New Ribcraft 585 (Stateside)

MtStPipier · 11 April 2007, 16:41

I took my first RIB out for the maiden voyage / test drive last week. A bit nippy out, but she sure rode beautifully. Can't wait to get through the break-in period and for the temps to get back into the 50's to start enjoying her.

I've been a lurker for a while on this site and have found it to be most useful (and entertaining). Thanks!

dctucker · 12 April 2007, 02:37

Holy Smokes! Another 'header, right here on RIBnet!! Bit nippy for a ride today.

But next time, if you want a companion, let me know, I'll meet you at Riverhead. You know about the ramp at Little Harbor, by MH Lobster, right? Can be used at all tides, unlike Riverhead.

Nice boat. Don't get busted for speeding in the harbor!

I think I see a RIBnet Northeast USA cruise out of Marblehead this summer...

codprawn · 12 April 2007, 02:43

RIBs seem to be breeding at last on the other side of the pond - welcome to Ribnet - great boat!!!

learning to fly · 12 April 2007, 04:30

Its nice to have some more people interested in ribs around here, I am fair game for a ride, there are some great spots around here, hopeing to see some of them this year

MtStPipier · 12 April 2007, 11:32

Thanks guys. I consider myself primarily a sailor, so buying a plastic center console boat was right out. Test drove a couple Ribcrafts as they are made locally, and knew right away I had to have one. I'm going to use it to commute to work in Boston in good weather, so wanted something seaworthy and somewhat fuel efficient. Hopefully the popularity of RIBs continues to grow around here.

dct and ltf - Clearly we'll have to meet up this summer, after I learn how to handle her.

dctucker · 12 April 2007, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtStPipier

Thanks guys. I consider myself primarily a sailor, so buying a plastic center console boat was right out. Test drove a couple Ribcrafts as they are made locally, and knew right away I had to have one. I'm going to use it to commute to work in Boston in good weather, so wanted something seaworthy and somewhat fuel efficient. Hopefully the popularity of RIBs continues to grow around here.

dct and ltf - Clearly we'll have to meet up this summer, after I learn how to handle her.

My wife and I are primarily sailors too, she's on her second Paralympic sailing campaign right now. Our Searider is primarily used as a coachboat for her campaign. I think sailors are smarter than most stinkpotters, that's why we're drawn to the functionality of RIBs.

What do you have for a sailboat? Do any racing?

She's waiting for me to drive down to FL the end of the month to pick up our RIB, so she can use it to commute to her job at Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston. Maybe you two can "boatpool"! I'm not sure that commuting by RIB will be any faster or more efficient that driving to Boston, but it'll certainly be a lot more fun! We don't have a dock or even a mooring in Marblehead, so that adds to the complexity of the concept.

We're going to be taking a couple of trips out to Stellwagen to visit the whales once the weather gets a bit better. It never occurred to us to do that until we sailed through the area by accident last year on out way to P-Town. Would be nice to have another boat along for at least the first trip out.

codprawn · 12 April 2007, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtStPipier

Thanks guys. I consider myself primarily a sailor, so buying a plastic center console boat was right out. Test drove a couple Ribcrafts as they are made locally, and knew right away I had to have one. I'm going to use it to commute to work in Boston in good weather, so wanted something seaworthy and somewhat fuel efficient. Hopefully the popularity of RIBs continues to grow around here.

dct and ltf - Clearly we'll have to meet up this summer, after I learn how to handle her.

What do you mean - "good weather"? You will be amazed what it can cope with in bad weather as well....

dctucker · 12 April 2007, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

What do you mean - "good weather"? You will be amazed what it can cope with in bad weather as well....

Yes, but do you really want to get cold and wet on your way to work?? Or arrive in foulies or a drysuit?

codprawn · 12 April 2007, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by dctucker

Yes, but do you really want to get cold and wet on your way to work?? Or arrive in foulies or a drysuit?

I suppose it depends where you work - a woman I know spends all day in a rubber suit......

MtStPipier · 12 April 2007, 14:40

Quote:

I suppose it depends where you work - a woman I know spends all day in a rubber suit......

Codders - I don't even know where to go with this

MtStPipier · 12 April 2007, 14:47

Quote:

My wife and I are primarily sailors too, she's on her second Paralympic sailing campaign right now. Our Searider is primarily used as a coachboat for her campaign. I think sailors are smarter than most stinkpotters, that's why we're drawn to the functionality of RIBs. What do you have for a sailboat? Do any racing?

