Skipper 42 Video Review: A Four-Step RIB With Triple 450Rs
By the YachtWay editorial deskUpdated October 2026Video walkthrough6 min read
The Skipper 42 is a performance RIB from Skipper Powerboats, a Greek builder that started with boats for government use. This one is the Skipper-BSK 42 NC on triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards. We walked her off Miami and took her out through Haulover Inlet in a real chop. She has a big aft sunbed over a storage locker, a dining table that lifts out, a wet bar, three racing seats at the helm and a bow table that drops to a sunbed. Below there is a cabin and a head.
A fast boat that forgives beginners
The Skipper 42 mixes government-boat toughness with day-boat comfort. The tubes around the hull mean a bump at the dock is no drama, so you do not need fenders out for every stop. Much of the deck is manual, which means fewer things to break. The aluminium T-top is built to handle big forces at speed. On our run out of Haulover Inlet she handled the rough conditions well.
What stood out on board
- A four-step hullThe only four-step hull we knew of when we filmed her.
- Hot and cold cup holdersAt the helm, they cool your drink or keep it warm.
- A table that lifts outTwo pins free the cockpit table to open up the deck.
- Racing seatsBolsters drop to make seats that hug you like a race car.
- A tube collarA soft edge for docking, without fenders.
- A cooler or freezerA big chest by the wet bar for drinks or the day's catch.
Spec sheet at a glance
| Feature | What you get | The benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 40 ft 8 in (12.4 m) | Room for 12 people |
| Beam | 11 ft 10 in (3.6 m) | Stable for a RIB |
| Draft | 3 ft 11 in (1.2 m) | Fine for most anchorages |
| Fuel | 233 gal (880 L) | Feeds three outboards |
| Water | 45 gal (170 L) | For the sink and shower |
| Capacity | 12 guests (builder figures) | Bring the whole crew |
| Power (as filmed) | 3x Mercury Racing 450R | Huge acceleration |
| Other power | Sterndrives available | A bigger swim platform |
| Hull | Four-step deep V with a tube collar | Fast, soft and forgiving |
| Helm | Two Garmin screens, wireless charging | Everything at hand |
| Layout | Cabin for two, head with shower | A nap or a weekend away |
| Audio | JL Audio, speakers all round | A party anywhere |
Aft sunbed and storage
The aft sunbed fits three, with cup holders on both sides. It lifts by hand over a big locker for toys and gear.
- Boarding.Add steps to climb in from the water.
- Seats.Face forward, or extend the backrest to grow the sunbed.
- Shade.A Bimini on carbon poles from the T-top.
Cockpit dining
The cockpit table seats four. Pull two pins and it lifts out to clear the deck.
- Storage.Lockers on both sides and underneath.
- Lights.Lumishore lights in the T-top that change colour.
- Audio.Big speakers facing out and more inside.
Wet bar
Behind the helm seats is a big chest that works as a cooler or a freezer, with four cup holders.
- Sink.A small sink and prep area.
- Storage.Bins on both sides.
- Audio.Another set of speakers and a music control.
Helm station
Three seats sit behind the console, with bolsters that drop into seats that hug you. The aluminium T-top is built for high speeds.
- Screens.A 15 in Garmin in the centre and another to the right.
- Charging.Wireless chargers on both sides.
- Cup holders.They cool or heat your drink.
- Controls.Throttles, kill switch, VHF and bow thruster.
- Panels.Electrics and anchor control at the helm.
Bow
The bow seats look sculpted but are more comfortable than they appear. The table seats four or five.
- Sunbed.Push a button, drop the table and add cushions.
- Audio.Speakers at the bow too.
- Anchor.A locker at the bow.
Cabin and head
The console hatch opens like a sci-fi door. Offset steps save space on the way down to a cabin where two can nap.
- Audio.A JL Audio control.
- Storage.Bins and a cabinet all round.
- Headroom.Open the hatch to stand taller.
- Head.A toilet, a sink and a shower wand.
The Skipper 42 is a serious performance RIB that is still easy to live with. The four-step hull and triple 450Rs give it plenty of speed, while the tube collar and simple manual systems make it forgiving for newer owners. The deck has room for a crowd, with two tables, a wet bar and big sunbeds, and the cabin adds a place to nap. In the chop off Haulover she felt strong and planted.
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- Presented by
- Heigo Paartalu
- YachtWay Spotlight host
- Filmed by
- YachtWay Studios