NSS Group has launched Novaq, a range of aluminium-hulled tenders and RIBs, with production scheduled to take place at a new facility in Olbia, Italy, in 2028.
The group presented its first prototype, the 3.5-metre Novaq Zero, at the Genoa Boat Show. Designed primarily for yachts and sailing boats, the compact tender combines a rigid aluminium hull with Hypalon-neoprene tubes.
NSS has distributed aluminium inflatable boats since 2013. Chief executive Simone Morelli said customer feedback influenced the move into design and manufacturing.
“We’ve been importing aluminium inflatable boats for 13 years,” he said.
“Through discussions with customers, we identified some aspects that could be improved. From there, the idea of creating our own product was born, with Italian design and technical solutions developed based on our accumulated experience.”
Configurable layouts
The Novaq Zero’s console integrates a multifunction display, GPS, electrical controls, battery management, audio, lighting and a wireless smartphone charger. An integrated fuel tank is intended to reduce clutter within the cockpit.
“The area we worked on the most was the console,” said Morelli. “On the 3.5-metre model, we tried to create a management system for the services normally found on a larger tender.”
Nss has extended the aft tubes to improve stability while passengers board and added a raised deck to help keep the interior drier in rough conditions.
The project was developed with designer Davide Cipriani and will offer configurable layouts to suit different parent yachts and operating requirements.
The planned range will comprise three ranges. Zero will cover compact tenders, Dolce Vita will form the middle line and GT will include larger, higher-performance models.
Initial boats are being built by an Italian-based industrial partner. NSS is also developing a three-hectare site in Olbia that will include aluminium hull construction, inflatable boat outfitting, customisation, catamaran fitting and refit work.
“The Olbia project is an important industrial step for us,” said Morelli. “The goal is to achieve fully Italian-made production of inflatable boats.”
