Folks,
Thought it was about time to share my experience with a recent RIB revival. As a part time Dive Instructor and Abalone getter, I've owned numerous inflatables over the years. Zodiac Mark III and Mark V, Avon, Achilles to name a few. My most recent, a custom set-up Zodiac Mark V, met an untimely death on a highway at the hands of a drunk driver. Let's just say the 115hp motor and transom ended up on the other side of the 8 lane freeway in oncoming traffic...
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After a year wrangling with insurance and other accountable parties, I managed to put together enough $$ to get what I always wanted, a big 8m RIB. But where to start, they are scarce on the California North coast to say the least.
After a year of searching, came upon a tired 8m AB RIB about 7 hours drive away. Made the trek, negotiated a reasonable price given the age/condition, and drove it home. I knew it would need new tubes just to start...and although had no idea how (or where) to get that done, the revival process and research had already stared in my head. After 1.5 years, I have a boat that serves as a dive platform, fisher rig, pleasure craft and anytime rescue boat that turns heads everywhere she goes both on land and at sea. A total custom RIB and trailer package.
If you want details of who did some of the work or how it was done, just let me know. I'd be happy to share the details...
-Seacliff
FYI: Many additional remodel and finish pictures in my album. RE: Oceanus
Thanks folks!! RIB ON!!!
Oceanus
Zodiac
