in fast turns. Her exploits prove the overall seaworthiness of this modestly sized RIB. It was also the first production RIB with a cabin and two berths. An open version was also offered. Both outboard and inboard engines were offered. Customers ranged from private leisure users to commercial and security services.
The Quickstep design was the forerunner to the innovative Carson Interceptor models with their multi-stepped hulls and semi wave-piercing bows. Now an updated Interceptor Mk2 is currently being developed further under the working title “Innova” (sizes are 6.5m – 20m).
To read more about Quickstep’s Arctic Adventures with Amanda and Daniel use the links below:
https://papayarcticadventure.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PapayArctic/
Photos show Quickstep in Norways Arctic Regions
