Aluminium Rib - Your thoughts?

Oldskool · 02 March 2011, 22:44

Well I wouldnt say they were inflatable however they are pontoon boats... so are somewhat relevant.

I wanted to get some feedback on a NZ produced Aluminium Cat. Initial thoughts - positives and negatives that stick out?

Just doing a little market research as I'd love to bring a container load up (and keep one

) after a great few days messing around with one when I was last down.

Cheers for the feedback.

Olds

jyasaki · 02 March 2011, 22:58

There are a couple of manufacturers making similar boats: ACB (Aluminum Chambered Boats), and another New Zealand company (Stabi-craft? Something like that.)

A friend has one of the NZ boats; It is, as I recall, about 14 to 15 feet long, and powered by an outboard in the 60 hp range. Looks somewhat similar to your picture. He loves it.

Hmmm. A quick search shows that ACB has ceased production, and Stabicraft is building boats that look more like a standard hard boat (though I think they retain the airtight aluminum chambers.) I guess I'm not really adding much to the discussion...

jky

Poly · 02 March 2011, 23:08

I have a "rigid buoyant boat" albeit not made from ali.

The obvious advantage is the robustness of the tubes. There is another advantage on mine (which it looks like applies here too) - more internal space.

The potential disadvantages (a) its claimed that inflatable tubes act like a shock absorber in rough conditions (I'm not totally convinced it makes that much difference). (b) your rib friends (and spoilt teenagers who sail daddy's boat) will point and laugh.

SPR · 03 March 2011, 01:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

I have a "rigid buoyant boat" albeit not made from ali.
your rib friends (and spoilt teenagers who sail daddy's boat) will point and laugh.

But are you sure it was the boat and NOT you?

S,

Channel Ribs · 03 March 2011, 08:00

willk · 03 March 2011, 20:12

phiiiist, ouch!

Someone touched a nerve there

Poly · 03 March 2011, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

phiiiist

is that the sound your blow up boats make what you come alongside something sharp

Cookee · 04 March 2011, 08:19

And they'll need CE marking ............

Starovich · 04 March 2011, 08:44

cant quiet see where the "I" part is in rIb ?

Poly · 04 March 2011, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starovich

cant quiet see where the "I" part is in rIb ?

I think the OP is aware of that:

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool

Well I wouldnt say they were inflatable however they are pontoon boats... so are somewhat relevant.

You'll find them referred to as Rigid Buoyant Boats (RBBs) in some places.

I got a warm welcome here (a bit to my surprise) when I bought an RBB and joined here. They have some advantages, they may have some disadvantages. Feel free to speculate on what they might be. But just like every boat it is a compromise at the end of the day.

SPR · 04 March 2011, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

I think the OP is aware of that:

You'll find them referred to as Rigid Buoyant Boats (RBBs) in some places.

I got a warm welcome here (a bit to my surprise) when I bought an RBB and joined here. They have some advantages, they may have some disadvantages. Feel free to speculate on what they might be. But just like every boat it is a compromise at the end of the day.

I like your boat when I say it at the big swim last august, that day cost me £2000 ! had to get the Engine rebuilt on the car! I was thinking all benefits without the slashing and bashing...I thought good boat to leave in dinghy park, they put engine on when needed.

regards

S.

you coming down this year? 13 th August , I might not be as stressed...

regard

Poly · 04 March 2011, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPR

I like your boat when I say it at the big swim last august, that day cost me £2000 ! had to get the Engine rebuilt on the car!

youch! you were a little stressed!

Quote:

I was thinking all benefits without the slashing and bashing...I thought good boat to leave in dinghy park, they put engine on when needed.

and allegedly no antifouling if you keep it afloat - although I've not tried it.

Quote:

you coming down this year? 13 th August , I might not be as stressed...

I'll stick it in my diary.

Oldskool · 13 March 2011, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

And they'll need CE marking ............

Hey thanks for the comments. CE is fine - manufacturer has this lined up already. There was some comments about the ride.

Here is a couple of vids on youtube of the 'RBC'...for Cat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s1038ecTxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi4ptsILKwo

Cookee · 14 March 2011, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldskool

Hey thanks for the comments. CE is fine - manufacturer has this lined up already. There was some comments about the ride.

Here is a couple of vids on youtube of the 'RBC'...for Cat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s1038ecTxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi4ptsILKwo

They look like a lot of fun!

captnjack · 14 March 2011, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldskool

Well I wouldnt say they were inflatable however they are pontoon boats... so are somewhat relevant.

I wanted to get some feedback on a NZ produced Aluminium Cat. Initial thoughts - positives and negatives that stick out?

Just doing a little market research as I'd love to bring a container load up (and keep one

) after a great few days messing around with one when I was last down.

Cheers for the feedback.

Olds

You all really like your arches! They are rare over here.

Otherwise I am not sure what kind of feedback you're looking for? Its going to behave much more like a hard boat than a RIB unless you're swamping it.