Commercial Ribs - Which would you buy???

[wiggs]

Hi guys,

I am doing some research for buying a few ribs in the UK to bring to Australia. the rib market is fairly small here are although there are a few good options to purchase out here you need to sell everything you own to afford them.

we are looking at three main size categories for different uses and was wondering if anyone who has seen owned or used any of these boats previously can shed some light on these options.

we would like to stick to a single brand and some of the brands we are looking at are humber ribs & Ribcraft. From what i have heard read and researched they are pretty good options but if anyone has any other suggestions i would love to hear them.

sizes we are looking at are

4.8 - 5m basic boat with two person jockey console and some kind of towing arrangement, yacht club and harbour work as well as inland swift water rescue. with lifting points.

5.5-6m for light offshore work with twin and single engine set ups.

and 6.5-7m option for more heavy duty offshore work. twin engine set ups will be essential for these.

any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
we will be heading to the uk to test these ribs prior to purchase but at this stage i'm just gathering info on potential boats.

cheers

[passbhoy]

Check out MST ribs, we have a 6.8 with twin 140's and its an amazing rib !

[passbhoy]

http://www.mstltd.co.uk/ we have had 2 of these ribs for 5 years now and can't say a bad word about them ! Highly recommended

[biffer]

In my opinion a commercial rib is a ordinary boat that's been put together properly. It's layed up the same. Tubes the same.
You might want to refine your spec into what you want on and in it
There are a lot of things you can do to beef up the areas that wear the most. These are omitted from a normal build as its usually built to a price

[CoachRib]

Look at XS, have all that you seek at a reasonable price.

[Crusher]

I'm biased (only because I own one.. no other reason!), but having seen several different manufacturers boats, used in heavy continual and extended commercial use.... Ribcraft, Ribcraft and then Ribcraft
And proud to say British made too!!

[Turbodiesel]

Delta or Halmatic (if you can get Halmatic to build you one)

[jumpinjack]

You could check out red bay also, would have boats to meet each of the specs you mention.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Crusher

I'm biased (only because I own one.. no other reason!), but having seen several different manufacturers boats, used in heavy continual and extended commercial use.... Ribcraft, Ribcraft and then Ribcraft
And proud to say British made too!!

I'd Second that 100%! and I'm sure the Guys in Yeovil would be very happy to show you the Factory,and Manufacturing process,
If you check out the Different Boats Specs properly,they are Very informative

[waverider]

Hi, we run a Parker Baltic and are so pleased with it its an amazing bit of kit ours is a 10 meter but they have some under 7, take a look at the link.
PARKER RIBS

[Tony Hill]

You specifically mention Humber
Humber offer a wide range of RIBs. Whilst outfitting themselves Humber also have dedicated commercial outfitting at Quinquari Marine.
Quinquari, unlike other boat builders/outfitters, have their own passenger RIB/commercial RIB operations so see the issues and solve the practicalities from the user's perspective.
Contact John Price QuinQuari : Quinquari Marine

[Poly]

This strikes me as a slightly odd way to go about things. If I was seriously planning to resell commercial boats on the otherside of the world from the factory I would have an idea what I want then approach the manufacturers about being a reseller and getting discount. I am sure various people would be happy to discuss options depending on the level of commitment (sales volume with convincing evidence you will deliver it) you will carry.

There are some brands who really are at the tough end of commercial spec: delta, halmatic, mst etc. I think of these people as military and oil industry spec. They don't deal with the public and prices are telephone numbers so unlikely to be economical to import. There is then a middle layer which includes people like Redbay, ribcraft, parker who are more sensibly priced but still well enough put together for ordinary commercial use. Then there are others who might be more acceptable priced but possibly not finished to the standard you might want for daily use where something breaking stops you earning.

XS, Humber, and tornado would all be on my list if I was looking for a commercial styled boat on a tight budget. Valiant also do a 'patrol' range that would be worth a quick look.

If I was buying speculatively as a distant overseas reseller I would be looking at brands who would supply hulls and tubes for me to rig with engines, seating, consoles, electronics, A-frames etc once I had a buyer lined up. Then I would be looking to fit as many boats as possible in a shipping container.
Some brands are more open to that sort of deal than others.

[sib]

XS . Tough, no nonsense, value for money.

[Jacko2012]

Have a look at MST R.I.B's excellent quality, worked there, by far best commercial R.I.B builder in the country and competitive, great customer service also.

[Delta Rich]

Jacko2012 - Surname 'Abbot' by any chance?

[Turbodiesel]

Originally Posted by Delta Rich

Jacko2012 - Surname 'Abbot' by any chance?

Ha Ha

[Rogue Wave]

can you define commercial i.e what sort of work pleasure rides or bumping up against a ship/rig/windfarm pylon ettc.

[seafariskye]

XS ribs for commercial ------- haha -- you are funny

please please don't anyone mention Ribeye in this thread or I may have to get drunk for a week or give up boats altogether.

What about sevylor
Sevylor Caravelle 2 Person Inflatable Dinghy with Oars : Tooled-Up.com

last longer than the above.

pete

[wiggs]

out here commercial boats are recreational boats with foam filled hull and paperwork on glass lay-up.
its really not heavy duty stuff. occasionally you get boats wanting to tow fish farm nets or push barges but it is really quick response rescue style vessles.

cheers for all your input it has given me a few other manufacturers to look at.

[Steve_B]

Another vote for Parker's