Novamarine Sells First 26m BS 260 Maxi RIB for 2028 Delivery

A first order before the yacht reaches the water

Novamarine has secured the first order for its 26-metre BS 260, a new flagship in the Black Shiver family scheduled for delivery in 2028. Greek yacht-services business PrivatSea, which acts as an official Novamarine dealer in Greece, confirmed the sale in an announcement dated 9 October 2026 and described the model as a step into the largest end of the high-performance RIB market.

The order is notable because it has been placed before the first vessel has been completed, giving the builder an early indication of demand for an unusually large rigid-inflatable design. Claims that the BS 260 will be the world's largest maxi RIB are the companies' description of the project rather than an independently established ranking, and the delivery programme remains forward-looking.

A tender concept with accommodation of its own

At 26 metres long and seven metres across, the BS 260 is designed to offer more than a fast transfer between a superyacht and the shore. PrivatSea describes a sizeable aft social area with sofa seating and a dining table, while glass skylights and step-free access to the water support the emphasis on day use and movement around the boat.

The lower deck is planned with four cabins, comprising three guest cabins and one crew cabin. That arrangement gives the craft a degree of independence from its parent yacht, potentially allowing extended excursions or separate guest movements, although the final operating envelope and classification arrangements have not been supplied in the company's announcement.

Twin MTU propulsion and a larger operating brief

PrivatSea says propulsion will come from twin MTU engines developing a combined 4,400 horsepower. The figure identifies the scale of the proposed installation but does not, by itself, confirm a top speed, fuel consumption or range, and none of those performance claims should be assumed before trials.

Large RIBs increasingly overlap with conventional chase boats in their duties, carrying passengers to beaches, anchorages and waterfront venues while offering a relatively direct boarding route. At this size, however, owners and captains must also consider berth dimensions, fendering, crew provision, servicing space and how the boat fits within the wider support fleet.

What the order means for the Black Shiver range

The BS 260 extends a Black Shiver family that PrivatSea says currently comprises six models between 10 and 20 metres. Its additional length and full accommodation plan underline a deliberate move beyond the compact tender role into a standalone luxury vessel for buyers attracted by RIB handling and styling.

For the superyacht industry, the announcement illustrates the continued blending of chase craft, dayboats and support vessels. The next milestones will be detailed specifications, construction progress and eventual trials; the only confirmed commercial milestone in the 9 October release is the first sale, with delivery targeted for 2028.