London International Boat Show 2011

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 16:35

Here are some pictures from this year's show at Excel.

The first thing you will notice is that the entrance is at the other end. Get off the DLR at Price Regent not Custom House if you're coming by train. Once you're inside, the first thing you'll see is the new "watersports action pool" on the right where there is a programme of demos and have-a-go activities.

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 16:39

Once your past that though, you'll find that there's been a bit of a reshuffle with all the boats now in the south hall, and everything else in the north hall. Apart from that it's all fairly familiar.

I was only there for a couple of hours today, but there doesn't seem to be very much new from the RIB manufacturers this year. One exception is the little catamaran RIBs from c-fury which you'll find as you enter the south hall.

At around £20,000 on the water it's a lot of money for a 4m boat. They are very nicely finished though, with good attention to detail and I'm sure they'll find their niche in the market.

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 16:54

Ribcraft have their new 850 Sports Cruiser on show, complete with cuddy cabin and canopy. They also have a new lounge area on the stand, with comfy sofas!

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 17:02

Ribeye have their usual impressive quantity of boats lined up. The only one that stood out was the rebranded Ribtec (now badged as a Ribeye S Series 740SX). At £51,000 inc VAT with a 150 Yamaha, it's only about £10,000 less than the Ribtec 850 with a cabin and a 300 Suzuki.

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 17:51

As well as their more usual offerings, Cobra RIBs are displaying a couple of their entry-level Viper RIBs.

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 18:03

Zodiac have an array of RIBs and inflatables, large and small. The Pro Open 650 looking purposeful, and the N-Zo still looking slightly strange. Centre stage is the Club 750 which looks like a fantastic boat to have in the med, and would make a great picnic boat anywhere!

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 18:10

Zodiac also have their budget range of Chinese built "Zoom" inflatables in sizes up to 4m

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 18:17

Other imports include Piranha with their new 5.8 model, and some very competitively priced entry-level Voyager RIBs from Excel

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 18:22

Flying the flag for Britain in the superyacht tender market are Williams with their small but beautifully formed jet RIBs. Not even all that small now with their 505D!

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 18:27

Also aiming for the superyacht market are Rib-X with their custom tenders. In pride of place is the Lamborghini orange RIB first seen at Southampton last year. Apparently a customer has ordered one in Lamborghini blue to match his wife's car . . .

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 18:43

Finally, in the "but it's not a RIB" section is the Dale 23, a high speed launch that looks like it would give quite a lot of RIBs a run for their money. It's got a massive amount of usable for a sub-7.5m boat, and with the 265hp V6 Volkswagen diesel it has a claimed top speed of 45 knots. Seems to handle well too judging by the video

Siochair · 07 January 2011, 19:17

Thanks for the photo's John, The Dale does look pretty good. Any idea of the price or should I not ask in case I spoil the day dream?

Erin · 07 January 2011, 19:21

The engine will set you back close on £18k

. Nice though

Any great deals to be had John? Not so much on the boats but more the chandlery.

PeterM · 07 January 2011, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Ribcraft have their new 850 Sports Cruiser on show, complete with cuddy cabin and canopy. They also have a new lounge area on the stand, with comfy sofas!

Well isn't that just the shearwater cabin on a Ribcraft hull......???? Looks stunningly similar to me !!!!

If someone is going can they ask the question for me please ? TA

And how much they will want for one !-- thats a scary thought..

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siochair

Thanks for the photo's John, The Dale does look pretty good. Any idea of the price or should I not ask in case I spoil the day dream?

About £90k. Sorry!

John Kennett · 07 January 2011, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

Any great deals to be had John? Not so much on the boats but more the chandlery.

I didn't look at the chandlery, but I wouldn't expect to find a lot of stuff much cheaper than internet prices.

The real advantage of a show is that you can actually get to see lots of things, compare them, try them for size, and buy them NOW

Neil Harvey · 07 January 2011, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Well isn't that just the shearwater cabin on a Ribcraft hull......???? Looks stunningly similar to me !!!!

If someone is going can they ask the question for me please ? TA

And how much they will want for one !-- thats a scary thought..

agreed, looks very similar...
http://www.ribcraft.co.uk/850-cruiser-boat-gallery/
http://www.shearwaterribs.com/content/gallery.php

Zippy · 08 January 2011, 09:20

Wasnt impressed with the ribcraft. the offset console still didnt allow an easy move from back to front, when on the foredeck the tubes were very low and i felt i was on a boat rather than in a boat! cabin was very small and dark. The console area was very small with only just space for an 8 inch Garmin plotter. the throttle assembly looked to be mounted as an afterthought. i did like the way the console wraps around the helm and navigator tho. (shearwater like)

Looked at the 9 meter Cobra, clearly i wasnt a buying customer as the guy on the stand was busy talking to his friends as i looked over the boat. The jockey seats were very uncomfortable. too wide and far too close to the console. i struggled to get on the helm seat and i know i would be walking like John Wayne if i spend any time on it!

at the other end of the market, i did get to look over a Fairline Squadron 78. simply stunning boat with attention to detail missing in many top end apartments / hotels, let alone boats.

Siochair · 08 January 2011, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zippy

at the other end of the market, i did get to look over a Fairline Squadron 78. simply stunning boat with attention to detail missing in many top end apartments / hotels, let alone boats.

You might want to look at this thread on the YBW forum. It's a huge thread but it details the whole build with plenty of photographs to drool over. It's a truly stunning boat.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=240351

Zippy · 08 January 2011, 13:17

Great thread which I I've followed. Met John yesterday also which was nice. He was able to talk through some of the details!! Not sure even if my numbers came up I could afford one tho!