Easter European RIB producers (Maestral)

[cooljunk8]

I am looking into the possibility of buying hypalon made RIB in Croatia where I have a holiday apartment.

Have you guys heared of RIB producer called Maestral?
Maestral 460 - Maestral

I suppose the quality of production is not as high as well established brand in the west, but this company uses hypalon and has quite a long history of producing RIB from former Yugoslav era.

The price is around 5000 Euro for 4.6m with console, and according to the local guys, it is easy and cheap to maintain and repair if necessary since they produce in Croatia.

Let me know what you guys think about Maestral or other new producers from Eastern Europe in general.

[Rokraider]

i don't know anything about them,but just because they are not a large mass producer, doesn't mean that the boats may be poorer quality. I take the view that small companies where the product is probably hand built and the boss of the company may still be working on the shop floor, may be better than a mass produced get out quick company. As long as the basic design is good to start with and the staff are proud of their work, you may be ok. best thing is to go and see the factory and judge it for yourself.

[steco1958]

Send them an email, get them to give you a tour of the factory, or a review of the rib on the water when you are over there, must say from the brochure they look very nice

[Landlockedpirate]

Maestral have been around for at least 30 years but as a Sib rather than Rib manufacturer.They actually had an air floor sib back in the 70's, but it was low pressure and more like a trampoline than a floor

I presume they company has changed a lot over time, but they must have learnt a thing or two about building boats over the years.

Theres a Ribnet thread on them :

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/maestral-5-a-35637.html

Sorry I have no knowledge of the modern Ribs, but at least you know they have history and experience.