Solemar Brings SX25 and SE30 Compact Maxi-RIBs to Genoa

Two launches bring different choices below ten metres

Solemar placed two distinct compact Maxi-RIB designs at the centre of its Genoa International Boat Show presentation in October 2026. The Italian builder introduced the open SX25 and the cabin-equipped SE30 at the 1–6 October event, adding fresh choices for boaters who want a premium rigid-inflatable layout without moving into the larger end of the market. Both craft are below ten metres overall and therefore sit squarely within the recreational boating segment.

The introductions are not simply two lengths of one boat. The SX25 is designed around flexible deck space for day trips, while the SE30 puts more emphasis on accommodation, protected facilities and extended time aboard. In an interview published by Daily Nautica on 14 October, Solemar chief executive Francesco Ribolini explained the thinking behind bringing the proportions and amenities of bigger Maxi-RIBs into smaller models.

SX25 uses an asymmetric deck for dayboating

The SX25 measures 7.80 metres overall with a beam of 2.96 metres, according to Solemar's current model specifications. Its deep-V hull and inflatable tubes are accompanied by a starboard-side helm console, which leaves an intentionally generous passage through the deck. That asymmetry is intended to help people move between seating and the bow whether the boat is underway or lying at anchor.

The aft cockpit is designed to change character during the day. A table and seats can form a social dining arrangement, while changing the helm-seat backrest helps convert the same space into a larger sun-lounging area. Solemar offers a strong rollbar structure that can support a shade canopy, with handholds placed to make walking around the boat more secure for the people aboard.

The model also uses the volume under the console as a practical multipurpose area. The owner can reserve it for stowage or specify a changing space and toilet installation. That distinction matters on a relatively short open boat, where a compact head can significantly increase usefulness for family outings but will reduce space available for other equipment. Layout choices deserve inspection rather than assumption.

SX25 power, tanks and capacity

Solemar publishes a maximum outboard power allowance of 300 horsepower for the SX25, with a single Mercury FourStroke 250 recommended in its current specifications. The builder lists two 130-litre fuel tanks, 56 litres of fresh water and an optional 47-litre black-water tank. The stated dry displacement is 1,600 kilograms, while the published full-load figure is 3,080 kilograms.

Passenger capacity is listed as twelve, with CE design category B in the builder's model data. The numerical limit should not be confused with a recommendation to carry twelve people in all conditions; safe loading and comfortable use depend on equipment, sea state and the actual people carried. No independently verified speed or fuel-consumption results are established by those specifications, so an owner should request the test figures for the chosen engine.

The builder's online configurator lists the SX25 from €77,900 before VAT and without an engine in the base version. A completed on-water price will depend on propulsion, dealer preparation, selected equipment and tax treatment. The published range of upholstery, deck finishes and navigation options makes it particularly important for shoppers to compare fully specified quotations rather than headline prices alone.

SE30 makes overnight accommodation central

The SE30 takes a different approach at 9.90 metres overall and 3.32 metres wide. Solemar presents the cabin boat as the entry point to its SE line, with four berths arranged in two sleeping areas rather than a simple dayboat cuddy. Its cabin includes a forward saloon that can convert into a double berth and an additional sleeping space aft beneath the companionway area.

Owners looking to stay aboard will also find space allocated to a separate bathroom and storage, with an optional galley arrangement described by the builder. The result is a broader cruising brief than the SX25's open-cockpit lifestyle, although neither size alone nor the phrase four berths tells the whole story. Natural light, ventilation, headroom and access to the aft berth should be assessed during a physical inspection.

On deck, Solemar's descriptions emphasise high sides, protected movement to the foredeck and sun-lounging areas with rails. The inflatable collar remains a defining part of the design, but useful family accommodation requires more than flotation tubes and speed. Owners will want to assess how easily guests move between boarding points, cockpit and sleeping spaces, particularly with bags or children aboard.

Cruising equipment, propulsion and price

Solemar lists a deep-V hull, CE design category B and outboard propulsion for the SE30. Its published technical catalogue gives a full-load displacement of 4,780 kilograms, a freshwater capacity of 170 litres and four berths. These figures provide a starting point for assessing overnight potential, but the real capacity for longer trips also depends on fuel, refrigeration, domestic power and the engine configuration ultimately selected.

The SE30 configurator offers choices such as upgraded Raymarine navigation displays, a bow thruster, a generator, cockpit cooking equipment and interior air conditioning. These are selection options rather than assurances that every boat has them as standard. Some are substantial installations that affect weight, power demand, maintenance and the total purchase price, so the buyer should request a written as-built specification.

The builder lists the SE30 from €187,900 in basic form before VAT and without its outboard engines. That price is not directly comparable to the SX25 once each has been equipped for a particular owner. The difference lies partly in the additional length and beam, but particularly in the separate cabin, overnight facilities and greater number of systems that require commissioning and ongoing care.

What the Genoa presentation adds

Showing both boats at Genoa brought two ownership propositions together in one place. Someone who usually makes short coastal runs with friends may value the SX25's adaptable cockpit and simpler service requirements. A couple hoping for occasional overnight passages may prefer the SE30's protected sleeping arrangements, accepting extra size, costs and equipment in return for a wider range of uses.

Solemar indicated ahead of the show that selected SX and SE models would be available for on-water demonstrations. A sea trial is the appropriate place to check helm sightlines, acceleration, noise, wet-weather protection and how passengers are supported when the boat is moving. The company has not supplied independent comparative performance data for the two new models in the announcements cited here.

The Genoa introductions also show why sub-ten-metre RIBs cannot be judged on length alone. Beam, cockpit circulation, engine arrangements and accommodation can change the character of a boat far more than a small increase in overall length. Both models offer generous features for their dimensions, but that does not remove practical constraints such as berthing width, seasonal storage, towing arrangements and insurance.

Next steps for prospective owners

Solemar's current information supports a clear distinction between the two designs, and the models' specifications are available through the manufacturer's SX range page and SE range page. Buyers should request current delivery timing, exact equipment, engine availability and a detailed quotation, because all can differ from a show boat or an online configurator.

The original Genoa introduction was set out in a Solemar announcement, while the 14 October Daily Nautica interview explains the emphasis on compact craft. Together they establish the model launches and the thinking behind them, without implying that either boat has already achieved performance figures not presented in the published material.