Skipper 38 Video Review: A Four-Step RIB That Hit 67 mph
By the YachtWay editorial deskUpdated October 2026Video walkthrough7 min read
The Skipper 38 is a performance RIB from Greece, built on a four-step deep V hull and often used as a superyacht chase boat. We walked a brand new one in Miami and took her out through Haulover Inlet, where her twin Mercury Racing 500R outboards took us to 58 kn (67 mph). On deck there is a U-shaped lounge aft, a small galley, racing seats under a carbon hardtop and a bow table that drops to a sunbed. Under the console there is a head with a sink and shower.
Built to skip over the waves
Skipper designs every detail around speed. The fridge drawer locks shut, the galley has rounded edges and there are grab handles at every seat. A windshield rises in front of the helm to block the wind at full throttle. This is the third Skipper we have filmed, and the quality has clearly improved since our last one a year earlier, from the paint inside the lockers to the labelled fuse box.
What stood out on board
- 58 kn on our runThat is 67 mph, with throttle still left. Skipper quotes over 80 mph.
- A four-step hullShe lands softly through rolling waves and feels like she is on springs.
- Racing bolstersSeats that hug you at speed, or flip up so you can stand and lean.
- A windshield that risesIt comes up in front of the helm and adjusts to any angle.
- A flush anchorIt sits flush in the bow, so you never see it hanging out.
- A head under the consoleWith a sink, a shower wand and a labelled fuse panel.
Spec sheet at a glance
| Feature | What you get | The benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m) | Big enough for a crowd |
| Beam | 11 ft (3.35 m) | Stable at rest |
| Draft | 3 ft 5 in (1.05 m) | Fine for shallow anchorages |
| Fuel | 180 gal (681 L) | Enough for a Bahamas run |
| Water | 45 gal (170 L) | Fresh water for the shower |
| Capacity | 12 people (listing figures) | Room for a full group |
| Power (as filmed) | 2x Mercury Racing 500R outboards | Huge torque and a great sound |
| Top speed (measured) | 58 kn (67 mph) | With throttle still left |
| Fast cruise (measured) | 40 kn (46 mph) at 19 gph per engine | Fast without straining |
| Hull | Four-step deep V with a collar | Soft landings, no fender worries |
| Helm | Two 16 in Garmin screens, rising windshield | Protected at full speed |
| Layout | Aft lounge, galley, bow sunbed, head | A full day out with friends |
Step inside: interactive 3D virtual walkthrough
Drag to look around. Tap the hotspots to move through the boat.
Swim platform
The swim platform is oversized, with handles to pull yourself up and a ladder that drops when you pull a pin.
- Shower.Push it and it pops out, in a black finish.
- Shore power.A 30 amp outlet on the starboard side.
- Cleats.Pop up when you need them.
- Step.A centre step to climb into the cockpit.
Aft lounge and storage
The U-shaped lounge has an angled backrest and a raised step for your shins. The table folds smaller and drops to make a sunbed for two.
- Cup holders.Two on each side of the table.
- Bins.Side lockers with drain holes for wet toys.
- Locker.Across the beam, lined and on gas struts.
- Shade.Poles attach to the hardtop to cover the aft deck.
Galley
Under the hardtop there is a small galley with a sink and a counter that folds down for serving. A grill can be added.
- Fridge.A pull-out drawer with a tray for bottles.
- Locks.Turn them so the drawer stays shut at speed.
- Edges.Rounded all round, with a grab rail.
- Audio.Subwoofers on each side.
Helm station
A thick aluminium column holds the carbon hardtop steady at full speed. A light bar on top works as a floodlight at night.
- Screens.Two 16 in Garmin displays and a Mercury engine unit.
- Camera.An aft camera to see the guests behind you.
- Wheel.Leather wrapped, on a column that adjusts.
- Charging.Phone clamps that charge on both sides.
- Windshield.Rises to block the wind at any angle.
Bow
The bow has seating with four cup holders in the table. Press two buttons and the table drops, then add a cushion to make a sunbed for three.
- Storage.A big locker on gas struts, painted inside.
- Bow thruster.Reached through a panel in the locker.
- Collar.The tubes act as a backrest and a fender.
- Anchor.Sits flush with the bow.
Head
A door under a lid in front of the console opens to the head. You duck down to get in, then you can stand while the door is open.
- Sink.With LED lighting behind it.
- Shower.A wand that tucks away.
- Panels.Breakers and a fuse box with every circuit labelled.
- Storage.A cabinet and a bin under the sink.
The Skipper 38 is about speed, and she delivered it: 58 kn (67 mph) on our run, with soft landings and throttle still left. She is also more practical than you might expect, with two sunbeds, a galley with a locking fridge and a head under the console. The finish has clearly improved since our last Skipper. If you want a fast RIB as a superyacht tender or a day boat, she is well worth a look.
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- Presented by
- Heigo Paartalu
- YachtWay Spotlight host
- Filmed by
- YachtWay Studios