Ribs with decent weather protection/cabins - why are there so few options?!

[atinod]

There appears to me to be a big gap in the market in the UK for a decent 'cabin' option which can give complete weather protection for a 6.0-8.5m rib?

I have searched long and hard for every make of rib that I could find and there is almost nothing that appears to be well designed and really up to the job of making year round use more comfortable?

Perhaps I am just getting old, but I really didn't fancy getting dressed up in a dry suit and ski goggles to endure off season blasts along the south coast.

My requirement was something similar to the Demo Titan 280 or the Invictus 9m Racing Rib, but to include side and rear screens that could be zipped in as required.

Almost no solution I have found includes a combined full screen and roof design, preferably retaining a walk-around ability. The various GRP half cabin type designs are generally for larger ribs 9.0m+ and just don't really seem to be a robust and attractive option; and rarely seem to have a rear screen anyway.

What do you think and what have you found?!

[Dry Run]

Cost V Benefits V Demand I'm guessing. Plenty of small "hardsiders" that will do the job.

Bayliner 602 cuddy for instance.

[Starovich]

get the hull you want plenty of builders an add on anything you want, custom rib for one or T top then add covers as per yacht canopies

[Poly]

Originally Posted by atinod

There appears to me to be a big gap in the market in the UK for a decent 'cabin' option which can give complete weather protection for a 6.0-8.5m rib?

I have searched long and hard for every make of rib that I could find and there is almost nothing that appears to be well designed and really up to the job of making year round use more comfortable?

Did your search include Redbay? Parker? Shearwater? Ribcraft?

All four of those offer cabin/canopy options, intended for exactly that market. They, as well as others like Scorpion have ribs with cabin's for sleeping in.

[Siochair]

If budget were no object I would be looking at something from ICE1 | SHOCKWAVE Shock Mitigation Boat Seats You can get roll down side canopies for them too. Redbay boats have some experience of fitting these console/seat systems so it might be worthwhile having a look at them.

[Daniel]

Most manufactures will customise - invictus is a Quinquri and the one below is ex-RIB'net member & personal friend Mike Garside's current ride.

Both are £100k+ boats.

[Daniel]

Ribcract

[willk]

Originally Posted by atinod

The various GRP half cabin type designs are generally for larger ribs 9.0m+ and just don't really seem to be a robust and attractive option; and rarely seem to have a rear screen anyway.

What do you think and what have you found?!

A RIB needs to be a certain size to accommodate "walk around" enclosed helms. I had to pass on that feature. I got the fully enclosed shelter however.

[MatFromPoland]

It have to be RIB ?
There are many solid boats from "the north"
https://www.anytec.eu/747-cab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li40Isn9GUs

Instead of going around you have possibility to go through

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4JAL07zmeM

[willk]

Originally Posted by MatFromPoland

Instead of going around you have possibility to go through

Doesn't appear to have sufficient headroom to stand? The two lads pop up through the hatch at the end of the video

[MatFromPoland]

It depends on person height mr Willk For me (190cm) it be problem I think.
But I like how this boat performs. I saw on YT some review of 3 boats to cross channel.
Axopar, 747 CAB and one more - forgot name.
The last one was the best, biggest cabin but expensive

[MatFromPoland]

It depends on person height mr Willk For me (190cm) it be problem I think.
But I like how this boat performs. I saw on YT some review of 3 boats to cross channel.
Axopar, 747 CAB and one more - forgot name.
The last one was the best, biggest cabin but expensive

Ok the last one was Paragon 25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6w66xx4jUE&t=135s

[two stroke mick]

Willk

Is that your red bay in the photos if so it is most stylist red bay I have seen it looks like a shearwater rib

Tsm

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Willk



Is that your red bay in the photos if so it is most stylist red bay I have seen it looks like a shearwater rib



Tsm

I'm sure there's a compliment in there somewhere [emoji23]

[two stroke mick]

I like the look of the shear water ribs

[willk]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I'm sure there's a compliment in there somewhere [emoji23]

Oh, that's high praise indeed...

Coming from a Mayo man

[RJH]

I am boatless at the moment but had various types mainly ribs when the kids were younger. The main reason I haven't bought back in is that I am waiting for a good quality, sensibly sized and priced cabin rib (also waiting to save up!). To me the Scorpions have moved themselves to the very high end of the market and everything else is a little too much of a compromise. I do also like the Rayglass protector and the Redbay, I think, is a lovely looking boat and the sort of thing that could tempt me back.

I think there is a huge opportunity for rib manufacturers to produce a mid range cabin rib with plenty of protection, a few creature comforts (and not too utilitarian) all for the North European market. Zodiac gave it a go a few years back with the Nz0 but didn't quite do it for me but IMHO Redbay are heading in the right direction with that boat and I will watch its progress with interest. I think I saw its big brother at SBS today. Looked awesome but a bit too big for me!

[willk]

Originally Posted by RJH

... IMHO Redbay are heading in the right direction with that boat and I will watch its progress with interest. I think I saw its big brother at SBS today. Looked awesome but a bit too big for me!

That's the 1050. It's 45cm longer than the willkcraft above and has a larger covered area. They're not small, but they're quite nimble.

[RJH]

Interesting. I thought the difference was bigger than that. Oh well they both look great.

[Daniel]

RJH look at the shearwater cabin ribs - would seam to fit you're xritera