Excalibur Ribs - Eye Catcher

HOL · 07 April 2006, 00:29

Last Sunday we had the privilege of accompanying the newest Excalibur Rib on her maiden voyage from Kinsale to East Ferry, being a bright and sunny day we got some nice images of the two ribs. If you look at the images in Rib Gallery it will not take you very long to figure our how “Eyecatcher” got her name, she is a 9 m wraparound with some eye catching features added since the first Excalibur wraparound hit the water last November. One of the most noticeable additions is the second A frame to the rear and another addition is the teak engine box cover which also catches the eye.

But from what we hear the best is yet to come with another Excalibur wraparound due to hit the water next week and the boys at Excalibur tell us that there are more surprises in store.

All three Excalibur wraparounds are due to make the trip to Wales for the RNLI Rib Run on the 20th of April.

roycruse · 07 April 2006, 00:41

Is "Eyecatcher" some sort of Irish slang for eyesore - we saw pictures of one of these boats back in November - I seem to remember the general consensus was its pretty ugly

Alan · 07 April 2006, 01:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by roycruse

Is "Eyecatcher" some sort of Irish slang for eyesore - we saw pictures of one of these boats back in November - I seem to remember the general consensus was its pretty ugly

Speak for yourself. I think she's very tasty.

Donnie144 · 07 April 2006, 05:32

I would have to agree very sharp looking boat

gtflash · 07 April 2006, 21:58

maybe a more aerodynamic windscreen would be kinder on the eye, bit like a fat but pretty chick.......potential

Roy Smith · 07 April 2006, 22:17

Got carried away with the wrap wround thing didant they or as some one nicked the roof

roycruse · 07 April 2006, 22:22

dont mention the roof - it looks even worse...

HOL · 10 April 2006, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donnie144

I would have to agree very sharp looking boat

Hi Donnie144, since you and Alan appreciate the Excalibur weaparound I am giving you a link to view a small video clip we shot last week-end, we were cruising at just under 40 knots. Some people do not understand the design but this clip gives a good idea of the usefulness of such a design. No roof on, no wet gear needed – everyone got off dry and warm.
http://www.ribs.ie/mvi_0735.avi

The video clip is approx. 1mb in size.

Ezgoing · 10 April 2006, 20:56

Brilliant!

That is a boat that will go places.

Best of luck with her.

Alan · 10 April 2006, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOL

Hi Donnie144, since you and Alan appreciate the Excalibur weaparound I am giving you a link to view a small video clip we shot last week-end, we were cruising at just under 40 knots. Some people do not understand the design but this clip gives a good idea of the usefulness of such a design. No roof on, no wet gear needed – everyone got off dry and warm.
http://www.ribs.ie/mvi_0735.avi

The video clip is approx. 1mb in size.

Thanks for that. My delight in the design comes from living and boating in an environment where the practicalities of protection rate higher than the aesthetics of a nice console! As I say, nice looking boat. If ever I'm in a position to buy such a boat for import to Canada I'd surely consider this one.

ian parkes · 10 April 2006, 22:34

If it keeps the missus warm so you can get out when its cold without any winging then its good in my book .

I like it myself but ribs to me are a bit like dirt bikes , they have a purpose and looks are not main one .

swginn · 10 April 2006, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOL

But from what we hear the best is yet to come with another Excalibur wraparound due to hit the water next week and the boys at Excalibur tell us that there are more surprises in store.

They just keep getting better!! Who owns this one lads? Looks very well, fast, purposeful and strong; how a RIB should be.

For those who think she's ugly well if you wanna pose and polish, buy a hardboat, If you used your RIB a bit more you'd appreciate the design!!

Good luck for Wales lads, I'm sure I'll see ye out and about after I've finished the ol' exams.

pathalla · 11 April 2006, 02:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOL

Hi Donnie144, since you and Alan appreciate the Excalibur weaparound I am giving you a link to view a small video clip we shot last week-end, we were cruising at just under 40 knots. Some people do not understand the design but this clip gives a good idea of the usefulness of such a design. No roof on, no wet gear needed – everyone got off dry and warm.
http://www.ribs.ie/mvi_0735.avi

The video clip is approx. 1mb in size.

Doesn't really matter what the boat looks like as long as it works.... Boats are like women, some are prettier some aren't, some you love to ride, some you don't...

Roy Smith · 11 April 2006, 22:15

So do you go out deliberately to find a ulgy women ?
As beauty is in the eye of the beholder i,ll leave it at that.

pathalla · 11 April 2006, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Smith

So do you go out deliberately to find a ulgy women ?
As beauty is in the eye of the beholder i,ll leave it at that.

My point is that the boat in question seems to perform well, what it looks like is irrelevant. Went right over your head.

Roy Smith · 12 April 2006, 10:50

I think you need style as well as function, it might have function
but style ?

jwalker · 12 April 2006, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Smith

I think you need style as well as function, ...

Why?

Alice · 12 April 2006, 13:11

Funny how the Irish guys all agree with each other and the US members jump aboard also.Umm

Anyway, in my view the 'wrap-around' style is no thing of beauty, albeit very practical. A little more rake on the front of the screen would improve the aesthetics.

codprawn · 12 April 2006, 13:42

Got to be honest when I first saw it I thought it looked quite good - totally changed my opinion now - must be the angle you view it from!!!

It is possible to have a boat that performs but also looks good!!!

pathalla · 12 April 2006, 14:20

If you look at boats/ships built for heavy weather they are usually short on style and long on construction, we only have "style" on these little boats of ours because we are usually just out playing around when the waves and weather are nice, otherwise everyone would have an enclosed cabin on their boat, imho. Show me a really stylish serious heavy weather rib, haven't seen one although Buzzi/FBdesign comes VERY close! The 55 is very sharp.