RIB from China - lianya-industry

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by willk

...and about as appealing!

Avoid both like the plague[emoji106]

[sameh]

Originally Posted by willk

...and about as appealing!

I am too far to get your "language" and get your local humor..[emoji51]
So will stick up to professional issues. Keep enjoying without me[emoji4]

[Poly]

[QUOTE=Chunk;746350]
So, what things made in China would I buy? Textiles obviously, mobile products? Your phone and iPad for example. What about your GPS on your boat? Garmin marine manufacture in Taipei. /QUOTE]

There seem to be two important characteristics to the things you would buy: 1. They are supplied by "established" businesses in the more trusted economies with a reputation to lose and therefore a design and qc regime to match; 2. They are small and portable and shipped in bulk so that shipping is not a significant part of the total cost.

Buying something made in China and importing something from china are two rather different questions. I have imported some very cheap electronics which can just go in the post and where I can afford to lose the money if it doesn't arrive or turns out to be rubbish.

I've seen your Highfield and would certainly consider one, bought from the now established U.K. Dealer. I wouldn't be in a rush to track down the factory and import something myself, with the cost and hassle of shipping (and no saving from bulk purchase) and all the risk of international transactions. Even less so with a virtually unknown brand having never seen an example in the flesh.

[MatFromPoland]

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/b...rbus.html?_r=0

Airplane "made in China". Ryanair signed letter of intent to buy them and replace currently in use Boeing's ...

I can agree with Poly. And will repeat that someone can select factory in China, make project and supervise production process so results can be good.

There are VW, HONDA, ... factories in China.
You can buy cheap laptop from China, Branded, very solid or probably mil spec.

What is the problem for China big factory to employee UK best specialists to supervise projects/production.

I hope that "infusion" and some other inventions will automate production process. So difference in final price be not so significant. Not sure if salary in China is so low like before.
They have incredibly production power and infrastructure and maybe less taxes ...

When I look at "boat only price" there is not very significant difference in final price.
Full rigged boat full equip is more expensive in UK.
Some of the expenses are probably for better materials (cables, better look and more solid seat, consoles, ...) so worth to pay, but other is probably manual work ...

[Ian9525]

I bought mine without knowing much about RIB's and was not aware of this forum...The boat was just two years old when I bought it.. I made some enquiries about it and found that the ally hull was made in China After further googling I found that the tubes are made in Germany and the console and any electronics are fitted in the UK.. in my opinion since owning the boat the welding is not the neatest in the world but is substantial enough.. the tubes so far have held air without problems and they have had a fair amount of abuse...where the boat was failing was the console and electrics.. in a word they were TERRIBLE and have all been re-fitted by me with quality wiring and jointing systems. The gel coat on the conole is very poor to say the least.. dont know where they are fitted or where they are from but I would suggest fitted in UK. Hendy group are the importers of HIGHFIELD boats now and the customer service from them is diabolical in my experience.. I wanted plans for my boat with regard to the under deck fuel tank location/dimensions etc but never got any replies from Hendy.. I wanted a A frame and again the same problem unless I towed it from Warwickshire to Southampton to have one fitted they didnt want to know.. they are unable to supply part numbers for such items either !!! In a nutshell the boat has been fine for my requirements and is holding together OK as one would expect.. would I buy another... probably not..rather look at Ribeye or Humber I think... I have a friend who has a brand new Brig 6.5 boat, and looking closely at it I could find a few things I dont like.. I like Ally hulls in preference to fibreglass but I dont know of many manufacturers of RIB's the use it.. perhaps some of the top6 or 7 makers should consider using it.

[Ceejay]

Here are a couple of photographs that I took of a new Highfield on display at a chandlery in Scotland and available to buy.
The welding as has been commented above is not of the neatest and the keel guard does not appear to have been applied particularly skilfully.

[breezeblock]

Originally Posted by Ceejay

Here are a couple of photographs that I took of a new Highfield on display at a chandlery in Scotland and available to buy.
The welding as has been commented above is not of the neatest and the keel guard does not appear to have been applied particularly skilfully.

Attachment 121194
Attachment 121195

is that the 460 thats been lying at the bosuns locker for about a century as they can't get shot of it or one of the new ones that came in that haven't been rigged yet

[Striker]

Originally Posted by simon.watt

Has anyone bought or used a rib from China - lianya-industry?

Luxury RIB Boat - Qingdao Lian Ya Boat Co.,Ltd.

There is a fair bit of commentary from folk with opinions on the topic but can anyone speak from firsthand experience?

I live in Sydney and imported a second hand RIB from the UK. It's been great and I'm seeing more RIBs on the water over here which is a great thing...I'm keen to upgrade but before I bring another RIB over from UK I thought I'd check on this company.

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but as the original question related to Lianya boats, ( before it was hijacked for some general Chinese bashing) I’m wondering if the OP is still on here, what did he settle on and how is he getting on?

