Who are the top RIB manufactures?

matthewtreid · 28 September 2016, 23:50

Hello,

I'm looking to start a Whale Watch business in New England and I'm wondering who the top manufactures are of RIBs? I've been talking with RIBCRAFT who seem like a decent outfit but they are also pricey. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks for your time.

islandflyer · 29 September 2016, 01:27

Jones Act limits you to USA made boats, which means expect to pay a premium.

office888 · 29 September 2016, 01:40

Depends what you're looking for.

What state are you in?

I tend to gravitate towards Zodiac. They do a pretty good job at supporting products for the entire lifespan of the product (15-25 years). Their big boats have mechanically fastened tubesets that can be changed easily. All of their US-produced hulls are wood free.

What size and powerplant are you looking for? Their aren't too many US producers over 9m, and if you want an inboard powerplant, there's even fewer producers.

jonp · 29 September 2016, 02:14

I'm more than happy with my zodiac, been in a few other makes that don't stand up so well. If I was to buy another boat it would be another Zodiac unless I had mega money and was upgrading to somethething big like a Naiad 12m +.

Jon

matt h · 29 September 2016, 06:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewtreid

Hello,

I'm looking to start a Whale Watch business in New England and I'm wondering who the top manufactures are of RIBs? I've been talking with RIBCRAFT who seem like a decent outfit but they are also pricey. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks for your time.

You did ask for the Top Manufacturer!!

jonp · 29 September 2016, 07:49

One of the top manufacturers Naiad Design

Mollers · 29 September 2016, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

You did ask for the Top Manufacturer!!

Licky yum yum.

bedajim · 29 September 2016, 08:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonp

One of the top manufacturers Naiad Design

matthewtreid · 29 September 2016, 11:39

Does the Jones Act apply to one port? Or US port to US port?

matthewtreid · 29 September 2016, 11:42

I'm looking at a 9m with Yamaha 300s. Have you heard anything on ASIS RIBS? Thanks for the reply.

John Kennett · 29 September 2016, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewtreid

Does the Jones Act apply to one port? Or US port to US port?

Looks like it applies to pretty much anything:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passen...es_Act_of_1886

Maximus · 29 September 2016, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewtreid

Hello,

I'm looking to start a Whale Watch business in New England and I'm wondering who the top manufactures are of RIBs? I've been talking with RIBCRAFT who seem like a decent outfit but they are also pricey. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? Thanks for your time.

Quite often decent used examples for sale this side of the Pond...compared with new I've seen some that look like excellent value.
Might be worth considering??..

matthewtreid · 29 September 2016, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonp

I'm more than happy with my zodiac, been in a few other makes that don't stand up so well. If I was to buy another boat it would be another Zodiac unless I had mega money and was upgrading to somethething big like a Naiad 12m +.

Jon

Thanks for the reply.

John Kennett · 29 September 2016, 14:31

If you can find a US built one. Armstrong Marine announced last year that they had done a deal with Naiad, but I don't know if they've actually built any yet.

http://armstrongmarine.com

lakelandterrier · 29 September 2016, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Looks like it applies to pretty much anything:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passen...es_Act_of_1886

Don't you just love the US idea of an open market and trade, as long as it's one way!

Why does where the boat / vessel was built have anything to do where it operat? .Oh and I love the exception allowing Canadian vessels to ply their trade UNTIL a US operation starts up. Nothing like a level playing field

willk · 29 September 2016, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Why does where the boat / vessel was built have anything to do where it operat?

It has to do with knowing how the boat is built - a question of standards, really. There's no restriction with leisure boats, same here in Ireland - but it all changes when the boats become passenger vessels. Then there are Regulations

At this time, a RIB built in the UK cannot be coded to P5 in Ireland UNLESS we've had a shufti at the hull while it is in build (we send our inspectors to look). That is because your build oversight standards were so lax that you allowed the build of Big Yellow to happen.

Maybe the US were worried about more British tat entering their market?

office888 · 29 September 2016, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Don't you just love the US idea of an open market and trade, as long as it's one way!

Why does where the boat / vessel was built have anything to do where it operat? .Oh and I love the exception allowing Canadian vessels to ply their trade UNTIL a US operation starts up. Nothing like a level playing field

Laws are easy to create, but hard to remove once in enacted.

One of my personal favorites : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_tax
25% tariff on "light trucks" , so products such as the Mercedes Sprinter are brought in as passenger vans, then the seats / rear interior are shredded locally and the vehicle is turned back in to a "light truck".