Recognized worldwide for its rigid inflatable hulls, Protector has redesigned its proven Targa line, ensuring that these high-performance boats include some creature comforts.

Protector Boats boldly run into rough seas that would keep many weathered boaters home. The New Zealand builder has been manufacturing high-performance rigid inflatable boats for the Coast Guard since the mid-90s, but with proven seakeeping ability, the boats gained worldwide recognition and crossed over into a range of other markets.

Brian Peterson, co-founder of Any Water Yachts, one of two Protector dealers in the U.S., recalls one of his more interesting sales. “A very large commercial fishing company out of Alaska was buying the boats because the competition was listening in on their VHF about where to reach their fishing boats,” Peterson says. “They bought Protectors so they could put their guys on them, and instead of using the VHF they could just run to the fishing captains and communicate with them verbally. Those guys slept on these boats out in the Gulf of Alaska.”

When they sea-trialed their boats in San Francisco, there were 10- to 15-foot seas outside the Golden Gate Bridge. The waves crashed over the boats and filled the cockpit with water, but the guys were smiling, telling Peterson that these conditions were nothing compared to what they would be taking the boats through in Alaska.

Original Article – https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/boats/review-of-protectors-targa-line-boats