San Diego Boat show

[limeydal]

Seems RIBs are getting a little more coverage over here!
Boat show starts this thursday at the Convention center.

Piece from the local rag below,

The Affordability Pavilion, for example, features boats that can be financed for less than $250 a month. That doesn't limit the display to kayaks and rowboats.
“The display will include real boats,” said Kent Chamberlain of Hipp Marine. “There will be offshore fishing boats capable of handling choppy water, ski boats with sun tops and heavy-duty trailers . . . respectable boats.”
Even sailboats. And inflatables.
Even though many boaters would hesitate to identify inflatables as respectable boats because they're primarily used as work boats and tenders, some manufacturers are looking to alter that perspective.
“The view and uses of inflatables is definitely changing,” said Jim Behun of Everest Boats, which will be displaying Avon and Zodiac inflatables in the Affordability and Green Zone displays.
Avon has even developed an inflatable with a cabin.
“There are now inflatables that go up to 30 and 40 feet,” Behun said. “I've seen them used as ski boats. They are excellent fishing platforms.
“They are easier to tow and store. And because they ride on top of the water, they use about half the fuel of regular boats of equal size. They are a great boat for the times.”
And while these are difficult times, they are not impossible times


Will take the old camera and see what they have
cheers dal

[engarom]

I cant wait to see some new Ribs!!

[jyasaki]

Take pics if you can, guys.

SD's a bit too far for an afternoon visit.


jky

[no excuses]

Went to the Portland boat show and there was a few inflatables there, but the biggest was not over 5 meters. Really was quite dissapointing and the prices were not that good. Am looking for a motor for my 5.4SR but the prices were not much better then what I was quoted over the phone weeks before the show.

[limeydal]

I know! Last year I went and was really let down by the RIB presence (or lack of it !) So ,first time I have seen them mentioned in an article, so hoping for better.
Seem a little behind the times -
"Avon has even developed an inflatable with a cabin " woah !! hold the presses
They have some sail boats and rides on the water on site, so its a shame they dont have a few RIBs out there.Sure would attract a crowd then!
Here's the convention center its being held at, (Ignore the big saily thing in the foreground)
cheers dal

[dctucker]

Originally Posted by limeydal

I know! Last year I went and was really let down by the RIB presence (or lack of it !) So ,first time I have seen them mentioned in an article, so hoping for better.
Seem a little behind the times -
"Avon has even developed an inflatable with a cabin " woah !! hold the presses
They have some sail boats and rides on the water on site, so its a shame they dont have a few RIBs out there.Sure would attract a crowd then!
Here's the convention center its being held at, (Ignore the big saily thing in the foreground)
cheers dal

Tough to ignore that big saily thing!

Note, towed by one big RIB, with 3-4 others working as tugs to nudge it around apparently.

[prairie tuber]

I imagine that big saily thing would take some doing to right if it ever toppled.

[limeydal]

DC,
Actually had another large rib at the stern also! (below)
Probaly more RIBs on the water in one go ,than there will be at the boat show!!!
I was shooting from my RIB, so that counts also

And dont think they will have anything that big!

cheers dal