SACS Rebel 50 | G

Established in 1989, Italian yacht builder SACS Marine has made a global name for itself by creating unique vessels which, in its words, combine the comforts of a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RIB) with the opulence of a luxury yacht.

Based in Milan, the company offers four models in the US with its exclusive distributor, Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, including both inboard and outboard power options.

I was recently standing on the dock at Jefferson Beach when Captain Matt Ginsburg rounded the corner in the brand-new SACS Rebel 50 | G and cruised down the fairway to pick me up for a test ride. Talk about making an entrance — everyone who saw the boat sliding up commented on its striking appearance. Our boat featured a glistening white hull with deep black accents, including the big hullside windows. As it drew nearer, its beautiful teak deck and swim platform came into view, providing an eye-catching contrast to the white hull and structure.

The 2025 Rebel 50 | G represents the latest in a series of innovative designs which the company describes as a “fusion between Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.” Both elements are immediately and clearly visible in the Rebel 50 | G, both inside and out.

At just over 50 feet in length and with a 16.5-foot beam, the Rebel is a lot of boat. However, the 50-footer manages to pull off a “stout, stylish, sleek” mix that stands out from the crowd.

“Owning the SACS Rebel 50 isn’t just about having a boat, it’s about making a statement,” said Ginsberg. “This isn’t a vessel for someone who just wants to blend in. It’s for the bold, the unapologetic, the ones who believe the journey should be just as thrilling as the destination.”

Dare to be different

When you see the Rebel 50 | G for the first time, your eyes are immediately drawn to the sides of boat, where the hull shows its most unique design element. You would expect the Rebel to share some DNA with SACS’s other rigid inflatable models, and it does. Sort of.

What sets the Rebel 50 | G apart is the unique use of D-shaped, foam-filled tubes. Known as D-fender tubes, these Hypalon-covered sections on the fiberglass hull sides provide several unique advantages over a traditional glass-only hull.

The first, and most obvious, advantage is an added level of impact protection. Nudge the dock and the Rebel’s D-fender tubes provide greater resistance to scratches and gouges than a traditional hard fiberglass hull would. If an ill-timed gust of wind leads to making contact with another boat, there is unlikely to be any hard feelings or serious discussions between captains with the D-fender tubes helping to cushion the impact.

The other, less obvious advantage created by the D-fender hull sides is an increase in buoyancy. When the boat rocks, the foam-filled tubes act as dampeners, reducing roll whether the boat is underway or at rest.

While the foam-filled D-fender tubes might be the most innovative design feature on the 2025 SACS Rebel 50 | G, that’s only the start on a boat that has so much more to love.

Our test boat’s dual side-entry doors and dual access from the huge hydraulic swim platform made it easy to step aboard the Rebel 50 | G. Once onboard, the spacious aft deck invites you to settle in with its large U-lounge and adjustable teak table, creating a great space for drinks or meals al fresco. Or, stretch out on the spacious aft sunpad that overlooks the stern and work on that Mediterranean tan.

The great indoors

Walkways on either side of the boat lead forward to the bow, where contoured seating and another large sunpad covering the cabin top await.

Heading inside, sliding entry doors and retractable windows along both sides create a bright, airy salon that feels like the perfect blend of interior and exterior space. Here we find another design innovation. Instead of using the traditional retractable panel, the sunroof on the Rebel 50 | G opens like a louvered window, making it easy to adjust the incoming light and airflow while allowing for a larger overall opening.

Below, SACS made great use of the available space while still maintaining the boat’s sporty profile. The test boat cabin included a port-side galley and starboard-side head. Forward, the wide main cabin features a surprising amount of headroom in a space that’s brightly lit by the large hullside windows.

Aft, the full-width guest cabin is also surprisingly roomy, and also flooded with light. The twin bunks can be converted to a double with an optional feature.

Back up top, the test boat’s helm, control, navigation and running information is presented by  Volvo’s glass-cockpit and twin Garmin touchscreens. The test boat came with two bucket seats, but a third bucket or bench seat is optional.

With standard features that include a bow thruster, a joystick, an anchor windlass and a garage, the Rebel 50 | G is very nicely equipped right out of the box. However, there is no shortage of options available to allow endless personalization.

Put the hammer down

As we left the dock for our test ride, I immediately noticed how quiet the boat was underway. Once out on Lake Michigan, Captain Matt throttled up the twin Volvo Penta IPS950s and the 50-footer responded quickly and with very little bow rise.

On plane, the Rebel 50 | G cruised comfortably at 30 mph, while wide- open throttle pushed the boat to a very respectable 38 mph. Although Lake Michigan was nearly flat calm during our sea trail, Captain Matt was able to stir things up with the boat’s own wake so I could get a better taste of the ride, which was consistently soft, dry and quiet.

“With twin 725-horsepower engines, she tops out at over 38 mph, and her styling is sharp enough to stop traffic,” said Ginsberg.

“The Rebel 50 isn’t here to play nice — it’s here to rewrite the rules of what a luxury RIB can be.”