ZAR Imagine 130 represents the point of arrival – and, in part, a new beginning – in the history of the yard ZAR Forwards. A maxi RIB of 13 meters, certificate category EC B/C, designed to face challenging crossings, accommodate up to 18 people in the day and offer a real life on board to four guests in two separate cabins. In these dimensions, and with this level of finish, the concept of “gommon” approaches much more to that of sports yacht that not to the traditional pneumatic boat.
Imagine 130 was born as a hybrid platform between benefits e cruise inhabitability: high-performance hull, outboard up to 2 x 600 hp V12, fuel tank from about 1200 liters and a blanket layout that favors conviviality, movement safety and customization possibilities. Undercover, a clear and surprisingly wide environment, with a forward shipowning cabin, a second cabin aft and bathroom with separate shower box, projects the RIB maxi in the territory of high-end cruise yachts.
The construction site ZAR Formenti: tradition, research and “courage to stand out”
Origins and construction philosophy
The construction site Forms was born at the end of the 1970s in Motta Visconti, at the gates of Milan, and immediately specialized in the construction of pneumatic boats and RIB. Over time the brand ZARRY becomes synonymous with fast hulls, artisanal quality and original technical solutions, so much to be recognized as one of the european references of the segment.
The philosophy of the construction site is based on a few key principles: quality before quantity, wide use of 3D design, make moulds and models via cNC machines high precision and great attention to the development of the carenes. Obtaining certification ISO 9002 by the Italian Naval Register testifies to a rigorous industrial approach, which does not give up a strong artisanal component in the finishing of each specimen.
The “ZAR Distinction”
One of the elements that made ZAR Formenti a brand “of worship” is the typical architecture of its hulls: tubular back in the bow, carene to “V” very deep e hydro-sustainable side tunnels. This configuration, also the result of international patents, allows to obtain longer hulls than competition at equal length outside everything, with a rare combination of comfort on the wave, stability and load capacity.
On 130 Imagine this philosophy is extremised and brought to its maximum expression: the flagship of the range becomes the manifesto of what the yard is able to do when there is no limits in terms of design or market segmentation.
Shipbuilding and dimensions: a 13 meters think by yacht
Main measures and volumes
The ZAR Imagine 130 measure 13,00 m long out everything for one maximum width of 4,57 m, with a fishing around 1,30 m. They are numbers that place it in full title in the band of Maxi RIB over 40 feet, with a very generous plant in terms of tramplable surface and undercover volumes.
The diameter of the tubular is about 76 cm, divided into 8 pond compartments, for a maximum flow rate 18 people in category C e 12 people in category B. These values, combined with 1200 litre fuel tank and 300 litre water tank, clearly indicate a boat designed for medium and long-range missions, not only as a day-boat representation.
Carena at steps, tunnel and bow “alla Zar”
The technical heart of the project is the famine, signed by Francesco Ambrosini. It is a famine to “V” very deep, with well three transversal steps, side skates and two water-supporting tunnels running along the hull. This complex geometry has the task of reducing the wet surface at high speeds, improving route stability and ensuring soft landings on the wave even when the sea is formed.
Tubulars do not completely surround the bow but stop at about the three quarters of length, leaving to fiberglass the main role in defining the prodier volume. It is one of the distinctive features of the “ZAR school”: sharp bow, accentuated horse and stretched lines that favor the entrance to the wave, but with a bridge overhead and fully exploited for seats and sunbathing.
Materials: hull, superstructure and tubular
The hull is made in laminated fiberglass (fiberglass/GRP) with internal reinforcement structure sized to withstand stress generated by peak speeds close to 60 knots. The superstructure – which includes the massif hard top in carbon – is designed to contain the center and stiffen the central area, but leaving wide lateral passages for circulation along the blanket.
Tubulars are made with fabrics ORCA® high tenacity, in CSM (neoprene–hypalon) and polychloroprene, the same used for work units and aeronautical applications: highly resistant materials to UV radiation, hydrocarbons and abrasion. In official photographs and promotional material, we appreciate the use of sober colors and bicolor combinations, which enhance the hull lines without chromatic excesses.
Engines, propulsion and performance
Outboard layout and range of powers
The ZAR Imagine 130 is designed for a configuration entirely outboard, with a stern mirror sized to accommodate two engines of large capacity. The most iconic setting is the one with 2 x Mercury Verado V12 from 600 hp each, 7.6 liters of displacement, two-speed transmission and independent steering foot.
From the design point of view, the boat is homologated for a maximum power of about 1300 hp, with a recommended range around 1000–1200 hp. The ability to choose between different powers allows the shipowner to calibrate the mix between peak speed, autonomy and management budget. Those who prefer the high-level charter will tend to opt for the “full” motorization with the 600 hp V12, while a private shipowner could evaluate slightly less extreme solutions, however maintaining remarkable performance.
