Ribtec Ribs

Bigair · 02 February 2022, 20:02

Are Ribtec Ribs any good? I've seen one for sale at a decent price (a 4.2 metre). It's a 2005 model.
The price seems fair for the size and equipment, engine is also 2005.

I have never heard of these ribs!

A1an · 02 February 2022, 20:25

Before buying my current boat I looked at a 6m Ribtec (c.2007), I say this as that’s as far as my experience goes with them but I thought it looked/felt a bit….erm…flimsy. The layup, the console, the seats, they just had that cheap feel about them. What struck me most was the fact that you seemed to sit ON the boat rather than IN it. It felt like sitting on a paddle board. I wouldn’t fancy it in the rough but maybe they aren’t designed for that.

I’m sure that there are plenty of people that think their ribtec is somewhat different to that of my experience but that’s my honest opinion.

Bigair · 02 February 2022, 20:32

From the pictures I can see what your saying! It's a long way to go and look at it but the used rib market is awful at the moment... Seen a couple of good looking Osprey hulls come up recently but they don't stay long.

paulbrown22 · 03 February 2022, 09:46

My 2004 9m Ribtec was certainly nothing like the above description - incredibly solidly built, superb hull, great console and amazing sea keeping ability in rough weather. I've never been on a 4.2m Ribtec though so appreciate there may be a slight difference. At some point around that age the company ownership changed as well (which lead to the demise of the Ribtec name/brand), with some hulls I believe then being built in South Africa and potentially not quite as solid as the original UK hulls. The HIN number on the hull I believe indicates the country of build.

Voodoo · 03 February 2022, 10:27

I have a 7.4 Ribtec and its absolutely brilliant, superb hull, very safe. We love it.

CJL · 03 February 2022, 11:15

I've had a Delta, Humber, 2x Ribtec, and 2x Ribcrafts.

I miss my Ribtec. Amazing ride and good build quality. Remember the Camel Trophy ones are not particularly representative of the normal Ribtec fleet.

Chris

willk · 03 February 2022, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbrown22

At some point around that age the company ownership changed as well (which lead to the demise of the Ribtec name/brand), with some hulls I believe then being built in South Africa...

https://www.mby.com/news/ribeye-acquires-ribtec-15653

Ownership changed in 2001 when purchased by Ribeye. Some will fondly recall the Ribtec Camel Trophy RIBs that are still sometimes encountered. I get the impression that Ribeye were after the "bespoke" end of the business and maybe some of the agency assets. The brand was stifled shortly afterwards, IIRC.