Hugo Andreae takes the brand-new Williams TurboJet MX range out on the water for a full sea trial
Williams has launched its all-new MX Turbojet range, designed to give existing boat owners a compelling reason to upgrade. Lighter, faster, and significantly more affordable than previous models, the new line-up debuted ahead of the Cannes and Southampton boat shows.
The Line-Up: MX 280 & MX 320
The range comprises two distinct tender models:
MX 280 (£17,299 inc VAT): Replacing the Minijet, this 2.79m craft retains the 60hp Rotax engine while introducing a 3cm wider beam, redesigned ride plate, updated sponsons, and fresh upholstery. Remarkably, negotiated supplier costs make it £700 cheaper than its predecessor.
MX 320 (£19,995 inc VAT): The headline act. Powered by a 90hp Rotax engine, the 3.19m tender seats up to four adults and one child. Crucially, at just 240kg, it is 85kg lighter than the 325 Turbojet—yielding a staggering power-to-weight ratio of 375hp per tonne.
On the Water Performance
At sea, the MX 320 delivers instant acceleration with zero lag between displacement and planing, hitting top speeds of 42 knots. Its ride plate prevents bow rise under sudden acceleration, while short tube fins provide crisp directional tracking. With direct steering requiring less than one full turn lock-to-lock, it behaves more like a high-powered go-kart on water than a conventional RIB.
To achieve its competitive price point (£8,375 less than the 325 Turbojet), Williams streamlined features by stripping back high-end trim like rotating backrests and bathing platforms. However, essential functionality—such as bow storage, towing eyes, optional bathing ladders, and removable helms—remains fully intact. For pure driving thrills under £20,000, the MX 320 sets a high benchmark for compact tenders.
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