Performance, consumption and autonomy
Sea tests with sea format already report eloquent numbers: with wave of about 1.5–2 metres, four people on board and a pair of Mercury V12 600, Imagine 130 sails around 26 knots 4000 laps, with total consumption in the order of 160 l/h. In optimum weather-sea conditions, the data from the yard indicate a maximum speed of about 57 knots at 6400 laps, while the cheap cruise speed sista on 25 knots 4000 laps, with consumption around 150–160 l/h.
Translated in terms of autonomy, considering the tank from about 1200 liters, real routes can be obtained which, on a cruise basis, can easily exceed the 150–170 miles without supply, leaving an adequate safety margin even for more challenging routes. Interestingly, in specialist reviews, it is often underlined that impact softness on the wave and the ability of the hull to maintain the arrangement even at the highest speeds: a feature not discounted in a Maxi RIB of this size.
Edge, electronic and domotic systems
Control and ergonomics
The bridge of Imagine 130 is conceived as a true “GT” control station: three ergonomic seats flanked, adjustable, with riding possibilities sitting or supporting, and a dashboard that accommodates up to two 16–17” multifunction display, as well as dedicated engine instrumentation. The hard carbon top effectively protects the driving area and a good portion of the cockpit, but without closing the view and ventilation sideways.
All commands are collected rationally: joystick maneuver outboards, electronic gas controls, flaps and trim management, as well as dedicated keypads for auxiliary systems. The layout, also visible in official photographs, is clearly designed to allow a professional use (luxurycharter, transfers) but maintaining the ergonomics required by a demanding private shipowner.
Equipment, comfort and safety
On board are the typical systems of a high-end yacht: 12/24 V system with dedicated batteries, generous charging system, central electrical framework easily inspectable, pressure water system with boiler for hot water and dedicated circuit for shower on the well and in the bathroom. Provisions for auxiliary generators and air conditioning systems at the service of the undercover area.
From the point of view of security, in addition to legal facilities, Imagine 130 benefits from ZAR philosophy: integrated handrails, absence of living edges, gradual and passing gaps on the two sides of the tuga that allow to reach the bow in total safety even with sea formed.
Exterior design and livability
Carbon hard top and driving area
Visually, the big hard top in carbon is one of the most characteristic elements of the Imagine 130: a wide but lean structure, with lifts that download directly on the sides, avoiding to hinder the layout of the well. In official images it is known as the geometry of the top dialogues with the lines of the tuga and with the strong automotive references of the windscreen.
The driving zone, well protected but not closed, allows to timonare even at speeds close to the 50 knots maintaining a direct perception of the sea and the boat, without excessive turbulence or annoying structural noises. The experience at the helm, according to several testers, recalls that of a great sports granturismo: reactive, but always readable in reactions.
Pozzetto di aft, dining area and bath platforms
In the aft, the layout prefers the conviviviality: a large dinette develops around a central table, which can be transformed when necessary into a large sunbathing area. Immediately behind the driving sessions we find a mobile kitchen “full size”, with large capacity refrigerator, induction plate, sink and tableware spaces, configured as a real outdoor kitchen and not as a simple wet bar.
On the ergonomics level, the central passage to the bathroom platforms, which allows access to the sea without interfering with the dining area or with the engines. The side platforms are sized to allow intensive use of the bathing area, even with dinghy or water toys below.
Prua lounge and sunbathing areas
The bow is one of the most scenic environments: a great chaise longue double, equipped with armrests and side handles, is combined with a semi-circular sofa facing aft, with stems below and a space dedicated to anchor. With the addition of a central table or extension panels, the entire area can be transformed into an immense sunbathing, ideal for low backdrops and sheltered bays.
In official photographs, the quality of the fillings, the care of the seams, the integration of many holders and details from “beach club” that approach the Imagine 130 more to an open yacht than to a simple high-performance RIB.
Interiors: onboard life, cruise comfort and layout
Shipowner's cabin
Undercover access is via a sliding door to the side of the console. Three steps lead to a small central hallway that distributes the spaces rationally: the bow shipowning cabin, the guest cabin, on the side the bathroom. The entry height in the bow cabin 2 metres, then decrease towards the head of the bed, with an overall feeling of unusual space for a RIB.
The shipyard cabin is furnished with full height wardrobe, drawers and wall units, vertical surfaces clearly designed for long stays on board. The finishes, as is known in the photographic materials, follow a contemporary but sober language: clear woods, lacquered surfaces and neutral fabrics, without concessions to the baroque.
Guest cabin, bathroom and storage
The cabin guests stern take advantage of the volume below the deck to offer a double bed, with access through a sliding door. The space is mainly dedicated to rest, but the width of the bed and the sensation of sound insulation make it perfect for a couple of guests or for two boys on cruise.
The bathroom is located on the opposite side and has separate shower box, washbasin, marine toilet and storage rooms. Once again, the design language is that of a compact yacht rather than a inflatable, with particular attention to easy to clean surfaces, natural ventilation and lighting. The set allows to four people to live on board even for several consecutive days without feeling of sacrifice.