I have a hypolon tubed Lianya 6.8 Mtr fibreglass RIB which I have owned for the last 3 years. The only issue I have had is with the Suzuki gauges nmea2000 connection and one of the multi function gauges flickers on and off. Probably a dry joint within the gauge - nothing to do with the hull’s manufacturer.

She’s a great family fun boat and very fit for purpose- but if you want a wave jumping off shore work horse, maybe she’s not for you.

Like cars, you’re choices are based around your requirements. You wouldn’t buy a Smart for towing a caravan.

My only potential problem is that I may struggle to sell her when the time comes due to all the anti Chinese opinions - I have no chance of selling her on this forum - LOL.

But there will be someone who is looking for a nice comfortable fun family boat.

[nw04jen]

Would love to know how Sameh got on - I mean the amount of China bashing seems somewhat absurd when there was a chap on here that imported to Malaysia for 7 years various models and had no complaints as opposed to Brits who bought maybe 4 - 5 between them, probably many years ago, who then take the opportunity to sl4g off all chinese manufacturers- im fairly certain apple iphones are made in china and im pretty certain 50% of the haters on here own one!
i own an avon rib b4 i get accused of being biased but, I too, would love to know what these ribs are like for basic boating and not the offshore powerboating / rescue work that many of the contributors seem to do in their ribs (or is that only in their dreams...)

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by nw04jen

Would love to know how Sameh got on - I mean the amount of China bashing seems somewhat absurd when there was a chap on here that imported to Malaysia for 7 years various models and had no complaints as opposed to Brits who bought maybe 4 - 5 between them, probably many years ago, who then take the opportunity to sl4g off all chinese manufacturers- im fairly certain apple iphones are made in china and im pretty certain 50% of the haters on here own one!
i own an avon rib b4 i get accused of being biased but, I too, would love to know what these ribs are like for basic boating and not the offshore powerboating / rescue work that many of the contributors seem to do in their ribs (or is that only in their dreams...)

Well?..Maybe we'd have heard by now IF his judgement and purchase? ...had been vindicated
Buying any major purchase a (to be frank) from a....Brutal Totalitarian controlled ..closed society ..outwardly aggressive (see Australia situation) ..ultimately CCP controlled and regulated company ...should be thought about long and hard in my view regardless.
Not withstanding...All the Chinese made RIB's I've come into contact with or seen are variously ...completely sub-standard especially ..to well made British alternatives

[jakew009]

Originally Posted by nw04jen

Would love to know how Sameh got on - I mean the amount of China bashing seems somewhat absurd when there was a chap on here that imported to Malaysia for 7 years various models and had no complaints as opposed to Brits who bought maybe 4 - 5 between them, probably many years ago, who then take the opportunity to sl4g off all chinese manufacturers- im fairly certain apple iphones are made in china and im pretty certain 50% of the haters on here own one!
i own an avon rib b4 i get accused of being biased but, I too, would love to know what these ribs are like for basic boating and not the offshore powerboating / rescue work that many of the contributors seem to do in their ribs (or is that only in their dreams...)

Truth is there is nothing wrong with buying a Chinese rib.
However, going on Alibaba and buying the first Chinese rib you see and asking the seller to ship it to your door is unlikely to end well.

If you were to research the market, find out who the actual factories are and who are just agents, build up a rapport with the businesses, fly over a few times, agree the specification, organise your own shipping agents, land the boats in this country, do the pdi’s and fitouts, cut a deal with an engine importer… you’d have a good boat.

That’s exactly what Mr Highfield has done extremely successfully.

Order the first one you see on Alibaba and naively try to negotiate the price… they’ll probably send you the one Highfield rejected for failing QC and block you on WhatsApp.

[TimB]

Buy cheap buy twice. Is all I will say

[nw04jen]

Great comment Jake. Think spot on. And very much depends on users needs. Clearly Sameh in Israel didn't need a Ribeye for his purpose. And I think that is where the post got lost. If I can only afford a Ford I don't wanna hear I should buy a Bentley.
I'm only commenting because I have a 3m Avon for use on Thames as a tender and was considering a 390 Lianya because again I'm not sure it makes sense to buy a 385 Turbojet going 4kts or Zodiac etc ....if money were no object I'd buy a 390 Riva hand built but....when all I need it for is going to shallow pubs I'm thinking I might be able to save some money

[nw04jen]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Well?..Maybe we'd have heard by now IF his judgement and purchase? ...had been vindicated
Buying any major purchase a (to be frank) from a....Brutal Totalitarian controlled ..closed society ..outwardly aggressive (see Australia situation) ..ultimately CCP controlled and regulated company ...should be thought about long and hard in my view regardless.
Not withstanding...All the Chinese made RIB's I've come into contact with or seen are variously ...completely sub-standard especially ..to well made British alternatives

Great sentiment although very likely a huge number of items you own are made in China and whilst I agree about the CCP, is it right to 'punish' the people who want to make a living? You could apply these sentiments to most major brands who use sweatshops around the world

[willk]

Originally Posted by nw04jen

...is it right to 'punish' the people who want to make a living? You could apply these sentiments to most major brands who use sweatshops around the world

Like buying products made with child labour because even children need to eat?