Oh, I think I've read about your wife, Maureen? You guys race a Sonar? I bought a Colgate 26 two years ago. I race PHRF and one-design. I'm usually at the back of the fleet, but am getting better. Chose the Colgate over the Sonar as it's a bit more kid friendly and it has an outboard.

Quote:

She's waiting for me to drive down to FL the end of the month to pick up our RIB, so she can use it to commute to her job at Piers Park Sailing Center in East Boston. Maybe you two can "boatpool"! I'm not sure that commuting by RIB will be any faster or more efficient that driving to Boston, but it'll certainly be a lot more fun! We don't have a dock or even a mooring in Marblehead, so that adds to the complexity of the concept.

I'm still 10 years away from a mooring in MHD main harbor. Have one on the West Shore for 'Cebu' and will keep the RIB in a slip at Hawthorne Cove. Not ideal, but...

Quote:

We're going to be taking a couple of trips out to Stellwagen to visit the whales once the weather gets a bit better. It never occurred to us to do that until we sailed through the area by accident last year on out way to P-Town. Would be nice to have another boat along for at least the first trip out.

Count me in!

ribfan · 18 April 2007, 03:32

Hi All,

Good to see some company in ct/mass/ri. I've had a rib since 1992, so it's about time! That was a custom built 18ft ARC, made in Newport RI. Great boat! Last year decided it was time to get something a little bigger and newer.
After looking around and an on the water sea trial in Marblehead, I decided on a Ribcraft 6.5. I you look on ribcraft's web site, the blue with grey rub strake 210 is mine.
So far the rig is quite nice. I'd be interested in a local ribathon if others are interested.

Bill

603doug · 18 April 2007, 10:34

Around here the only ribs are coast guard and marine patrol and they do not want to play. Marblehead really is not far from portsmouth "as a fish swims"

ribfan · 18 April 2007, 13:59

Same here in CT. My older rib was grey, so it looked like some kind of "official" boat, I can't tell you how many people thought it was. Back then no one could imagine anyone with such a boat. Now people look at it in wonder, but tend to think it's cool. The reaction when I pass a boat that is cruising is always interesting. The thought of being passed by a "rubber boat"!

pathalla · 19 April 2007, 13:19

My wife and I are primarily sailors too, she's on her second Paralympic sailing campaign right now. Our Searider is primarily used as a coachboat for her campaign. I think sailors are smarter than most stinkpotters, that's why we're drawn to the functionality of RIBs. What do you have for a sailboat? Do any racing?

O.K. lets not get started....
C'mon Dc, we ALL know you love your rib best, just don't tell your wife...

dctucker · 19 April 2007, 14:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by pathalla

My wife and I are primarily sailors too, she's on her second Paralympic sailing campaign right now. Our Searider is primarily used as a coachboat for her campaign. I think sailors are smarter than most stinkpotters, that's why we're drawn to the functionality of RIBs. What do you have for a sailboat? Do any racing?

O.K. lets not get started....
C'mon Dc, we ALL know you love your rib best, just don't tell your wife...

Sorry, no... I'd rather be racing a Viper640 (my current favorite boat), J/24 or Sonar, or cruising with the family on our little 25' sailboat. The RIB is great fun for blasting about though, and my 7 y.o. daughter prefers the RIB. I am looking forward to scooting 15 miles offshore to visit the whales a few times in the RIB this summer. Never would have thought of doing that, if we hadn't sailed through Stellwagen Bank on our 25' cruisey sailboat, on our way to Provincetown for a weekend.

Different tools for different needs. In either case, being on the water is what it's all about!! Best of both worlds

I waste time here, but much more on SailingAnarchy.com

Hmmm... Whale watch... the first Mass Bay RIBnet rally? I may not have my boat back from FL until Memorial Day weekend, so how about June 9th? (weather dependent, of course). I have a local J/24 regatta the following weekend (Father's Day).

MtStPipier · 19 April 2007, 14:21

June 9th works for me. Have to brush up on the regs regarding whales at Stellwagen...

learning to fly · 19 April 2007, 15:40

It would be fun for a bunch of us to get our boats together, How far offshore do you have to go. marble head is about an hour away and not a bad ride. If I am free Id love to join you. I will keep looking and stay in touch.

jyasaki · 19 April 2007, 16:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtStPipier

June 9th works for me. Have to brush up on the regs regarding whales at Stellwagen...

http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/wha...uidelines.html

jky

MtStPipier · 19 April 2007, 16:08

Quote:

http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/visit/wha...uidelines.html

jky

Thanks jky! I shall laminate a copy and keep them handy.