Some builders make vessels that could be tenders. Others concentrate on the tender market. Novurania is the latter. More than 60 years ago, the builder started by manufacturing inflatable bridges for the military. Novurania soon realized its rubber-coated-fabric technology worked well for rigid-bottom inflatable boats. In 1989, Novurania of America started building fiberglass hulls and joined them with Hypalon tubes to create the trademark aesthetic seen today. The builder’s Chase 31, one of five models from 19 to 38 feet length overall in the Chase series, has a deep-V hull for slicing chop. Power comes from twin 250 hp outboards, twin 260 hp Yanmar diesels with ZT drives or a single 370 hp Volvo Penta D4 diesel.
WHOM IT’S FOR: The rigid-bottom inflatable enthusiast who appreciates a tough build. The Chase 31 has a hand-laid fiberglass hull, deck and liner. That hull has a solid fiberglass keel with foam core above it. The stringer system is foam-cored and encapsulated in fiberglass as well. Standard features include custom gelcoat hull color as well as color and trim choices for the tubes.
PICTURE THIS: The wind has picked up and isn’t lying down soon, but you have plans ashore. No worries. Have the crew put the Chase 31 in the water. It has work to do.
