The SACS Strider 11 offers a seamless fusion of sleek design, sporty performance, and luxurious comfort
Every model in the Strider range by the well-known Italian RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) builder SACS is crafted to embody a sporty ethos, comfort, and excellent seakeeping abilities. In this lineup, ranging from the compact Strider 700 to the Strider 19, now a classic cruiser, the Strider 11 sits precisely in the middle with a length of 11.51 meters.
Design Features of the SACS Strider 11
According to the manufacturer, and consistent with the rest of the Strider range, this model takes design cues from the automotive world. However, having had the chance to test this specific boat during the Croatia Nautic Show, we’d argue that its external styling elements bear a stronger resemblance to a fast racing motorcycle.
The helm station is accompanied by two seats, and the entire area benefits from a minimalist, sporty hardtop that precisely covers the driving position. A compact bar is positioned aft of the helm seats, incorporating a sink and a concealed grill/cooktop beneath a very sporty cover that aligns with the boat’s design language. Below the bar, you’ll find two drawer refrigerators.
The aft section commences with gently elevated, hard side panels that extend above the tubes, creating an enclosed rear area. On the Openback version we evaluated, equipped with outboard motors, this space featured a generous U-shaped sofa and a sizable foldable dining table.
It goes without saying that this table can be lowered to the sofa’s height, and with the addition of cushions, the entire rear transforms into a highly sheltered sun lounge with side protection. Coupled with the expansive and completely flat bow area, which can be fully covered with cushions, the Strider 11 genuinely provides a wealth of sunbathing opportunities.
Furthermore, a Sundeck version is offered, in which the entire stern is allocated to a somewhat raised and extensive sun deck. The inboard-powered SACS Strider 11 is exclusively available in the Sundeck configuration, as this design provides the necessary room for the engine bay.
Helm experience and controls
This version of the Strider 11 boasts a spacious stern platform, but even the two platforms on the outboard engine version feature nicely protruding side sections large enough to allow for comfortable entry and exit from the sea via the side-mounted steps within the right platform. Between the platforms are the outboard engines, which on our test model were two 400-horsepower Mercury Verados.
The sporty spirit visible in every centimeter is also felt at the helm. The two helm seats are positioned quite high, providing excellent visibility as if you were standing, even when seated. The dashboard is compact so as not to significantly obstruct navigation on this model, where good visibility is essential for cruising.
Therefore, the entire instrumentation and engine data are displayed on a single, centrally mounted B&G touchscreen plotter on the vertical part of the console. The horizontal section of the console is organized with the bow thruster joystick to the left, conventional boat system switches in the middle, and a small screen along with the autopilot controls to the right.
Adjacent to the steering wheel, which has a small and fitting design with significant tilt adjustability from a standard to a near-horizontal position, are the controls for the Fusion sound system on the left and the familiar dual-lever throttle on the right.
Interior comfort: Double berth and bathroom
Adjacent to the helm is a sliding door leading into the cabin, situated within the compact superstructure. Its position, two steps below the main deck level in the hull, allows for comfortable standing height throughout much of the interior, including the small head (bathroom). This is a feature one would expect in all comparable modern day cruisers.
The forward section of the cabin features a generous double berth, and the head includes a sizable washbasin, an electric WC, and a dedicated shower, efficiently utilizing the available area while maintaining an uncluttered feel.
When maneuvering in a marina, the Strider 11 is very agile thanks to its 3-meter beam, or 3.79 meters including the tubes. If it’s a particularly tight marina, it also features a bow thruster. With two Mercury Verado V10 engines producing 400 HP each, this model is very responsive and accelerates quickly when the throttle is applied. At a minimum of 650 RPM, it already achieves 4.2 knots, which is sufficient for maneuvering in marinas.
The SACS Strider 11 planes at around 12-13 knots, while the ideal cruising speed is 36 knots at 4200 RPM with a fuel consumption of 106.7 liters per hour, or a faster cruising speed of 39 knots at 4500 RPM with a consumption of 122.4 liters per hour. If these speeds are too high, you can also cruise comfortably at 26 knots at 3350 RPM with a fuel consumption of 76.8 liters per hour.
The maximum speed we managed to achieve during the test was an impressive 49.7 knots at 5500 RPM with a fuel consumption of 262 liters per hour. During the test, there were two people on board with 310 liters of fuel in the tank, which has a maximum capacity of 530 liters, and empty water tanks.
The SACS Strider 11’s performance at sea
During the test on a gently undulating sea, the SACS Strider 11 demonstrated itself as a very pleasant RIB for cruising, completing all maneuvers without significant roll due to its large tubes and maintaining excellent grip. Additionally, the turning radius at a cruising speed of approximately 28 knots was respectable, with only a one-knot speed reduction.
What impressed us most was that throughout the entire test, virtually no spray reached the windshield or the aft sofa area.
Combining secure and dynamic navigation with a remarkable capacity of up to 14 individuals, the SACS Strider 11 is perfectly suited as a luxury yacht chase boat, an open cruiser for weekend getaways in Croatia or beyond, or a tender to exclusive locations, making it a compelling option for demanding nautical enthusiasts.
Text Mlađan Marušić
Photos SACS
