Does Anyone Own an INMAR RIB?

ddgtr · 02 October 2015, 05:54

Hi,

I have finally decided to purchase a 17'+ rib. Came across the INMAR brand. I called them, they said they use Orca Hypalon, they hulls are locally made and that many government agencies including the Sheriff are using Inmar ribs.

I am looking at their 17'2" version. Does anyone have any insight on how well they are made, how they handle rough water, etc?

Thanks!

ncp · 02 October 2015, 13:55

I'd love to know what agencies are using Inmar ribs. Most agencies splurge (with your money of course) on name brands.

office888 · 02 October 2015, 14:23

Take a look at the HIN plate. If it starts "CN-ABCD1234E516", then the country of origin is China.

My experience with most "budget" RIBs has been poor.

In this industry, you get what you pay for.

ddgtr · 02 October 2015, 15:06

They are out of San Diego. Not exactly cheap, but a bit more affordable than a Zodiac. I sent them an email requesting a picture of the HIN plate. Let's see what they say.

I can take a drive there and physically look at their operations, they offered to let me take one out for a test drive.

Here is a link to one of their official videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSL7kW9AXNg

I also heard that Zodiacs are made in China too. Is that true?

office888 · 02 October 2015, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddgtr

They are out of San Diego. Not exactly cheap, but a bit more affordable than a Zodiac. I sent them an email requesting a picture of the HIN plate. Let's see what they say.

I can take a drive there and physically look at their operations, they offered to let me take one out for a test drive.

Here is a link to one of their official videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSL7kW9AXNg

I also heard that Zodiacs are made in China too. Is that true?

Only the small boats now. Probably 90% of Zodiac's RIB lineup is produced domestically in Summerville, South Carolina. The high-end boats are made at their French factory in Tunisia I believe?

If you look at their HIN tags and inside the boat, you'll see it... US-XDC , "Proudly made in the USA"

tworotorturbo · 02 October 2015, 18:22

Hey it was nice meeting you. Those look like nice boats. They used to be "JP Marine" not too long ago. There should be a few threads on this forum about them as a few members here bought their Sibs. If you do drive down there, let us know what you see!

zip · 02 October 2015, 19:41

I believe within the last year or so there was a thread on here from a guy that had a less than positive experience with a warranty/quality issue with JP Marine, or maybe not.

ddgtr · 02 October 2015, 20:17

Got a response from them when I asked what government agencies they sell to. Here is the answer:THE LAST 520 RIBS WENT TO THE CLAY FIRE DEPARTMENT, CLAY NY
ROSTRAVER FIRE DEPARTMENT, ROSTRAVER, PN
MARINA DEL RAY SAILING AND YOUTH FOUNDATION

ddgtr · 02 October 2015, 20:26

And this:

USCG MIC NUMBER- IMG IS OUR CODE FOR INMAR INFLATABLES

ddgtr · 02 October 2015, 22:15

Just confirmed: the hull ID says US.

So, what do you guys think?

zip · 03 October 2015, 01:34

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/opinion...ine-43336.html

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/beware-...ats-68372.html

ddgtr · 03 October 2015, 02:50

Ok, that's NOT good...

ddgtr · 03 October 2015, 02:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by tworotorturbo

Hey it was nice meeting you. Those look like nice boats. They used to be "JP Marine" not too long ago. There should be a few threads on this forum about them as a few members here bought their Sibs. If you do drive down there, let us know what you see!

Justin, is that you?? It was nice meeting you, too. Let's keep in touch!
Danny

tworotorturbo · 03 October 2015, 04:16

Yes!

If you decide to go down south for a ride on the Inmar, maybe check out RIB4SALE.COM's 550 and ncp's Searider 5.4. Both should outlast any new rib.

ddgtr · 03 October 2015, 05:01

Thanks so much!

I've just tried rib4sale.com and the website appears to be out of commission. Could you give me a link to the searider 5.4, I tried googling ncp and came out empty...

tworotorturbo · 03 October 2015, 05:08

Sorry I should have clarified! Those are other forum members.

http://www.rib.net/forum/f47/2007-zodiac-srmn-550-with-efi-four-stroke-69940.html

and
http://www.rib.net/forum/f45/availab...nia-66873.html

ddgtr · 03 October 2015, 05:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by tworotorturbo

Sorry I should have clarified! Those are other forum members.

http://www.rib.net/forum/f47/2007-zodiac-srmn-550-with-efi-four-stroke-69940.html

and

http://www.rib.net/forum/f45/available-avon-5earider-5-4m-southern-california-66873.html

The second link takes me to the first one, the Zodiac... Sorry, can you resend? Thanks!!

tworotorturbo · 03 October 2015, 05:12

Ok I think I fixed it, try it now!

ddgtr · 03 October 2015, 05:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by tworotorturbo

Ok I think I fixed it, try it now!

Thanks!

So the first one, the 07 is a bit out of my range. I would have gotten yours if I had that cash available. About 13k is the most I can come up with right now. The reason I was looking at a new Inmar was the ability to finance the rest.

About the Searider: do you think that given its age, it would still be worth buying? Keeping in mind that I would be using it much like you, in the open ocean, where safety is a big concern? Those tubes appear to have lots of patches...

ncp · 03 October 2015, 05:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddgtr

About the Searider: do you think that given its age, it would still be worth buying? Keeping in mind that I would be using it much like you, in the open ocean, where safety is a big concern? Those tubes appear to have lots of patches...

Patches? There's only one there that I can think of.

They are the original hypalon but they were well made.