Is Ribex worth going to?

bingomike · 10 May 2011, 22:51

Is Ribex still worth the effort/expense to go to?

If so which is the better day?

And finally, I seem to remember there was a rib taxi running from Portsmouth direct to the show, is that happening this year?

Mike

John Kennett · 11 May 2011, 10:04

It's a good social event if there are people you want to meet up with.

It's also good if you're actually thinking of buying a new RIB and want to have a look at a good selection of boats. You can normally get a few rides out in boats, but if you're a serious buyer you should also be able to arrange a proper sea trial.

It doesn't tend to be quite so good for casual visitors as it's not like a big boat show with loads of stuff to just gawp at, and the shopping opportunities tend to be a bit limited. However, it's only £4.50 to get in so even if you only go for an hour or two it's well worth building in to a day trip to the island.

I'm going on Friday and will post some photos in the evening.

boristhebold · 11 May 2011, 11:11

Im intending to go on Friday. It's not a huge show but definately worth while having a look at new boats etc. Plus Cowes itself is good to look around if your after any clothing or gear, lots of shops selling boating things. There is plenty to do and see in Cowes to keep other half occupied while your looking at boats.

Ribshop · 13 May 2011, 09:03

Due to low visitor numbers last year we have chosen not to exhibit at Ribex 2011.
Instead we are offering free standard delivery for the duration of the show.

John Kennett · 13 May 2011, 19:39

I went today, and it's clear that the industry is having a very difficult time at the moment. I had a chat with Hugo who reckons they are 20% down on last year. To be honest it looks more like 50% and there are a lot fewer RIBs being exhibited than last year.

However, it's better than ever to visit by boat as the visitor moorings are in the main marina with the rest of the show. Visiting boats are charged £12 which includes 1 admission ticket and 1 hog roast - they're worth £9 combined, so it's effectively only £3 for a day's mooring in a prime Cowes location!

The weather forecast for the weekend is great, so what better excuse for a run out to the island?

Hightower · 13 May 2011, 20:00

If you're looking for a RIB package, then great!

If you're looking for stands, bits and pieces to buy, then not so great

Even the social side of things haven't been great lately and I keep thinking back to the days when we had round the island cruises and speaches from Mr Priddy.

I've been very disapointed with RIBEX in recent years, to the point I'll be giving it a miss until I see signs that its starting to get back to the good old days or am buying a new RIB.

I'll be going to the RIB and Sports boat show in Southampton instead.

John Kennett · 13 May 2011, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Even the social side of things haven't been great lately and I keep thinking back to the days when we had round the island cruises and speaches from Mr Priddy.

Alan was there, giving speeches to anyone who would stand still long enough

A round the island cruise would actually be the perfect accompaniment to a visit to RIBEX this weekend. Maybe you might find a few takers?

Quote:

I've been very disapointed with RIBEX in recent years, to the point I'll be giving it a miss until I see signs that its starting to get back to the good old days or am buying a new RIB.

I'll be going to the RIB and Sports boat show in Southampton instead.

I've not been to the RIB and Sports Boat Show recently, but I don't think the number of RIBs on display comes close to RIBEX does it? RIBEX may not be perfect, but I reckon you'll miss it when it's gone!

bingomike · 13 May 2011, 22:08

I went today, reasonable selection of Ribs of varying sizes and types.

Visitor numbers very low, the number of exhibitors was low too.

