what do you dislike about current RIB.

[Keith Hart]

Really david,

What about this new engine then?

Keith (curious) Hart

[Daniel]

David must be kidding, after all that effort he put into the Yam 115, including my important part!

[thewavehumper]

It was fairly obvious to me that this thread was all about market research, however the results that come from an open forum such as this as opposed to a constructed focus group can surely only be useful to us in the future. Especially if it produces better ribs or even useful aftermarket products.

Some body else can puntuate this reply cos I can't be arsed it's been a long day!

[Windchill]

See other threads regarding preceived value for money!

To paraphrase an excellent article about choosing a RIB, which is reproduced in full on RibCraft's site:

Most RIB advertising is based on the theme of glamorous mediterranean speed/sunbathing machines, with a bare torsoed driver, and a bikini clad partner draped over the tubes.

The article goes on to question the relevance of this "pose" to 30kts, on a moderate sea under a UK sky!! This is reality for all of us after all.

The point, Kitten, is that most RIBs bought in the Uk will be used on our coastal waters, where glorious weather, and bikini's are not the norm, but lumpy seas, dry suits and families are. - comfortable hulls, secure seating for all, and, from a family perspective, decent internal depth to keep sprogs within are more important than sunbathing platforms promising unuseable ultimate speed. Maybe boring, but look where the money is.

Depends on your target group though.

[John Kennett]

Originally posted by Windchill
comfortable hulls, secure seating for all, and, from a family perspective, decent internal depth to keep sprogs within are more important than sunbathing platforms promising unuseable ultimate speed.

We all know that. But what sells?

John

[dimitris]

Why SUVs sell ?

Because it's a compromise of everything (I think)

Maybe the same applies to RIBS

[Keith Hart]

SUVs

?

Keith (?) Hart

[crazyhorse]

Ribs Sell cos of there versatility,and They dont limit the clients imaginary expectations as to there expected uses,as do other forms of boats.

[dimitris]

Keith, it stands for Sports Utility Vehicle

[Keith Hart]

Thanks Dimitris

Keith (never afraid to ask the obvious) Hart

[Ribald]

Thats a "lifestyle" type 4x4 to you and me, Keith

[thewavehumper]

To be honest, I bought my first Rib cos it was a cost effective way of getting the adrenaline out of my system as it was half the price of an EVO6. I think that is a good marketing ploy

What RIBS do have is much better sea keeping than hard boats and seem safer in rougher conditions, but I think people who are into buying a RIB have probably worked this out already, so let's explore the utility side of Ribs and other features I would like to see from the manufacturers. I also think that Rib buyers are looking for percieved VFM so here are also some ideas for that to

Interchagable Diveracks, Seats, Palett tie downs s etc. But this must be the real deal and not some dodgy system that doesn't inspire confidence.

A bow cleat that can be reached by people with normal length arms

An option at purchase to have Armadillo tubing as per Avon seariders,

An auto bilge pump that works for a year

reasonable fixed prices for extras (fixed for the first three years of the boat) .....this deal should be transferable to a second owner if the bolt was sold within three years. You could also extend that option , taking account of inflation.

A guaranteed minimum buy back price (variable with the age of a boat) when trading in for a new craft

A place to put the f**&^% anchor so that it doesn't bang aroung inside the relatively thin GRP Hull, as in tie down points in the pointy bit of the hull

A console that had removable instrument panels. So that when one needed to replace the GPS you could order a new panel ( possible precut for the new model) for easy stress free replacement improvements

An inboard fuel tank with a reserve built in, ( pull lever to activate) I think this would be a Vaast help.

If you want any more ideas you gotta buy me drinks.

[Manos]

What are your views of a RIB with a solid bow section rather than inflatable??

[Pete7]

I think they are brill

1. Loads of room to put the anchor and chain in.

2. Cuts the cost of tubes down because you only need two straight bits.

3. Good place to put a cleat that everyone can reach and mooring lines don't have to run over the tubes.

4. Great way to anchor the tubes on to the boat so they don't fall off. Watched a BWM loose its tubes one night in a F5 20 miles south of Jersey. They peeled further back when the nose hit each wave.

Pic of Kermit with my Opsrey on the outside so she doesn't sink.

[Jelly]

Greetings All
Hard nose fine if you can drive (not saying that soft nose owners can't its just some view tubes as fenders!!) and are not involved in safety duties.
As for tie downs PLEASE makes life easier and safer, if carring a load, ie spare ground tackle for racing, bouncing around.
A big well at the stern to catch water is also safer to knee in front off and then bail out, a lot safer than hanging over the stern dry suit round the waist! Remember the USCG have a man over board catagory call OFS (open fly syndrome)!
I also like the idea of the good strong hatch in the foredeck for storing the anchor etc.
Flare box holders on the A frame so the kit is available, but out of the way.
Decent cleats that you can actually use not some tiny plastic item that you are scared will break if you put a load on it.
Well thats my 2 pence worth
Jelly

[Garygee]

Hi folks

Well if you had asked me last yer i would have had a big list, but many have then have been sorted in the new boat.

HOWEVER, 1 month on here is my list, many which have already been said.


Bigger bow cleat so you can get more then 1 rope on for rafting up etc.

More room in the engine/console duct to you can get cables through without feeling your pulling the engine through as well
(does worry me the though of chaffing throuch cables, fuel lines etc with the draw cord)

Transom cleats or other means so youu dont have to tie up using the A frame.

Bigger hatch on the anchor locker so you can get a sutable sized anchor though without it being like a Krypton Factor puzzle, 10KG in my case and would have like a 15KG.

Think thats it, not much to date and mostly resolvable.
hope it does not grow too much

Regards Gary

[Pete7]

Gary, you made a very valid point with the under deck trunking. How many ribs do you see with the fuel lines and battery cables going down the same trunk.

If you saw a car for sale with the battery cables wrapped around the petrol fuel line for several feet which was then hidden out of sight would you still buy it ?

Yet most of the builders can add a second trunk in at minimal cost during the building process, so WHY DON'T THEY ?
Something else you don't realise until your on your second rib when you can specify it if you are buying new. My Osprey above was fitted with two just to split the electrics and fuel lines.

Pete

(calming down and going for a nice cup of tea)

[guest]

Cup Holders Cup Holders Cup Holders Cup Holders Cup Holders

< Edit: We got the point! JK >

Congratulations On Getting To The Bottom!

[Manos]

G.O.D. may get quite upset about this

[Seb]

Dont blame him if he does!!!!