| The River Thames in London is an exciting and | | | | boats such as a Princess V48 which can carry |
| vibrant highway meandering through the very | | | | up to 8 passengers in absolute luxury and |
| heart of the City. There are many sightseeing | | | | really is a sight to behold. |
| and party boats in London for hire, but until | | | | |
| recently those people after a more aggressive | | | | RIB's are very common both on inland |
| from of entertainment on the Thames simply | | | | waterways and around the coastline. They are |
| had no options. | | | | basically a speed boat deep 'V' hull with |
| | | | tubes around the side to add stability and |
| Over the past 2-3 years speed boats, RIB's | | | | safety. They have been used commercially for |
| (rigid inflatable speed boats) and even jet | | | | tasks such as support boats, dive boats, and |
| boats have started to appear on the river for | | | | high speed security applications for several |
| passenger carrying rather than just | | | | decades and are now common as leisure craft. |
| commercial and industrial use. These exotic | | | | The Thames RIB's are huge 10m beasts with |
| and expensive passenger boat versions are | | | | seating for 12 passengers offering a |
| often based on their commercial cousins which | | | | high-speed alternative to sightseeing on a |
| lends them to being strong, safe and hard | | | | traditional Thames passenger boat. |
| wearing in construction. The big difference | | | | |
| is really only in the pay load, as they are | | | | Jet boats are the most manoeuvrable of all |
| fitted with comfortable seating rather than | | | | the speed boats available for charter on the |
| guns, dive tanks or cranes! | | | | Thames. They can stop and spin on the spot |
| | | | and accelerate incredibly hard with powerful |
| Speed boats on the Thames come in all shapes | | | | mid-mounted engines and large jet drives. |
| and sizes, but small boats available to | | | | There are several sizes on the river catering |
| charter on the Thames are less common due to | | | | from 2-4 passengers and then the larger SAS |
| the cost per passenger and style of person | | | | style high-power versions capable of catering |
| usually wanting to charter them. There is a | | | | for up to 20 passengers. These high power jet |
| Fletcher Arrowhawk ski style boat which can | | | | boats are similar in style to those found on |
| carry up to 5 passengers. This was used in | | | | river's and rapids in Australia and New |
| the filming of the 1st series final of 'The | | | | Zealand so a real treat for Londoners |
| Apprentice'. It has a certain James Bond | | | | providing the ultimate in adrenaline rides |
| style feel to it. There are also larger power | | | | right on the door step. |