Ribcraft 7.8M Mitigator in California

[Channelwatch]

In part thanks to all of you enjoying your RIBs and me reading about it we have taken the plung and just purchased a Ribcraft 7.8M Mitigator which we are using for work and pleasure on the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. We already own a 30 foot Nautica ex-military twin diesel RIB which is an awesome workboat but needed a smaller, faster boat to compliment our towboat/rescue fleet.

We chose Ribcraft for several reasons and are extremely satisfied. So much so that we are working out the details on being their representive out here on the West Coast. As far as we know it is the first Mitigator on the West Coast and Zodiac which I understand copied the idea with the CZ7 doesn't even have one out here.

We are providing demo/adventure rides for any interested parties and will soon have details on our website, www.channelwatchmarine.com. Bear with us as we build the site. It's time to show boaters here in the US the advantages of RIBs as a primary boat not just a sciff.

I will gladly answer any questions about Ribcraft or our Mitigator and must say it's an awesome boat with an incredible ride and Ribcraft was great to deal with even thought in this purchase they just handled the transaction for a private seller.

I did a lot of research on this forum and thank all who take the time to share information about RIBs. They are great boats and deserve more attention here in the US.

Captains Paul and Beverly Amaral
Channel Watch Marine, Inc.
Vessel Assist/Boat U.S.

[boatster_sr4]

Hi ChannelWatch,

Great to see another So Cal ribber. I go out to Santa Cruz Island all the time in my Avon 4m Searider. I just picked up a 5.4 meter Searider. I hope I won't need to hail you for help. But if I do I'd be darn glad to see you pull up in a Ribcraft Mitigator. I usually launch from Channel Islands Harbor. Welcome to Rib.net.

Boatster

[Channelwatch]

Right now she is set up more as a rescue boat than a tow boat but I'm sure we'll be towing with it as well. Maybe even running around and having some fun around the islands, if time ever permits. I love fishing and diving and am looking forward to playing with this thing.

Hope to see you out there having fun but don't hesitate to contact us if you ever need as we cover Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Channel Islands harbors. You can also call us direct by cell at (805)644-2762 or hail Vessel Assist Ventura on VHF 16 but we are not always by our radio in which case our dispatch center will pick up.

Enjoy,
Capts Paul and Beverly Amaral

[codprawn]

Looks like the Yanks are starting to wake up to RIBs at last - wonder how long it will be before they start selling them back to us claiming they invented them???

Only joking but it wouldn't be the first time....

[Channelwatch]

Some of us Yanks are smarter than others. Notice we bought a boat with roots on your side of the pond. I also chose a wife with roots in the UK so I guess I know where good things come from.

[limeydal]

Hey, I am willing to get into trouble just to get rescued by a Mitigator
Maybe will start to show the hard boaters just what a RIB can do
Get a little tired of people saying "It's nice, but why dont you buy a real boat"
Definately put your numbers into my book;just might see you out there some day;
Big Welcome
cheers Darrall

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Channelwatch

Some of us Yanks are smarter than others. Notice we bought a boat with roots on your side of the pond. I also chose a wife with roots in the UK so I guess I know where good things come from.

Good for you - but with my experiences of British women maybe I should choose one from California!!!

[OceanEco]

Hello Channelwatch,

Welcome to ribnet. Nice to have another westcoaster online. Great looking rib you have there. Is 300hp the max for the mitigator? What is your top speed and cruising speeds? I believe that the CZ7 is not a copy of the mitigator. It is a copy of the zodiac hurricane 733 that has been used for the last 18 years by the canadian coast guard, search and rescue and other government bodies. Zodiac then introduced the CZ7 for the public and almost doubled the price for a completely fitted boat.

Take care and enjoy the new boat!!

Simon
www.oceanecoventures.com

[Channelwatch]

Hi Simon,

You are right about the CZ7 being a 733 copy but what I was referring to was the CZ7 concept for the retail market. Ribcraft launched the Mitigator with all the goodies then Zodiac came along with theirs. Due to the price neither company has been selling many but I was pleasantly surprised by what I could get a similar Ribcraft nicely equipted for.

We are still getting used to this one but we have been cruising it at 30-35 knots and she will do 45 knots. This one has 2 Johnson 150 hp military spec 2 strokes and the plate says a max of 400 hp. The acceleration is incredible and the hull design makes for a great ride. Had it out in some nasty stuff the other day and was very impressed.

[CaptAl]

Channelwatch,

Your Ribcraft 7.8M Mitigator looks amazing. We need one up here for sure. I loved the pix and descriptions of your rescues. I am sure you will get lots of calls this boating season.

Good to see other North American posts on here. I am a West Coaster (USA) as well. There are quite a few RIBs north of us in Vancouver, Canada area.

I recently purchased a hybrid RIB here in Seattle. I am in the process of doing all the maintenance on her before we launch again. It's a 2001 Rendova 380 with a 40 HP Yamaha.