London Boat Show or Rib Ex???

Poly · 04 January 2006, 20:38

My wife has presented me with a dilema - she suggested we might want to go to the London Boat Show next weekend. This is an uncharacteristic moment of nautical enthusiasm... ...here's the dilema though:

1. Is it worth travelling all the way down from Scotland for (would those of you in the deep south travel up here if we had something that scale and you didn't)? I'm not looking to buy a new boat and whilst I will possibly buy a few bits and pieces there won't be anything extravagent.

2. Would it be better (more fun? more interesting etc) to go to RibEx instead - presumably I will only get one trip that far south for no good reason!

Thanks in advance for the advice...

NEIL

Biggles · 04 January 2006, 20:54

Hi,

Dunno about the boat show but what I can recomend about RIBEX, which I doubt the Boatshow can offer, is some good trials out at sea on nice RIBS.

As regards buying bits and pieces such as chandlery it was a bit of a non starter last year. But seeing as your not really going for that I'd probably go to RIBEX.

No doubt some more words of wisdom will follow from fellow Ribbers.

Regards Nick R.

The Jackeens · 04 January 2006, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

My wife has presented me with a dilema - she suggested we might want to go to the London Boat Show next weekend. This is an uncharacteristic moment of nautical enthusiasm... ...here's the dilema though:

1. Is it worth travelling all the way down from Scotland for (would those of you in the deep south travel up here if we had something that scale and you didn't)? I'm not looking to buy a new boat and whilst I will possibly buy a few bits and pieces there won't be anything extravagent.

2. Would it be better (more fun? more interesting etc) to go to RibEx instead - presumably I will only get one trip that far south for no good reason!

Thanks in advance for the advice...

NEIL

Hi Neil

There's probably a bigger range of most things at the Boatshow with more entertainment for the whole family (exhibitions etc.)

And it's not as far for you (is the Edinburgh Flyer still running?)

BTW we'd travel to Scotland anytime and hope that the RIBnet Conference/Gathering/hooley takes place up there. Nothing to do with scale...just plain beauty. We have really enjoyed trips with JW and SW on the Firth for example.

Us

Richard B · 04 January 2006, 21:14

Neil, a good question!

They are very different events.... LBS at Excel is a big, glossy and very well presented event. The venue is huge, you can't really get around it in one day unless your really keen! It's crowded, quite expensive and of limited value, unless you have a big budget that you need to plan to spend. However, the long distance traveller does have one big advantage over those of us who live relatively close.... the best way to visit would be to fly in to London City Airport (the best view of Docklands you'll ever get on the approach!) and take the DLR (or a taxi) to the front door.

RIBex is a much smaller event, and although Hugo and Steve work hard to make this a showcase event for a cottage industry, it's fair to say that it can't match the professional glamour of the bigger London event (although many would say the the Pascoe girls match any of the glamour on show at Excel!) The location on the Isle of Wight a bit like being on the Isle of Arran (although a shorter water crossing), but RIBex is more of a social occasion as it's easy to meet up with people, and the environment more cordial, IMvHO. There are many manufacturer RIB demonstrations available on the water, and last year the BIBOA race teams did high speed demos on the race fleet (Cookee in "Bananashark" and Mel/Andy Wilby in "Cardinal Sin"). You'll also find many RIBnet members with their boats over at Cowes during the show and we have always enjoyed having both old and new friends aboard over the RIBex weekend. You can also fly to a local airport - Southampton. But book accomodation early if you intend to stay on the island, which I would recommend that you do.

IanE · 04 January 2006, 22:49

RIBEX FOR RIBS

If you want hardware or Gadgets/accessories then a Great range and some decent deals in excel . IMHO personal contact and hands on beats the internet for a lot of stuff .

codprawn · 05 January 2006, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

My wife has presented me with a dilema - she suggested we might want to go to the London Boat Show next weekend. This is an uncharacteristic moment of nautical enthusiasm... ...here's the dilema though:

1. Is it worth travelling all the way down from Scotland for (would those of you in the deep south travel up here if we had something that scale and you didn't)? I'm not looking to buy a new boat and whilst I will possibly buy a few bits and pieces there won't be anything extravagent.

2. Would it be better (more fun? more interesting etc) to go to RibEx instead - presumably I will only get one trip that far south for no good reason!

Thanks in advance for the advice...

NEIL

Isn't it obvious???

Go to the London show - it is an awesome day out - better still look for a bargain "city break" or similar - they often do specials which can be really good value.

Make sure she has a REALLY good time and then - a few months down the line - start some serious crawling in plenty of time for RIBEX - remind her how good a time you had in London blah blah blah!!!

Jimbob · 05 January 2006, 10:00

Actually its not so obvious this year

If you look at the boat manufactures you will see very few ribs this year, the likes of redbay and other are not there

So somebody else summed it up quite well

If its ribs your interested in only - ribex

If you want a good day out looking at all sorts of things the boat show

We are going because i like looking at anything to do with boating

bogib · 05 January 2006, 11:14

I am again for LBS next week, have been to most RIBEX shows apart from last year unfortunately as been pointed out LBS glossy and good to attend while RIBEX more kind of gathering and meeting loads of nice people and surely have a spin.......... and will have my new boat there in May for blasting about in the Solent.

So really both are worth attending both shows

Bogi

Andre · 05 January 2006, 13:47

Does anyone know the full postal address or postal code for the LBS cos not available on their web page and with the Underground not going on Sunday might be best to go by car with the help of TOM TOM

thanks
Andre

Richard B · 05 January 2006, 14:09

http://www.excel-london.co.uk/excelv...e/by_road.html

E16 1XL

Andre · 05 January 2006, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

http://www.excel-london.co.uk/excelv...e/by_road.html

E16 1XL

Thanks Richard

Poly · 05 January 2006, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Isn't it obvious???

Go to the London show - it is an awesome day out - better still look for a bargain "city break" or similar - they often do specials which can be really good value.

Make sure she has a REALLY good time and then - a few months down the line - start some serious crawling in plenty of time for RIBEX - remind her how good a time you had in London blah blah blah!!!

Surely only a woman could be that manipulative and devious?

codprawn · 05 January 2006, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Surely only a woman could be that manipulative and devious?

Nah I have learnt to beat her at her own game!!!