With the low number of visitors you would have thought customers would be top priority, but this was not so on most of the stands with a few notable exceptions.

as mentioned by others earlier in the thread, it is worth going for a couple of hours and then explore some of the sights to be had on the Island

Mike

Alan Priddy · 14 May 2011, 13:44

Just got back after going over yesterday, it took this long to sober up.
What ever you have to say about RIBEX, Hugo does try to put on a good show. There will always be the argument that it is too far away or costs too much to exhibit etc etc but as far as a"Rib Gathering" goes it is at the top of the list. It has to be apcceted that events cost money and I would hate to think how much this years "Social" event cost to put on. Last nights open air concert was Brilliant. The band were Rocking and although the numbers were on the low side, everyone had an excelent time. I am guessing that if there wasnt RIBEX someone would want to hold one. Hopefully it will continue and perhaps it might be the time for the RIBNET team to join forces with Hugo and turn it into a good old shin dig for next year? just a thought.
Alan P slightly more sober than he was last night

boristhebold · 14 May 2011, 19:07

I went on Friday, it was very quiet, not much to see was disappointed, however did have a good look at a new scorpion very nice.

Andy Moore · 15 May 2011, 10:28

I live in Cowes and I'm not bothering to go. Last year was a waste of time, IMO.

I can't really see the point of making it RIBfest either. I don't associate RIBing with music. I suspect a bit of ego-massaging (Swans In Flight) going on. :

I agree to us (RIB.net) getting involved and having a more informal meet-up. My brother organises an informal Caterham 7 meet on the Island every year and people LOVE IT. 90 cars this year.

Andy

biffer · 15 May 2011, 11:32

a good few of us already have meets, but by the time you've arrange a date that everybody agree's to you've lost the will to live, my dogs having a shampoo that day, i'm watching something on tele, not heard of i player yet, my wife can't make that day, i'm waiting for a parcel from ebay or what ever, i agree we are a long time dead and need to do more, i've already done cherbourg and doing geurnsey in july, a week in june cruising about, of coarse local stuff happens the whole year round, it's the last freedom i have without anybody getting in my way and i'm going to do more this year, i'll post them when i'm going and you're welcome to come but i'm not altering any dates, priory bay springs to mind, when you all agree a date on that let me know

Alan Priddy · 15 May 2011, 11:36

I am off Ribbing in Croatia for a week next Saturday. 19 of us going including Dr Falkowski!!!!!! Anything might happen and probably will!!! Alan P

John Kennett · 15 May 2011, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

priory bay springs to mind, when you all agree a date on that let me know

Keep up biffer! The dates were set a couple of days ago - 18/19 June

Does that fit into your dog shampooing schedule?

biffer · 15 May 2011, 16:38

Ah ha. Got fed up with the back and forth. I'll be out the Sunday. Having my Brazilian restrmmered on the saturday

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

C2 RIBS · 20 May 2011, 19:27

Here is the official response about RIBEX- please dont shoot the messenger I just found it.
Cowes Online - RIBEX and Ribfest round-up

martini · 20 May 2011, 19:53

Quote:

In addition, Solent RIBS secured the opportunity to supply RIBs for the London 2012 Olympics as a direct result of the show.

Whatever.

Cookee · 21 May 2011, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Priddy

I am off Ribbing in Croatia for a week next Saturday. 19 of us going including Dr Falkowski!!!!!! Anything might happen and probably will!!! Alan P

Anything involving Jan is unpredictable to say the least!

tim griffin · 21 May 2011, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

Whatever.

Was that Solent Ribs the builders or Solent Ribs the charter company thought it was the charter company?

Went their late Sunday 1430 and asked how much to go in for the last couple of hours £3.00 as opposed to £4.50.
Left it phoned a mate who was in their and he said save your cash so I did .
Appears did not miss much .
Tim

SOLENTER · 23 May 2011, 00:11

Also had a look on sunday arfternoon and parted with the cash only to have some stupid woman try to attach a rist band to me i dont think so
Once inside it became clear that the stands were down on last year
Wonderd over to the sea wall to look down at the jetties and that was the same story
If not for the visitors boats on the far side things would of looked a lot thiner

Rather sad really to see it because it could be a lot better arfter all there is plenty of room for chandlers stands and nautical nick nacks right back to gates where you walk in
So come on Mr Monty Swan pull your bloody finger out and lets have a proper boat show

So Tim you were the wise one and i the disappointed one

MARTYN