London International Boat Show 2011

[John Kennett]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[John Kennett]

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]

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

[John Kennett]

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

[John Kennett]

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]

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 . . .