Ribcraft 7.8 Maverick Project

[ronin]

Well here goes my first message into the RIBnet forum ... I have been following the site for months and have found it brilliant source of information and inspiration - so thank you all!!

I have recently commissioned Jason and the guys at Ribcraft to build my dream 7.8m rib which I have called Maverick - no jokes please - it will suit the rib I promise... I have based the layout on Vampire rib which featured recently in the Round Britain and performed extremly well - thanks to Greg Marsden at 2012 Marine for some useful insight into the spec and performance of Vampire.

I pass the Ribcraft factory regulary even though I live 300 miles away so I will probably become an enthusiastic (but pain in the arse) client watching the build process. I have attached my first photos of the hull just finished in mould ..... will upload more all the way up to launch.

[Leapy]

PM sent

[Top banana]

Great choice we did the ribcraft tour last year build quallity was excellent keep the pics comming

[ronin]

Visited Ribcraft again yesterday - talk about a busy factory!

I was excited to see at what stage Maverick was at and I wasn't disappointed! The fuel tank has now been 'cemented' in place and the matrix system fitted - I just can't stress the quality of the build process and attention to detail these guys apply. The rib already looks and feels bombproof....I know I am biased but you have to do the 'tour' to see for yourself ...

The tubes are done and will go on once the rest of the deck is finalised.

I met with Dorian who expertly guided me through the project scope and remaining timeline as well as mocking up the layout of my console to suit my style...a thorough process and I welcomed his guidance throughout.

I have gone for a full suite of Raymarine equipment and can't wait to see it all in place..some pictures attached and Dorian has promised to take some at the next stage and forward them on...

[AndrewH]

As no-one else has beaten be to it - Welcome to RIBnet Ronin

Looks good - do keep the photos coming. Judging by all the comments from other Ribcraft owners I feel sure that you won't be disappointed

[matt h]

great boats but customer service has slipped dramatically, im still waiting for a quote for a new trailor from nearly 2 months ago, after 3 left messages and 4 phone calls, i gave up,went elsewhere also took 4 weeks and over 10 phone calls/messages for a replacement seat to be re-covered and sent out, very obviously don't want the business.real shame considering i have given them a total of £20450 worth of business in the last 4 years.

[K&S]

Originally Posted by matt h

great boats but customer service has slipped dramatically, im still waiting for a quote for a new trailor from nearly 2 months ago, after 3 left messages and 4 phone calls, i gave up,went elsewhere also took 4 weeks and over 10 phone calls/messages for a replacement seat to be re-covered and sent out, very obviously don't want the business.real shame considering i have given them a total of £20450 worth of business in the last 4 years.

Better customer service available from other manufacturers even before the credit crunch. Given that its such a small industry i'm surprised they think they can get away with it at any time.

[jace]

Originally Posted by matt h

great boats but customer service has slipped dramatically, im still waiting for a quote for a new trailor from nearly 2 months ago, after 3 left messages and 4 phone calls, i gave up,went elsewhere also took 4 weeks and over 10 phone calls/messages for a replacement seat to be re-covered and sent out, very obviously don't want the business.real shame considering i have given them a total of £20450 worth of business in the last 4 years.

Matt, PM Sent

[simonnud]

looks good i love seeing boats in the making.

Couple of questions is the tank made of steel or is it GRP and my first impresion was the tank was along way forward what are your thoughts on where the tank should be.

[ronin]

Hiya

I'm no expert on tank postioning so took advice from the guys in the know really, also did check with Greg who ran Vampire for the RB08 (same spec nearly) and it handled brilliantly...very stable in rough conditions etc..

The tank is 270L stainless steel...

[dwalters]

Ronin, just a thought for you; I got another new ribcraft last year with the same console as you.

I asked Dorian to put the handle on the console for the passanger above the VHF (I know they always do it the other way), the reason is that you only ever use the handle when its rough and your standing up, therefore if its below I find it too low to get proper support and really annoying. Very pleased i got it done above the VHF.

The only thing i regret not doing is putting a fully waterproof hatch on the console, so when the boat got flooded earlier in the year, the centre console, with battery and all filled a foot with water! still got the boat started though and all drained out (despite the water coming over my boots!)

Hope that helps

[ronin]

Good point, thanks. I have upgraded all three hatches, two forward stowage and the console access to Lewmar hatches which should do the trick, I hope, they were enough readies!!

I have also asked for additional grab handles up high on the sides of the console and I'll mention the lower handle when I next speak with Dorian...

[matt h]

your rib should be awesome, they really are incredible Ribs!!

[Jon Brooks]

Ronin,

Welcome to Ribnet and welcome to the Ribcraft owners club

Def keep the pix of the build coming, always good to see.
I have just had a quote for my second Ribcraft, going a tad smaller this time and going for the 7.8m like you.

All the best

[Leapy]

On the subject of new Ribcraft...here's ours Picked 'd2' up last Saturday and boy, are we pleased and some

'd2' is a 5.3 with the new Suzuki DF90 (as launched at the Southampton Boat Show) and complete with lower height A frame so we can moor her in our garage! Not been afloat yet but have found the helm seat a comfortable place for having a mug of tea Ronin - get the kettle on...your turn soon

[JSP]

That is very nice Leapy! Enjoy

[ronin]

Great to see d2 on RIBnet Leapy !!!

I love the 'must have' shot outside the factory - and believe me - kettle is on! Just got to get Christmas out of the way!

[matt h]

Leapy, stunning boat!! awesome

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by matt h

Leapy, stunning boat!! awesome

You should see it with the mug of tea next to the compass

[ronin]

Thanks to Dorian at Ribcraft for sending across the latest build pics.....

Deck is now on Maverick and sealed and 'deck matrix' system fitted (essentially sealed bolt threads) - I am assuming all electronics, fuel lines are in situ (unless they're thread through later on?) - the console in place and Ullman seat bolts ready for the bases...

Front jockey seats and liferaft cage in place...

Not long to go for tubes to go on.....can't wait..!! Hope to have another update before Christmas break....and Maverick should be ready for mid Jan....