Nautica X-36 RIB

Brief Summary

The Nautica X-36 RIB is a unique craft that is powered by high-performance diesel engines with jet power. Nautica developed these rigid inflatable boats primarily for military and commercial purposes, but now more individuals, and especially megayacht owners, want to have them as tenders because of their space and speed.

Key Features

Since Nautica inflatable boats were essentially created for commercial use such as law enforcement and the Navy Seals they do not have a lot of standard features. But if you want to customize the X-36 an arch, bimini top sunbrella, rod holders, fresh water shower, AM/FM CD player and other equipment is available. The 36 can be customized to meet individual needs and is even offered with a cuddy cabin. The Nautica X-36 has molded-in seats with cushions that will lock you in place and a large rear seat with a wraparound railing. There’s storage both under the seats and in the bow of the boat.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	35'7''
Beam	11'1''
Dry Weight	15,500 lbs.
Draft	2'7''
Max Headroom	open boat
Bridge Clearance	8'0'' w/arch
Fuel Capacity	400 gal.
Water Capacity	15 gal.

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	6.0 sec.
0 to 30	10.5 sec.
Ratio	1.65:1
Props	2x3-blade stainless, counter-rotating
Load	3 persons, 3/4 fuel, no water, min. gear
Climate	78 deg., 75% humid., wind: 10knots; seas: 1 foot

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 270-hp MerCruiser 7.3L D-tronic (Bravo III)
Std. Power	2x270-shp MerCruiser 7.3L D-tronic diesel sterndrives
Opt. Power	Call Builder

Captain's Report

Nautica was started in 1969 as an inflatable boat company primarily building tenders for the military and law enforcement. Overtime Nautica realized that their RIBs would make good recreational sportboats as well, so the company started installing consoles and seating, which were features unheard of for tenders at the time.
Nautica’s RIBs have integrated fuel tanks, consoles, and deep V-hulls. The company builds each boat to meet the individual’s needs. The X-36 can be customized with an arch, bimini top sunbrella, rod holders, fresh water shower, AM/FM CD player and other optional equipment. The X-36 is even offered with a cuddy cabin.
The Nautica X-36 RIB is a unique craft that is powered by high-performance diesel engines with jet power. These engines provide good handling, and fast acceleration, shoal draft, and safety. This is a must for commercial use, as well as the U.S. Navy Seals, U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement work.
Nautica developed these rigid inflatable boats primarily for military and commercial purposes, but now more individuals, and especially megayacht owners, want to have them as tenders because of their space and speed.
Since Nautica inflatable boats were essentially created for commercial use such as law enforcement and the Navy Seals they do not have a lot of standard features. The Nautica X-36 has molded-in seats with cushions that will lock you in place and a large rear seat with a wraparound railing. There’s storage both under the seats and in the bow of the boat. At the bow flip up stainless cleats are seated in molded fiberglass step plates neatly adhered to the sponsons and a cleat in the deck itself. Storage containers and compartments in the bow make for easy access to gear and lines.
The sponsons are made of durable Hypalon and have integrated grab lines and grab handles running their full length for increased safety in all running conditions. There’s storage beneath the console front seat and good access to wiring, rigging, and instrumentation mounting through the forward service hatch. Each sponson also features integrated fiberglass step pads for sure footed boarding.
The helm is all business with easy to read Mercury gauges, new style Mercury binnacles, and tilt sport steering wheel. There’s plenty of room to mount your favorite electronics and accessories.
Engine access is easy by raising the rear deck with integral seating. Our vessel featured the new MerCuiser 7.3L Diesel engines with the new D-Tronic injection system that emits fewer pollutants and is a much more efficient fuel delivery system. This powerplant was coupled to bravo three outdrives with duoprops although many different configurations are available including waterjets, outboards, inboards, and surface drives. The engine compartment is open and offers plenty of room to work, and the diamond plate walls and bulkheads add lasting durability to an already commanding powerplant.
Out on our test run the X-36 proved to be impressive. She’s a nimble craft for her size and it was easy to see why the military and governmental agencies prefer this craft. Her best cruise was 36 mph burning only 20 gallons per hour and giving us a range of almost 650 miles on one full tank. Top speed for the X-36 was nearly 47 mph, although faster speeds are capable using jet or surface drives. She jumped up on plane in 6 seconds and was up to 30 mph in a matter of 10.5 seconds.
The X-36 is the ultimate platform for the marine environment. It’s built to exceed ABYC standards using high quality materials and components to withstand extreme conditions and have lasting durability.