Folding Rib

calibra · 21 July 2015, 13:51

Hi

I'm not happy with my inflatable floor Sib, not matter what I do I can't get the floor feel solid.

I've decided I need a F-RIB. Does anyone own one?

I'm looking at the 360 or 375. Are they really what they are cracked up to be? Do you feel safe going out to sea on it?

I do hear overall they are far easier and quicker to set up than my SIB

James

Mickhitchuk · 21 July 2015, 14:37

A member on here philpot, i think his name was. Had one and seemed to rave about it, have you tried a search?

blootac · 21 July 2015, 14:44

Hi Calibra,
A few people have them on here, Philpot has the 330 I believe, and Wozizname has a 360.

I've been in the 375 and with a 20hp went like the proverbial. I was very impressed but had a few very small concerns of my own that the owners don't share.

There was a very long thread here http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/folding...one-65691.html that philpot wrote.

There are also youtube videos (in 3 parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

blootac · 21 July 2015, 14:51

John K also said that he was organising a comparison between the bombard and the f-rib although I never saw the results. Try doing a search on here and Google and loads turns up on them.

calibra · 21 July 2015, 15:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickhitchuk

A member on here philpot, i think his name was. Had one and seemed to rave about it, have you tried a search?

Hi

I started going thought the thread named Folding RIB first impressions part one but there is loads of things to go through lol

James

calibra · 21 July 2015, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by blootac

Hi Calibra,
A few people have them on here, Philpot has the 330 I believe, and Wozizname has a 360.

I've been in the 375 and with a 20hp went like the proverbial. I was very impressed but had a few very small concerns of my own that the owners don't share.

Thanks for the videos. I don't know how I missed those on you tube.
Off to watch them now

blootac · 21 July 2015, 15:50

The videos make it look flat, it certainly wasn't.

The f-rib cut right through the chop and there was no water inside at all. I on the other hand had a permanent inch of brine swishing around my ankles!

The feeling of the hard hull vs the fabric hull was amazing. It was so slippery in comparison and you barely needed any throttle to move.

John Kennett · 21 July 2015, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by blootac

John K also said that he was organising a comparison between the bombard and the f-rib although I never saw the results. Try doing a search on here and Google and loads turns up on them.

I had planned to do a group test to include an F-RIB, Ribeye TS370, Highfield CL380 as well as an Aerotec and possibly a couple of other inflatables.

Steve Bruce who imports the F-RIB was really keen and although Ribeye and Highfield initially said they would take part they unfortunately pulled out which put paid to the idea.

I haven't got round to doing anything with F-RIB yet but if any of the Aerotec owners here fancy a day playing with an F-RIB in the Solent I am sure that Steve would be up for it. He's based at Hamble Point Marina and contact details are on his web site Home

blootac · 21 July 2015, 18:52

Aww that's a shame. Would have loved to find out more about the highfield CL380!

John Kennett · 21 July 2015, 19:46

Me too. I think those little lightweight ali RIBs have a lot of potential as a step up from an inflatable. I don't know anyone who's actually used one though.

beamishken · 21 July 2015, 19:51

We use a 280 ribeye aluminium hull rib as a tender in place of the same size air floor & it's lighter & faster than the air deck it does 15mph with a 5hp yamaha I can only assume the larger ones are equally as good

philpot · 27 July 2015, 20:43

Calibra, you are a long way from me if I am not mistaken otherwise you are welcome to come and have a go in my 330 / 15hp but in fact you are much closer to Frib sales office so I would contact Steve and arrange a test with the one you fancy. Steve is very helpful so I don't think you will have any problem there.

Oh yes, I love my 330

Phil

calibra · 31 July 2015, 11:37

Hi

Thanks for the offer allowing me to have a ride. I'm too far away :-(
I am glad you like your F-Rib. Can I ask why you went for the 330 over the 360?

How are you finding the floor? I quite like a soft flat floor to lay across and catch some sun rays lol

James

philpot · 04 August 2015, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by calibra

Hi

Thanks for the offer allowing me to have a ride. I'm too far away :-(
I am glad you like your F-Rib. Can I ask why you went for the 330 over the 360?

How are you finding the floor? I quite like a soft flat floor to lay across and catch some sun rays lol

James

Sorry for the delay James, computer hub problems but now sorted.

I chose the 330 for two reasons, firstly, the weight for me to handle on my own and the size folded to fit in my car. Secondly, the space is enough for both my fishing and also family trips.
The performance impressed me with my 15hp so I looked no further.

The floor is not ideal for sunbathing but I don't sunbath so not an issue however it is great to stand up on as I do for much of my pike fishing.

Phil