Selva Black Bass 8 and VIB 270: sea trial of a winning duo

Selva VIB 270: a compact and surprising tender

The Selva VIB 270 is 2.70 m long, with 43 cm tubes, and weighs just 26 kg. It is an extremely practical tender, distinguished by its high-pressure inflatable V-shaped keel: an innovative solution that offers the benefits of a V-shaped hull without the weight and bulk of a rigid keel. The build quality is excellent: five independent compartments (three in the tubes and two in the keel), strong fabrics, and well-finished details. The VIB 270 tender remained always in the water, towed for weeks, without showing any weakness. A behavior that confirms the quality of its design and materials.

Selva VIB 270 Technical Specs

Selva Black Bass 8: the lightest outboard in its class

The Black Bass 8 is a 165 cc single-cylinder, water-cooled engine, and at just 27 kg it is the lightest outboard in its category. This makes a real difference when handling it on board or mounting and dismounting it from the tender. The version we tested comes with electric start, a feature that eliminates the effort of the traditional pull cord: just turn the key, engage the gear, and you’re ready to go. The Black Bass 8 is also available with a long shaft, ideal for small sailboats or light craft, and in a robust work version, the Big Foot, with a reinforced lower unit for intensive use.

Selva Black Bass 8 and VIB 270 underway: stability, silence and emotions

Even at idle, the Black Bass 8 stands out for its quietness: water cooling reduces noise emissions and makes navigation extremely discreet. Maneuverability is excellent: the inflatable V-shaped keel allows for quick, precise turns, and the tender responds without hesitation. To get on plane, just one trick is needed: shift weight forward before accelerating. The result is immediate—within seconds the bow settles on the water and the boat moves fast and steady, even with two people on board.

We reached a top speed close to 15 knots, an impressive result for a tender of this size. The outboard’s power reserve is evident, as is the VIB 270’s ability to keep up: even in turns, even when crossing wakes, the tender stays dry, solid, and easy to handle. Transitioning from planing to displacement only requires smooth deceleration, preventing the stern wave from flowing back aboard. A simple maneuver that confirms the reliability and stability of this small but capable boat.

Range and freedom

The Black Bass 8 is powered by a separate fuel tank, ensuring greater range compared to traditional integrated-tank outboards. This translates into more time on the water, more range, and more freedom to explore without relying on the main boat. In three months of intensive use, we logged over 40 hours of navigation with the Black Bass 8.

Selva Black Bass 8 Technical Specs