Folding RIB first impressions part one

[ShinyShoe]

Weimed ... Zodiac don't produce a folding rib they produce solid ribs and collapsible SIBs ... This product is a blend of the two. Don't compare an apple with a pear and complain that pears cost more than apples.

[weimed]

I made a mistake but its actually a achillies hp-300fx model which costs 3400

[chipko]

Originally Posted by weimed

A friend of mine inquired about the f330 model and was quoted 4000$. They have to be smoking crack if they think their boat are worth that.....but use thermoweld instead of the cheap hand glue.

So about the same price as over here then.
Sorry to hear of your Zodiac transom glue failure at only one year old - would not this have been covered under warranty - 2 years here in the UK.

[Ronaldj]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Weimed ... Zodiac don't produce a folding rib they produce solid ribs and collapsible SIBs ... This product is a blend of the two. Don't compare an apple with a pear and complain that pears cost more than apples.

In fact Zodiac produces. At least 3 different Ribs with foldable transoms
They make one they sell through Defender Marine that is PVC
They make one the sell through West Marine. PVC
They make one that the larger Zodiac dealers sell that comes in Hypalon and PVC. Same as the Achillies
I physically looked at this boat yesterday

None of these are on the Zodiac website
The Compact Cadet is however.

[philpot]

All I can suggest is sending an email to Steve Bruce, steve@foldablerib.com and then you will actually know for sure what is do-able, I just had a quick word with Steve who said it is quite possible to arrange, if it is too high a price, you can at least look for something else. If the Zodiac when folded comes down to a size which fits your needs, then you have local supply capability with local support and a winner, for me it would be too big for my requirements in storage and handling off the water, no fun getting older !!!!!

Phil

[Ronaldj]

Phil I understand exactly.
I really want to see a Winboat being moved folded by wheels.
For me it also comes down to being able to use the lightest possible outboard. 2 stroke outboards are taboo on this side of the pond. This has totally changed boating as the transoms have not caught up with the added 4 stroke weight.
I really want the Winboat and I will contact your guy.
Thanks for the info.


Weather permitting I will also go to my Zodiac dealer this week to let them show me how their boat can fit in my car or SUV.
I will take pictures

[philpot]

I will be fitting the launch wheels this week if my back is okay, hurt it this weekend, no fun when I have a new boat still in the box and I can't even open the box. When I have done the job although I am not fitting the same wheels as listed as accessories because I need larger diameter than currently available but I will take a few photo's for your reference.

Phil

[Ronaldj]

Thanks Phil
I'm really interested to see what wheels work for you as I will probably need the same wheels
How large of an outboard are you planing on using?

[philpot]

I have a 15hp 2 stroke and a 3.3hp 2 stroke. Actually just been looking at my launch wheels and I am beginning to wonder if they may be too long in the shaft to leave on the boat for handling off water folded but to be honest I bought a small folding sack cart for the job and at £30 it is cheap and easy to store.
HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE FOLDING CAR VAN BAR HAND TRUCK SACK TROLLEY CART PULL BARROW | eBay

With a 90kg capacity, it will easily move the F-Rib around, thinking about it it is a better plan for moving around at home and just pop the wheels on when I get to the venue.

Phil

[Fenlander]

>>> when I have a new boat still in the box

Hey now wait a minute.... you've bought one already??

[philpot]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>> when I have a new boat still in the box

Hey now wait a minute.... you've bought one already??

Okay, call me impetuous but my darling wife (just in case she reads this) said "why wait until you have sold your Excel, get it ordered" so I did. To be fair, we both agreed that this boat will do me better for the winter months and to go with it, I have treated myself to the cuddy again for the winter conditions.

I have to tell you this so you can have a chuckle
Friday, the F-Rib arrives, I needed to do the christmas shopping, now done

Saturday, I look at the box but I was helping my son in law to drive two trucks, now done

Saturday PM, the box is calling out to me but I have to get the Christmas trees and decorations out of the loft, now done

Sunday morning, the box is bursting at the seams to be opened but it will have to wait for this afternoon as I have the decorations to put up, now done

Sunday afternoon, just about ready to open the box when I was asked by daughter to get her an extension cable, with no more thought, I leaned over the box to reach a cable and put my back out, the box remained unopened.


At long last, I have just opened the box to let out my new F-Rib 330 and get some fresh air around her----------------my bloody back hurts, off to watch the TV and rest it a while. At this rate it will be Christmas before I get the launch wheels on and get her wet.

Phil

[weimed]

Hope you feel better phil!

[weimed]

My concern is, its rated for a 15hp 2 stroke or 4?? I have a 15hp 4 stroke mercury weight is 110lbs

[Fenlander]

Well done on the purchase Phil... I like a bit of decisive action. Backs are weird aren't they. You can (carefully) unload a boot full of building materials from the car OK then put it out bending down to pick up a biscuit from the coffee table.

I reckon the boat should be assembled in the living room so the appreciation can be shared in the warm.... but keep the guard up if you have an open fire.

Anyway very much looking forward to hearing more of how you get on with the F-rib over the weeks and months.

[philpot]

Originally Posted by weimed

My concern is, its rated for a 15hp 2 stroke or 4?? I have a 15hp 4 stroke mercury weight is 110lbs

I can only assume that quoted HP ratings are for 4 stroke motors but I will try to find out for you.


In the house fenlander, it is a cottage with lots of cosy little rooms, I think it would be a bit tight so I might try when I have the cottage to myself, or of course have someone there to protect me in case I am caught out !!!!

Phil

[ShinyShoe]

Originally Posted by Ronaldj

In fact Zodiac produces. At least 3 different Ribs with foldable transoms
They make one they sell through Defender Marine that is PVC
They make one the sell through West Marine. PVC
They make one that the larger Zodiac dealers sell that comes in Hypalon and PVC. Same as the Achillies
I physically looked at this boat yesterday

None of these are on the Zodiac website
The Compact Cadet is however.

But the hull doesn't fold. A 3.7m RIB needs a hull that must still be >3m one the tubes are down and the transom folded so what's the advantage?

[Ronaldj]

The advantage is
1. Storage
2. Weight
3. Portability , unit folds in size to a little less than 3 meters long and less than 1/2 meter high 1 meter wide (no trailer needed)

Disadvantage
The largest 4 stroke outboard you can use is 9.9
A 2 stroke can be larger due to the lessor weight.
Largest boat is 3.2 meters

[John Kennett]

I had one of the folding transom RIBs and was disappointed with it. Performance on the water was OK, but the very shallow V made for a harsh ride in anything other than very flat conditions. When packed up it was very unwieldy and almost impossible to move single handed without dragging it.

When I bought it I expected it to replace my Aerotec but it turned out to be less good in every way.

[John Kennett]

By the way, Steve Bruce has been in touch and is up for helping us get a group test together sometime which is great

[weimed]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

By the way, Steve Bruce has been in touch and is up for helping us get a group test together sometime which is great

Please document the test with video if possible. Don't get me wrong i like the winboat very much. I remember reading a post where someone was saying th v shaped hull goes plush with the boat towards the middle of the boat which is considered worse compared to a v shape that stretches through the entire hull. This is why i would love to see the performance of this boat in chop. This would really seal the deal for me and i will be ready to swipe my card