Gemini Ribs

Mark Babbe · 23 October 2007, 12:09

Does anyone know much about Gemini Ribs. I think they are made in SA but they seem one of the most popular brands here in Perth Australia.

I am looking for one about 6 meters in length so that i can tow it pretty easily and launching will not be too stressfull.

Any imput anyone has would be appreciated.

I am trying to get a sea trial on one so will report back when/if i have.

The six meter retails at around $Aus 55,000 so that is around GBP 22,000. Problem is if you earn aussie this is actually still quite allot.

Major problem here is there is no real second hand market so you sort of have to go new.

Look forward to your responses

prairie tuber · 23 October 2007, 14:46

Sounds like your looking at the Waverider 600.

http://www.gemini-inflatables.com/in...commercial.asp

While I have no experience with their RIBs, I do have one one of their 4.7 m catamaran SIBs and it is extremely well built. Excellent workmanship throughout. If you are doing a custom order, be prepared for a pretty substantial lead time. If you have the opportunity to sea trial a few of their models, be sure to also check out their Dive 530 (with the highjacker option) to see how it compares to the RIBs of similar length.

RIVA · 23 October 2007, 14:52

yes made in south africa , distributed by a Australian company ,

Biggles · 23 October 2007, 15:18

I once had a go on a Gemini 550 and was most impressed with its sturdiness. And with a 90 on the back it was pretty fast.

Genie · 23 October 2007, 19:42

Sorry to digress, but had to say hello to you Mark, from one donkey to another!
I bet it's a darn site warmer down there then yer, mon viar!
Good luck with sorting the RIB out - I'm sure you'll have lots of fun down there!
Tchiri
Rob

Idrian · 24 October 2007, 11:29

Hi Mark,

i think that I own the only Gemini 550 in whole Germany. They are quiet rare.

I am very lucky with my Rib. It is motorized with a Yamaha 85 two stroke.
Though I look for a new engine (Optimax or E-Tec 115) the boat is not underpowered with 85 hp. Max speed is about 36 mph.

Greetz from Germany

Idrian

Idrian · 24 October 2007, 12:43

forgot a pic.....

Mark Babbe · 25 October 2007, 01:21

Firstly a hello to all the Guernsey folk out there. Watched the England rugby match in Oz with a Guernsey flag next to me, i wonder if anyone wondered what the gold cross in the centre of the St Georges cross was. No one stopped to ask.

Not much luck on sea trial of the Gemini 600 i was talking about as the dealer said we can organise a sea trial but it will be on the Gold coast, just a few thousand miles away.

Sort of thinking now that as my future here is relatively uncertain maybe something like a Thundercat may be a better option, cheaper to buy, run and probably easier to get rid of if i leave.

Will still hassle the Gemini lot to see what comes up, what deals they can offer and what sea trials i can go on.

Ribs in this part of the world are expensive thats for sure.

The Jackeens · 25 October 2007, 08:27

Mark we once had a Gemini 505 and we had some great outings, always feeling safe and able to get home even in hairy conditions!

As far as we recall Gemini RIBS were also used in SAR in SA.

Zebedee was a lot of fun

The aluminium keel guard was a great feature and we could beach with peace of mind all over the Solent.

Kathleen & Paul

Apherel · 25 October 2007, 12:59

May not be at all what you are looking for, but is a lot cheaper! A 10 yr old 5.6m avon with a 130 yam, probably done a bit of work as it has been in survey.

There are quite a few Geminis over this side but that won't help you much either!

http://yachthub.com/index.html?page=....html?de=27375