THALASSA 2004 Greek RIB X

[Manos]

Here are some photos of the Greek RIB X called THALASSA 2004 6-11 Feb 2004 taking place at the old East Terminal in Athens

[Manos]

Most of the RIB inmporters were not there. Neither were any of the builders that build foreign hulls under licence in Greece.

Most of the RIBs you see in the following photos are designed, and built by Greek companies.

Starting with MOSTRO 9.5 mtrs @ Euro 23,000 just hull consol, lights, A-frame. In the aft part of the boat there is something that I call the INDIAN GRAVE (and they call a twin berth). This compartment is to be used for storing things rather than sleeping unless you are a masochist.
The boat looks good and takes single or twin inboard engines.

[Manos]

Continue with the X-TREME BOATS again Greek designed and built.
They have two versions on the large size called HUMMERHULL OPEN and HUMMERHUL CABIN. The boats again are 9.5 mtrs long.
The open version is priced (hull/tubes, A-frame, 2 toilets!!, sink, lights, tanks, buildge pumps etc the boat just needs the engine and is gone) at Euro 45,000.
This boat weighs 1450 kgs with a single 4-sroke, 250 bhp Evinrude and with this engine it has a cruising speed (due to a specially designed stepped hull) at 25 knots.
The boat looks pretty good and construction looks good too.
Again they have the INDIAN'sGRAVE (forward this time) and I wonder why you need to have a berth the size of a box and two toilets on board.

[Manos]

HUMMER HULL CABIN
Nice looking boat but looks to heavy to mee. This one is powered by a single 250 Yanmar.
I have actually seen their trial boat in Kithnos once when I was there with my RIB and in the water looks quite good. But still it looks like a house on the water.

[Manos]

Another Greek built and designed boat SKIPPER 9 mtr CABIN. This one is powered by twin 4-stroke Hondas.

[Manos]

A full view of the boat.
In general the trend in Greece is for big RIBs 8 mtr and over. Some prefer them with open decks (due to less price) and some with Cabins (if you like sleeping on a RIB. I prefer the hotels).

[Manos]

DORADO Is this a Greek designed and built boat??

[Manos]

A RIB with a diving application on it

[Manos]

The DESTROYER stand.
Nice looking RIBs

[Manos]

DROMOR 6 mtr.. This compnay is been building boats in Greece since I can rememebr.
They have good reputation.

[Manos]

Here are some smaller boats 6-6.5 mtrs.
This boat is been built and has been designed by BARCUDA in Greece

[Manos]

..and another one if you like what we call here 'SEA CAMPING'. Why one would like and enjoy to be uncomforatble I never understood

[Manos]

BRIG IMAR one of the very few RIB importers desplaying

[Manos]

.. and SCANER also

[Manos]

On the smalle size a MARINNER 480.
Nice little boat

[Manos]

A small AVON with a few BOMBARDS

[Manos]

...and finally a couple of dingies with a deep V inflatable keel!!

In conclusion from what I saw desplayed in this exhibition I think that the Greek market goes for large RIBs with comforts on board. The RIBs of 4,5 and 6 mtrs bellong to history in this country.

Saying that, I also think that there always be a market for small RIBs but it will remain constant and will not grow any bigger.
However, the large 8 mtr and over RIB market is groing fast and it has potential in this country.

Pitty the imported SR9 and the Greek built SCORPION were not there.

[Manos]

Upss forgot the photo

[barbarossa]

Hi Manos
thank you for this reportage.
Dorado is an italian rib built near Milano by Vincenzo Caputo.
Here is the link.

http://www.nautica-cab.it/intro.htm

[Manos]

Thanks Luigi.
It looks that in one or tow years I'll be going for a 10 mtr RIB