Layout
Innovation, efficiency and dynamic comfort
Hydrodynamic efficiency and consumption reduction
The combination of carena at steps, hydro-sustaining tunnel and tubular back is designed to reduce consumption at high speeds, but maintaining a neutral and predictable setting. Steps interrupt the flow along the hull, generating air cushions that reduce the resistance, while tunnels increase the portance and help keep the blanket dry even with sea formed.
The test results show how the ratio between speed and consumption remains competitive compared to other Maxi RIB with similar powers: at 25–26 knots, a consumption in the order of 150–160 l/h is absolutely in line with what is expected from a pair of 600 hp V12, especially considering the submerged section and the structural solidity necessary to navigate to over 50 knots.
Comfort, noise and stability
Reports and tests at sea converge in describing Imagine 130 as a means very stable, even in challenging conditions, and surprisingly “soft” in impacts. At 40 knots with rough sea, the Maxi RIB maintains a safe run, with reduced perceived noise due to both the isolation of the engine compartment and the work done by Mercury on the containment of vibrations and decibels of the V12 Verado.
In addition, the beam width and weight distribution give a cross stability remarkable in rada, fundamental characteristic for a medium that is also proposed as a platform for relaxation for numerous groups. The combination of hull, width and tubular forms makes the adoption of active stabilizers unnecessary in most conditions.
Summary
- Length f.t.: 13,00 m
- Width.: 4,57 m
- Fishing: about 1,30 m
- Tubular diameter: 76 cm – 8 compartments
- Transportable persons18 (Cat. C) / 12 (Cat. B)
- Fuel tank: about 1200 l
- Fresh water tank: 300 l
- Motorization: 2 x outboard up to 600–650 hp each
- Recommended power: 1000–1200 hp total
- Maximum speed (2 x 600 hp, construction data): ~57 nodes
- Cruise speed~25 knots
- Cabins: 2 (shipping bow + guest stern)
- Sleeps: 4
- Bathrooms: 1 with separate shower box
- Category CE: B / C
Extra Images
Market position and competition
Segment, price range and role to list
The ZAR Imagine 130 guards the high band of Maxi RIB of 13 meters, a segment in which the border between pneumatic boat and yacht becomes thin. In terms of positioning, it is placed next to models as Tempest Hair 44, Tecnorib Pirelli 42, Anvera 42 and other open performing units of equal length, distinguishing itself however for the strong “ZAR” footprint of the hull and for the presence of a true ground floor covered by cruise.
The lack of a unique public list, typical of the custom boats of this level, does not prevent placing the Image 130 in the band of Maxi RIB premium, intended for customers who value the boat as a luxury car or a representative residence. The high degree of customization (hull colours, coatings, blanket configurations) contributes to making it a “made-to-measure” product.
Direct Competitor and design choices
Compared to direct competitors, Imagine 130 plays some very precise cards:
– a extremely sophisticated hull, with steps and tunnels, which favors the use “sporty” also in sea format;
– a main bridge organized as an outdoor living room, with real kitchen, large sunbathing and safe passages;
– a floor undercover complete, with two cabins and bathroom with separate shower, which approaches it to traditional cruisers of equal measure.
Where other Maxi RIB sacrifice internal habitability to maximise the indoor living area, Imagine 130 seeks a balance closer to the world of yachts, without sacrificing the use destination “day-boat” typical of the high-end pneumatic boats.
Customer target and use typical
The profile of the shipowner type is that of a expert diportista, often already owner of important boats, looking for a more flexible, fast and easy to manage compared to a traditional yacht, but without sacrificing comfort on the cruise. For the world luxury charterImagine 130 is an ideal platform for exclusive day-cruises, fast transfers between resorts and islands, private events and VIP services.
Finally, potential jobs such as boat representation for marina, five-star resort and high-profile nautical services company, which find in the Maxi RIB a distinctive product both from an aesthetic point of view and in terms of performance and versatility.
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Results, awards and future prospects
Welcome to the market and tests at sea
Since the launch, the ZAR Imagine 130 has attracted the attention of the main international marine magazines and industry portals, which have emphasized above all the quality of the hull, the ability to hold at high speed and the balance between sportiness and comfort. The tests at sea show a “tranquillizing” behaviour even with sea formed, with real speed confirming what was declared by the yard.
The inclusion of Imagine 130 in the offer of major international brokers dedicated to the Maxi RIB and sports yachts confirms that the model has found a clearly defined position in the global landscape, becoming in fact theflagship of the brand ZAR Formenti.
The future of ZAR Formenti seen through Imagine 130
From a strategic point of view, Imagine 130 is much more than just a new model: it is a declaration of intent. Prove that the yard is able to play equal weapons in the segment of the Maxi RIB – yacht, maintaining their own technical DNA but pushing decisively on design, comfort and customization.
Looking forward, it is plausible to imagine that the solutions introduced on this flagship – from the hull to new generation steps to the management of the indoor and undercover spaces – will be progressively transferred even on smaller models. In this sense, the ZAR Imagine 130 is not just a goal, but a travel laboratory of ideas that anticipate the future direction of the yard and, more generally, of the entire segment of the Mediterranean Maxi RIB.