First Protector Targa 410 Expedition arrives in the UK
Built for owners who want to go further afield, relish adventure, and operate independently, the new Protector Targa 410 Expedition brings a new level of versatility to Protector’s proven Targa platform, with greater range, comfort and flexibility for the superyacht chase boat.
The first Protector Targa 410 Expedition RIB has arrived with us here in the UK, ready for its final fit-out and commissioning with Ancasta Yacht Services ahead of delivery.
Developed by New Zealand-based Rayglass Boats with the explorer superyacht market firmly in mind, the Targa 410 Expedition combines Protector Boats’ proven commercial-grade construction and seakeeping with greater autonomy, onboard comfort and extensive scope for yacht-specific customisation.
For owners and captains, that means a chase boat that can be configured around how it will actually be used – whether that is diving, fishing, watersports, exploring remote cruising grounds, or spending longer periods away from the mothership.
The vessel is also the first Protector sold by European distributor PB Europe, part of the Ancasta Group, with inboard engines. Its twin Yanmar diesel installation was specified to comply with the single-fuel policies increasingly adopted by superyachts.
“This goes much further than choosing colours and upholstery,” says Andy Andrews, Sales Manager for PB Europe. “We start with what the owner and captain need the boat to achieve and configure the platform around that operational brief. The 410 Expedition demonstrates just how far we can now take that approach.”
Designed for greater independence
The role of the superyacht chase boat is changing. While transferring guests between yacht and shore remains important, owners are increasingly asking much more of these boats.
Greater range and autonomy, all-weather protection, increased storage and improved onboard facilities allow a chase boat to support diving, fishing, watersports and expedition activities while operating independently from the mothership for longer periods.
The Targa 410 Expedition has been developed with exactly this kind of use in mind. A revised cabin and helm arrangement incorporates a distinctive inward-raked windscreen, providing improved visibility and a more protected environment for guests and crew in adverse conditions.
Inside, the cabin can be configured according to the vessel’s intended use, with options including additional refrigeration, a compact galley and bunk accommodation.
A solar power system can also be incorporated to support onboard electrical systems when the boat is operating away from the yacht.
Outside, deck layouts and storage can be developed around the owner’s programme, with options including dedicated dive racks, game-fishing configurations and bespoke solutions for watersports and expedition equipment.
“The way chase boats are being used is changing considerably,” says Andrews. “Particularly in the explorer yacht sector, owners and captains want boats that can support more ambitious itineraries and operate independently for longer. That means better protection, more storage and onboard facilities. It also means being able to configure the boat around the activities and equipment that are important to that particular yacht.”
Inboard diesel for single-fuel operations
One of the most significant specifications on the first UK Targa 410 Expedition is its twin Yanmar 8L V370 inboard engines with ZT370 Stern Drives. This configuration replaces the traditional outboard setup of Protector RIBs.
For superyachts operating a single-fuel policy, the chase boat can draw on the mothership’s existing diesel fuel infrastructure, simplifying bunkering, storage and day-to-day logistics for yachts in remote regions where access to different fuel types may be limited.
“This is the first Protector we have sold with inboard engines, and it is a significant milestone for PB Europe,” Andrews explains. “For some superyachts, complying with the mothership’s single-fuel policy is a fundamental part of the specification. It is a good example of Protector adapting the boat at an engineering level to meet the practical requirements of superyacht operations.”
From superyacht brief to finished chase boat
Following construction in New Zealand, Ancasta’s aftersales team in Hamble is completing the final customisation and commissioning.
The work includes installing a custom composite deck and underwater lighting, alongside final detailing. Ancasta can also manufacture and install additional yacht-specific equipment in the UK, including canvas work, shades and splash protection.
The process allows owners, captains and crew to define what they need from the boat from the outset. Protector undertakes the core design and build in New Zealand, while PB Europe can complete bespoke elements and final commissioning in the UK, close to the point of European delivery.
This customised approach is supported by Protector’s longstanding commercial heritage. Originally engineered for demanding professional applications including police, pilot and military use, Protector RIBs provide a robust, proven platform from which increasingly specialised superyacht configurations can be developed.
“The strength of Protector is that we start with an exceptionally capable, commercially proven platform and then configure it around the owner’s requirements,” concludes Andrews.
“One captain, after taking his Protector through a particularly rough passage, told us the ‘boat was stronger than the crew’, which says a great deal about the platform we are starting with.
“PB Europe can then work with the owner and captain to define exactly what they need from the boat, Protector can engineer the solution, and Ancasta gives us the capability to refine and commission it here in Hamble. It gives us a genuinely end-to-end approach to delivering highly customised chase boats for the superyacht market.”
Protector Boats produces some of the most capable and durable utility boats in the world. Protector vessels perform in the harshest of conditions for both commercial and leisure customers.
