Protector Boats

What Protector Boats does

Protector Boats is the brand name for high-performance Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) manufactured by Rayglass Boats, a New Zealand-based boat builder founded by Tony Hembrow in 1985. The company designs and builds custom RIBs combining fiberglass hard-sided hulls with a proprietary 7-chamber inflatable tube system and 35mm reinforced hull construction, delivering class-leading rough-water performance, safety redundancy, and 25+ year operational lifespans. Its product portfolio is organized around two core series — the Targa cabin/hardtop line (310 to 410, 9m–12.5m) and the Chase centre-console line (250 to 410, 7.5m–12.5m) — supplemented by the limited-edition R Edition with Mercury Racing engines achieving 60+ knots, the specialty Projet, fully customizable Commercial configurations, and a separate Legend Range. Protector serves coastguard and maritime safety organizations, military and police, professional sailing competitions (America's Cup since 2000, Sail GP since 2018), superyacht owners requiring custom tenders, and serious recreational users. The company generates revenue primarily through one-time custom boat sales priced individually (not publicly disclosed), with extensive engine, layout, and equipment customization options and engine configurations up to 1,500hp. Go-to-market is channel-partner-driven through a global dealer network spanning USA (Any Water Yachts, Williams Group Marine), UK/Europe (Ancasta Group/PB Europe, 22 offices), Australia (Queensland Marine Centre, Barbagallo Marine), Canada (Protector Boats Canada), and New Zealand, supplemented by direct factory sales from Auckland. The website's privacy policy links to Brunswick Corporation, suggesting possible parent ownership.

Name

Protector Boats

Legal name

Rayglass Boats

Website

https://protectorboats.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Protector Boats is the high-performance RIB brand of New Zealand-based Rayglass Boats, designing and building custom Rigid Inflatable Boats across Targa cabin and Chase centre-console lines for coastguard, military, sailing competitions, superyacht, and serious recreational markets globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs)

NAICS

Boat Building (336612)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) & Inflatable Leisure Craft Manufacturing (IMAJAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Search & Rescue (SAR) & Lifeboats (IMAJADAI), Patrol, Interceptor & Law-Enforcement Craft (Coast Guard, Customs) (IMAJADAD), Luxury Sailing Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAMAC)

Keywords

• Rigid inflatable boats
• High-performance RIBs
• Cabin RIBs
• Commercial patrol vessels
• Superyacht tenders

Headquarters

HQ city

Warren

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Boat Sales: Protector Boats generates revenue primarily through the sale of custom-built high-performance RIBs. Each vessel is built to order with extensive customisation options including engine configurations (twin/triple outboards up to 1,500hp, twin inboards), seating layouts, specialist equipment, technology, and interior/exterior design. Models range from 250 Chase (7.5m) to 410 Targa (12.5m).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Protector Boats manufactures and sells custom-built high-performance Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) under the Protector brand, built by Rayglass Boats in Auckland, New Zealand. The portfolio centers on the Targa cabin series (310, 330, 380, 410 Targa, 9m-12.5m) and the Chase centre-console series (250, 310, 330, 380, 410 Chase, 7.5m-12.5m), supplemented by a Commercial line for coastguard/military/police, the limited R Edition with Mercury Racing 400R V10 engines, and bespoke custom builds including the Projet (RIB with integrated jetski).

Product overview

Protector Boats is a manufacturer of high-performance Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) built in New Zealand by Rayglass Boats since 1985. The product portfolio centers on two core RIB series: the Targa (cabin/hardtop models ranging 9m-12.5m for recreational and commercial use) and the Chase (centre-console models ranging 7.5m-12.5m for high-performance applications). Specialized variants include the limited-edition R Edition with Mercury Racing engines achieving 60+ knots, the unique Projet combining jet ski and RIB technology, and fully customizable Commercial models for coastguard, military, and marine professionals. The company also offers premium restoration services and operates a separate Legend Range product line. Protectors serve diverse markets from superyacht tenders and racing support boats to search-and-rescue vessels, with global distribution through authorized dealers across USA, UK/Europe, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Protector Targa: High-performance RIB line featuring cabin models (310, 330, 380, 410 Targa) designed for tough luxury, comfort and versatility for both commercial and recreational use.
• Protector Chase
• Protector R Edition