One of the joys of living in the "west" is that we can decide where to spend our cash. I think people ARE beginning to think more about WHO they buy from. I've certainly been more considered over the past few years and reduced the amount of cheap clothing and other tat that I buy.

Is it fair/reasonable to presume certain things about the products of a region/nation? I think within a certain time period, yes. In 10 years things may be different. Remember, many nations encourage us to make assumptions about the quality of their products based on the origin. Protected regional produce - Scotch Whisky, EU OCs, Italian performance cars, Swiss watches (mostly made in China BTW).

If people want/buy a China built boat then great - let's see some figures and pics and reports - that's the best thing for everyone - happy owners! But don't expect the people who have inspected boats and walked away and the unfortunates who got burnt to remain silent - this isn't Hong Kong - yet.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by nw04jen

Great sentiment although very likely a huge number of items you own are made in China and whilst I agree about the CCP, is it right to 'punish' the people who want to make a living? You could apply these sentiments to most major brands who use sweatshops around the world

Nothing at all wrong with Chinese people some of who I know well ...or have met personally...and I certainly wish the people well!
My Stepfather worked in Hong Kong for decades and I've had many interactions.
The Present Totalitarian! C.C.P "leadership" is another matter though in my view!
....My own own UK close friends experience of the RIB's produced (and designed) in China and others I've seen would lead me to add to the voices of others and warn prospective buyers there are better options.
Like ...well designed and made...reputable UK models (NEW OR USED) which would be a much better long term investment in my opinion ..and experience!

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by willk

Like buying products made with child labour because even children need to eat?

One of the joys of living in the "west" is that we can decide where to spend our cash. I think people ARE beginning to think more about WHO they buy from. I've certainly been more considered over the past few years and reduced the amount of cheap clothing and other tat that I buy.

Is it fair/reasonable to presume certain things about the products of a region/nation? I think within a certain time period, yes. In 10 years things may be different. Remember, many nations encourage us to make assumptions about the quality of their products based on the origin. Protected regional produce - Scotch Whisky, EU OCs, Italian performance cars, Swiss watches (mostly made in China BTW).

If people want/buy a China built boat then great - let's see some figures and pics and reports - that's the best thing for everyone - happy owners! But don't expect the people who have inspected boats and walked away and the unfortunates who got burnt to remain silent - this isn't Hong Kong - yet.

Hopefully it never will be

[treerat]

Originally Posted by willk

If people want/buy a China built boat then great - let's see some figures and pics and reports - that's the best thing for everyone - happy owners! But don't expect the people who have inspected boats and walked away and the unfortunates who got burnt to remain silent - this isn't Hong Kong - yet.

Guess that'll be me then!!

From 2015 - 2021 I ran an X-Pro Defender 55. Effectively a Delta Bay hull which is now sold under the Patrol Brand. Over the 5 years I ran up just under 300 hours of use, and she was as good a hull on the day I sold her as the day I bought her.

Ran really well in the swell as on flat water. I think the console was actually an XS offshore one so no surprises that it was well made and solid. I did have to recover the seats as they were pretty poor quality fabric that soon teared, but that was it.

Would I have had another? Yes, and I tried to get the 6m version but the current importer wasn't the easiest to contact or work with so gave up and ended up with another Chinese hull, a 6m Highfield.

Time will tell if this one is as good an import as the last, but others that I've been out with will tell you how good the defender hull ran, how well she coped with big seas and how dry the ride was.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by nw04jen

Great comment Jake. Think spot on. And very much depends on users needs. Clearly Sameh in Israel didn't need a Ribeye for his purpose. And I think that is where the post got lost. If I can only afford a Ford I don't wanna hear I should buy a Bentley.
I'm only commenting because I have a 3m Avon for use on Thames as a tender and was considering a 390 Lianya because again I'm not sure it makes sense to buy a 385 Turbojet going 4kts or Zodiac etc ....if money were no object I'd buy a 390 Riva hand built but....when all I need it for is going to shallow pubs I'm thinking I might be able to save some money

Its not really sensible to compare a random Chinese rib from an unknown brand to Ford nor would Bentley be happy being compared to Ribeye! Ribeye is more comparable to Ford! If you want Bentley type ribs you might be looking at a Goldfish, and the Chinese rib is an unknown clone of a Tata Nano.

[Jonny white]

I've recently bought an x Pro, Chinese made rib.
Similar to what treerat sat, it looks great quality, handles really well, am I pleased with what I bought, 100%.
I did quite a bit of research, asking people on here, asking outboard motor mechanics, all had positive responses for these boats.
Dealer I used was ocean first marine in Looe. 3 years warrenty on the boat, very good service from them as well.