marlin 298 review
Yacht · 30 ft (9 m) · Porto-Vecchio
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- marlin
- Model
- 298
- Length
- 30 ft (9 m)
- Guests
- 12
Verdict
The Marlin 298 is a spacious 30-foot RIB with strong offshore capability, flexible deck layout, and good everyday usability. It suits day cruising and charter use well, though running costs and purchase price are typical of a premium, high-spec boat.
Pros
- +Large 9.15 m / 30 ft platform with generous deck space
- +Wide beam and center-console layout aid movement at anchor and underway
- +Strong performance potential with single or twin outboard setups
- +CE Category B and offshore-oriented hull suit coastal cruising
- +Configurable with bathroom, sunbathing areas, and substantial storage
Cons
- −Fuel consumption can be significant with higher-power engines
- −Cabin comfort is limited versus cabin cruisers of similar length
- −High purchase and equipment costs compared with simpler RIBs
- −Draft and size can make marina handling less convenient in tight spaces
- −Best suited to day use and short trips rather than overnight cruising
The Marlin 298 is a large center-console RIB introduced in 2016, measuring about 9.15 m overall with a 2.95 m beam. Its design focuses on open-deck volume, practical storage, and a premium family/charter layout rather than interior accommodation. Public listings describe it as a trailerable, feature-rich boat with options such as a toilet compartment, sunpad areas, and substantial onboard systems.
On the water, the 298 is built for lively coastal cruising and offshore confidence rather than sedate displacement running. Available public tests and listings show a broad power range, commonly with twin outboards, and the hull is rated for CE Category B use. That points to strong speed potential, responsive handling, and the ability to carry a good passenger load with stability in rougher conditions for its size.
Comfort is good for a day boat: the cockpit is large, movement around the console is easy, and the layout works well for groups. Livability is limited by the absence of true cabin accommodation, so it is less suitable for overnight cruising than a cabin RIB or cruiser of similar length. Value is best judged by spec and use case: it is a well-built, capable premium RIB, but buyers should expect higher fuel, maintenance, and purchase costs than with simpler alternatives.
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