Products and services

• Protector Targa Series Cabin RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) series with enclosed pilothouse designs ranging from 9m to 12.5m (310, 330, 380, 410 Targa). Targa offers spacious cabin layouts, hardtop options with sunroofs, enclosed standing heads, and entertainment features for commercial operators and serious recreational users.
• Protector Chase Series Centre-console RIB series ranging from 7.5m to 12.5m (250, 310, 330, 380, 410 Chase) designed for high-performance recreational and commercial applications including diving, fishing, superyacht tender use, and chase/support operations. Features expansive deck space, shock-mitigating seating, and optional triple outboard configurations.
• Protector R Edition High-performance limited edition Protector variants featuring twin Mercury Racing 400R V10 outboard engines, exclusive red-accented graphics, diamond-stitched upholstery, Mercury electric steering with joystick piloting, autopilot, bow thruster, and sky hook function. Top speeds exceed 60 knots.
• Protector Commercial Customizable commercial RIBs built for demanding professional operators including coastguard, military, police, customs, and marine professionals. Commercial models offer mission-specific equipment integration, various engine configurations up to 1,500hp, shock mitigation seating, and crew welfare amenities.
• Protector Projet A specialty RIB with Yamaha's most powerful production jetski integrated into its hull, combining the maneuverability and power of a jetski with the stability and safety of a RIB. Limited production of 14 units.
• Premium Restoration Services Premium restoration and refurbishment services including hull repairs, custom modifications, electronic upgrades, upholstery renewal, teak decking installation, and complete vessel transformations including Chase-to-Targa configurations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 25 years of vessels still operating - Itasca superyacht still using original 2000 Protector tenders
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ancasta GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 April 2022Rayglass Boats appointed Ancasta Group, Europe's largest yacht brokerage, as the official dealer for Protector boats in Europe. Ancasta has 22 offices throughout Europe with aftersales and commissioning departments. They represent leading brands including Beneteau, Bluegame, Prestige, Lagoon, CNB & McConaghy.
• NZ CoastguardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 September 2019Special collaboration between NZ Coastguard and America's Cup. Rayglass built 24 high-performance Protector RIBs on loan to America's Cup for regattas, then refitted for Coastguard patrol vessels nationwide. First manufacturer to join Coastguard Membership Partner Program - buyers get NZ Coastguard Membership included with purchase.
• Sail GPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Official Chase boat Suppliers to Sail GP since the inaugural season in 2018. Protectors used for team chase boats, media, course marshals and support vessels. Recently expanded partnership with order of 3 more Protector 330 Chases for expanded 12-team fleet.
• America's Cup / Emirates Team NZcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Official supplier to America's Cup since 2000 for umpire, patrol, photo and crowd control vessels. Supplier to multiple campaigns including Auckland 2000, Valencia 2007, San Francisco 2013, Bermuda 2017. Also official supplier to Emirates Team NZ for all campaigns.
• Mercury RacingcoreTechnology or IntegrationMercury Racing provides high-performance outboard engines for Protector boats. First boat in NZ to feature Mercury Racing 400R V10 engines. Other engine options include Mercury 450R supercharged engines. Mercury joystick, Skyhook and autopilot integration standard on many models.
• America's Cup EventscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial supplier for multiple Louis Vuitton and America's Cup events. Over 100 Protectors shipped to Valencia for 2007 event. Multiple events in Auckland, Valencia, San Francisco, and Bermuda.
• Ancasta Yacht Services (AYS)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWorked with AYS Project Manager Chris Date on custom superyacht tender builds. AYS provides final customisation touches and delivers vessels to European clients. Specialised in bespoke superyacht configurations including custom upholstery, synthetic teak decking, and equipment installations.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Highfield Boats: Manufactures aluminium-hull RIBs with a global dealer footprint. Competes with Protector's aluminium/hybrid RIB proposition across commercial and recreational segments.
• Axopar Boats: Finnish builder of performance adventure boats and RIB-style craft that target the same high-end recreational and commercial 'weekender/utility' buyer that Protector Chase/Targa is sold into.
• Williams Jet Tenders: Specialises in high-end RIB jet tenders for superyachts, occupying the same premium 'superyacht tender + serious recreational' niche Protector serves with its Targa/Chase ranges, including the Protector 380 Targa Mediterranean tender use case.
• Northstar RIBs: Builds premium RIBs (Adventure, Safari, Atlas lines) for commercial, military and recreational buyers, including chase boats for sailing events. Direct head-to-head with Protector in the high-performance RIB category.
• Zodiac Nautic: One of the original and largest global RIB manufacturers (military, professional and recreational). Comparable because Zodiac competes across both the high-volume commercial RIB segment and consumer leisure RIBs where Protector also plays.
• Sacs Boats: Italian RIB manufacturer producing performance and luxury RIBs for both recreational and superyacht-tender use, with a European dealer network overlap to Protector's Targa customer.
• RIBCRAFT: Professional-grade RIBs (rescue, patrol, military, charter), supplying coastguard/police around the world and competing directly with Protector's commercial / coastguard line.

Broad incumbents

• Boston Whaler: Owned by Brunswick Corporation (which Protector Boats' privacy-policy links to). Sells unsinkable hull boats and RIBs at scale across recreational and commercial segments; broader portfolio competitor with potential channel-conflict implications.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/protectorboats
• Instagraminstagram.com/protectorboats
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/protector-boats

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Protector Boats