SACS Hyper 5S Review: Spectacular Leap from the Traditional RIB

At the Cannes boat show, SACS unveiled a major new model, the Hyper 5S, its first yacht without inflatable 'tubes'. The all-new model is just under fifteen meters long and draws attention with its metallic blue finish and modern design. It fits naturally alongside the company's wildly successful luxury RIB, the Rebel, representing a clear design evolution of that concept.

Design evolved from the Rebel

The attention paid to design is truly exceptional: many surfaces feature crease lines that accentuate the refinement of the hull's profile, while the cutouts in the hull sides are an undeniably attractive detail. The fold-out side 'wings', which you can open when at anchor, are simply the finishing touch to this modern approach.

Cruiser layout built for two

The attractive exterior is matched by an equally refined interior, both bearing the signature of Christian Grande. Conceived as a large cruiser for two, the new SACS has everything you could need at sea, including a fully equipped outdoor galley, a comfortable cabin, an enclosed head with a separate shower, and a large aft sunpad.

Aft, we noticed a so-called transformer, a moving platform that serves as a gangway, a swim platform and a lift for the small tender. A concealed Harken electric winch on the left side of the deck eases mooring, while the aft sunpad can be split into two 'islands' at anchor, leaving a wide passage to the water that, together with the open sides, makes for a lovely solution.

The U-shaped aft sofa is comfortable for sitting around a small central table, and the area turns into a dining space when you use the large galley, which faces the helm. The three helm seats are raised high enough to give you a clear view over the bow, and alongside them are three easy-to-read displays showing all the information on engine performance and navigation.

In the cabin, the bow houses a large double berth next to a head with a separate shower, while aft there is an additional bed for one or two people, friends or children. The second bed doubles as a sofa, with the sleeping section pulled out from a leather-paneled side cabinet, a very nice detail worth noticing.

The living space doesn't end inside: the entire bow is designed as one large sunpad with integrated cushions. At its far end, two deck chairs are built into the deck, another reminder of the perfect getaway for two, which is the true purpose of this yacht.

Performance & handling on the water

What interested us most, however, is what lies under the hood, where three 480-HP Volvo Penta engines with Z-drives are installed. As a Volvo Penta representative joined us on the test, we learned that IPS or shaft drive is also available. What we were most eager to find out came a little later: how this new 'rubber-free RIB' performs at sea.

With a sunny afternoon, a small swell and a light westerly wind, the conditions off Cannes were ideal. The first thing we noticed was how light the bow feels, which we're sure has something to do with the Rebel. Although there is a relatively large fiberglass structure in front of the helm, it does not affect handling in the slightest and only makes itself heard when hitting large waves. 

SACS Hyper 5S glided smoothly with the automatic trim engaged, with the trim tabs about one-third down, while with the trim raised in manual mode the boat uses slightly less fuel at the same performance.

Speed and fuel consumption

Planing starts at approximately 19 knots at 2,400 rpm, with a consumption of 120 liters per hour, or about 6.5 liters per nautical mile. Cruising speed goes up to 29 knots at 3,000 rpm, so if you cruise between 20 and 30 knots, the ride will be 'smooth as silk'.

Since this is a SACS, the top speed we reached during the test was a full 40 knots, at which consumption rose to 7.3 liters per nautical mile. Our conclusion is that even above 30 knots in calm seas you will have no problems, with only a negligible increase in fuel consumption. The Volvo Penta expert told us that similar results can be expected with the IPS drive.

In short, if you like SACS but don't want tubes, the new Hyper 5S is the right choice for you.