Powerboat & Rib Magazine

[John Kennett]

I've been thinking about sorting out some proper professional boat tests for a few years now. We could do it well, but it wouldn't be cheap and I haven't worked out how to make it pay its way. If anyone has any bright ideas feel free to pitch in!

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

I think the only thing we don't get on Rib.net is an analytical "professional" evaluation of bot trials - yes I know some would say you don't get those in printed press either.

How about a new forum on here - maybe with a standard evaluation report where ribnetters could submit their reviews of tested boats. alternatively a number us could claim to me maritime journalists and spends days burning manufacturer's petrol then write up a standard evaluation - it seems to work for some a full time job.

Even more scary there could be a ribnet panel who evaluate & test new boats....nominations / dis-nominations please.

Matt h and Poly would give a certain....'Balance' to the Testing/Reveiws!

[Nos4r2]

I'll do it!

[Cookee]

As a boat builder, powerboat racer and journalist (ex Sportsboat mag) I reckon I might be on the list somewhere!

[lakelandterrier]

Originally Posted by Cookee

As a boat builder, powerboat racer and journalist (ex Sportsboat mag) I reckon I might be on the list somewhere!

I think that might be too "professional" a qualification

I like the Poly / Matt H combination

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by Cookee

As a boat builder, powerboat racer and journalist (ex Sportsboat mag) I reckon I might be on the list somewhere!

No reviewing for you, overqualified!!!

[willk]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

alternatively a number us could claim to me maritime journalists and spends days burning manufacturer's petrol then write up a standard evaluation - it seems to work for some a full time job.

Even more scary there could be a ribnet panel who evaluate & test new boats

[mick]

We already have the Flying Test Monkeys on the team ain't that enough

[AJ.]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Matt h and Poly would give a certain....'Balance' to the Testing/Reveiws!

Ha ha the James May and Clarkson of the rib world. Poly would provide all the stats and Matt would just want to do donuts and go wave jumping.......brilliant idea!

[Ian M]

I used to have a bike racing column, happy to add my professionalism to the odd Scorpion, Hunton, Goldfish review

[landlord]

Originally Posted by AJ.

Ha ha the James May and Clarkson of the rib world. Poly would provide all the stats and Matt would just want to do donuts and go wave jumping.......brilliant idea!

Would have thought more like

James May - Poly

Richard Hammond - matt h

Clarkson - Pikey Dave

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

I've been thinking about sorting out some proper professional boat tests for a few years now. We could do it well, but it wouldn't be cheap and I haven't worked out how to make it pay its way. If anyone has any bright ideas feel free to pitch in!

Most of the UK boat builders and importers know Ribnet and have some interaction on threads raised from time to time. I also know in the past that its possible for 'trade related articles' to turn sour as members offer up their own opinions, and it quickly turns 'off topic'. That may be part of the reason we don't hear more from them?

One thing I'd avoid is pitching boats against boats, such as <5m boat tests, etc. Simply test the chosen boat itself based on its own merits, and not in a class which inevitably creates problems.

Like the idea of a panel (made up of members from a geographic area) that could test the boat and write a summary based on certain criteria, such as ease of launch, engine, looks, handling, equipment level, etc. You'll need a photographer, the boat of course, fuel for the day, insurance, lunch (members can bring their own...)

Graphics wise, these things could be branded to differentiate them from other articles. You could also upload Gopro videos that have had the 'Whisper' edit treatment. All good stuff.

[matt h]

Ha Ha would enjoy that.. Im sure this would all work.
Ideally testing different demo and used "readers wives" boats boats from different locations with a rotation of non professional testers which would result in a un-biased write up's of such craft,covering fixtures, fittings, and also sea trials in different weather conditions. not just flat calm waters..

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by landlord

Would have thought more like

James May - Poly

Richard Hammond - matt h

Clarkson - Pikey Dave

I've been called worse Somebody once said I was a socialist at least that's what I think he said, it ended in "ist" anyway
I'd be more than happy to give a fair, well balanced, un-biased view on any boat/engine/product.

[vjmehra]

Out of curiosity, why have people been cancelling their subscriptions (I just renewed mine)?

I get the online edition @ £15 per annum, which feels pretty good value to me...I don't necessarily read every single article, but there seems to be a variety of different bits in there and anyway at that price I think its good value!

Personal opinion of course, but I'm just curious as to why there seems to be so much negativity?

[two stroke mick]

I am with VJ..... on that one at 15 pounds sterling I feel it is good value. However a part of me thinks that maybe all of these type of mags have had their day as forums such as this one displaces them.

For comment and observation as I say on my reports

TSM

[Dan Gurney]

Since you ask: I personally don't get enough out of it regardless of cost. None of the "reviews" are very critical and assist in the buying process (here's three pairs of wellies at three different price points). It's basically pics off boats surrounded by press releases and the odd article that doesn't really interest me.

It's not helped by all the pics of the various members of the Swan family which kind of makes one feel like we're subsidizing their boating, but I'd probadly let that slide if I got more out of the mag.

Just my opinion, in answer to the question.

[MustRib]

the next issue - will have the Round Ireland Challenge piece in it.
They asked all the entrants to write 500 words about the event and 500 words about the kit they used. This should make interesting reading.
I do take your point about the reviews, personally its a lot of boats that I could never afford, so it has a ring of "look what you could have won" about it.
But I do think its pretty much all that is out there catering to Ribbers, and at the same time is having to find other markets to carry enough circulation to stay afloat. For me it remains something I will happily purchase.

[PeterM]

Originally Posted by MustRib

the next issue - will have the Round Ireland Challenge piece in it..

Keep up..it was a race!

However if it has this and round the iow for Mcmillan ...I have a bad feeling......

[colcreate]

Originally Posted by vjmehra

Out of curiosity, why have people been cancelling their subscriptions (I just renewed mine)?

I get the online edition @ £15 per annum, which feels pretty good value to me...I don't necessarily read every single article, but there seems to be a variety of different bits in there and anyway at that price I think its good value!

Personal opinion of course, but I'm just curious as to why there seems to be so much negativity?

When a magazine's editor decides to campaign for legislation (re mandatory wearing of kill cords) and appears to use the "weight" of the magazine readership to push home his personal point of view (which contradicts approx 80% of a typical sample of subscribers). Then I feel I must vote with my feet and withdraw my support.
Oh and I always wear a kill cord!!