A LAND Rover specialist based in Thirsk has taken to the waves after launching a new marine arm of the thriving business.

Twisted Automotive is already known internationally for creating high-spec modified Land Rover Defenders and it has officially launched its sister business, Twisted Marine.

It unveiled its first high performance luxury Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), at this week's British Motor Yacht Show.

The Twisted T450 RIB represents the flagship model in their line-up of high-performance vessels.

At 29ft long, it boasts 450 BHP and retails from £179,950.

Already attracting interest from around the globe, the T450 RIB is available to view at the Swanwick-based boat show this week and during the weekend until the June 19.

Labelled the 'defender of the seas', the new British-made and designed Twisted T450 is powered by twin Mercury 225HP V6 Verado outboard motors.

Their set up is unique with custom Twisted machined rigging hardware, inspired from the powerboat racing world and offshore performance propellers.

The electronics are a bespoke package provided by Simrad Yachting and feature the all new NSX 9" displays with a custom Twisted interface currently in development.

Comfort is provided onboard with bespoke Twisted upholstery, with the helm seats featuring inbuilt suspension to lower fatigue during longer sea passages.

Forward and aft deck areas include a wrap-around U-shape sofa with pop out teak table making a perfect dining area at anchor.

The tube design mimics the Twisted Land Rover Defender striping and the design engineers have spent over 400 hours dialling in the vessel, fine tuning the set up and onboard features.

Twisted founder Charles Fawcett said: "It's a natural progression to take what we know about Land Rover Defender craftsmanship, design, engineering, attention to detail and apply it to another exceptional, custom-built vehicle that's created for adventure.

"The T450 is based on an 8.7m Deep Vee performance British designed RIB, upon which Twisted breathe over every element of design and engineering.

"This creates a 70-plus mph vessel whilst also returning great fuel economy at cruising speeds.

"The drive is dynamic and reassuring it's a true joy to drive both fast, for cruising and in rough weather."

The T450 marks the first of a line-up of Twisted Marine product with further RIB sizes available.

Later in the year, a new adventure-inspired sports boat range will also be joining the Twisted Marine stable.

Each craft is hand-rigged in Devon and can be tailored to each customer's exacting specification.

The T450 is available now for demonstration with a limited number of build slots available.