Scottish Boat Show 10/11/12 Oct 2014

[Poly]

This weekend Inverkip plays host to the Scottish Boat Show. Given it is free entry and just £3 to park I thought it would be worth sticking my nose in to see what was on show...

There was some talk recently of adding tents to the top of your RIB in which case Habitent might be quite interesting. They have two models (pic 1 - a prototype of a new design; pic 2 - their existing product) designed to add living space to yachts. They were busy with real customers so I didn't enquire if they had looked at the RIB market.

Of course if someone knows about adding canopies to RIBs its Redbay who were there with a Hyundai powered (pic 4) 7.4m workboat (pic 3) a rather handsome set up that might make a nice patrol boat - perhaps a future replacement for the pic 4 - Police Scotland's Delta (which nobody was around).

[Poly]

The main part of the show is arguably the second hand boats on the pontoons, and if anyone is thinking on making the move to a hardboat whether sail or power there are some examples there worth having a nosey at. Right in the middle of this is a PWC with its jet connected to one of those crazy things that let someone "fly" around. Its an impressive display (pic 1) but if they catch on I can see people having another reason to dislike PWCs!

There are some boats for sale on land too, and Parker's hardboat (pic 3 and 4) on the Stirling Marine stand caught my eye, not only because we know Andre through the forum but because if tubes are not essential it has a very practical format for the variable Scottish weather.

There's been a lot of discussion about Brig ribs here recently and what appeared to be be a new one (pic 2) sat alone and a bit neglected at the side of the yard. I think they'll have more chance of selling it if the pump the tubes up!

[Poly]

The other RIB manufacturer there with a presence were Highfield, via Bosun's locker (there were also some SIBs but I didn't study them). They had two boats:

- a cute wee 3.9m with a 20HP Honda on the back (pic 2 and 4) which, as the owner of a similar sized arrangement, looked rather fun.

- 5.4m boat coupled to a 90HP (pic 3) which should appeal across a range of markets. It would be interesting to try that seating arrangement for real, but unlike the big shows down south there wasn't a chance to try any of the RIBs afloat. (Anyone thinking of going tomorrow might be interested to know that there was a chance for kids to have a shot in a sailing dinghy though).

I've never studied an Aluminium RIB close up before and the finishing on the welding surprised me a little (pic 5). Perhaps this is normal - but I expected something a little less industrial looking for the leisure market.

Finally there is an odd little feature on the front of the boat (pic1)- I couldn't work out its for?

Overall - its an OK couple of hours - its obviously not Southampton, but it is free and with various marine and non-marine side shows too. Interestingly the kids found the whole experience interesting and seemed to enjoy the concept of spending money we don't have!

[SPR]

odd feature - I saw on a zodiac and was told fuel breather ! I was eeek!

I down tomorrow on RYA stand 2 - 6pm - look for biggest person on stand ! vertically & horizontally !

S.


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[Chunk]

Little bit less exciting than a fuel breather. The fuel filler cap sits in a recess by the bow locker and this the output for the recess drain - ie it's an outlet for water that may collect. Not convinced by it personally, I've drilled a small hole in the recess to do the same job and it drains into the deck. The only time water gets near it is when your washing down the boat with a hose.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Poly

There was some talk recently of adding tents to the top of your RIB in which case Habitent might be quite interesting. They have two models (pic 1 - a prototype of a new design; pic 2 - their existing product) designed to add living space to yachts. They were busy with real customers so I didn't enquire if they had looked at the RIB market.

Had a long chat with them at the last 2 SBS's. The prototype is partially aimed at the bow of ribs.

I rather like the small size the covers pack down into as well.

[Chunk]

Popped along today and met some of the team at Redbay. The Stormforce on display was cracking. Was impressed.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Chunk

The Stormforce on display was cracking........

Not around the transom I hope