Gday from Western Australia

Rabbit22 · 14 April 2014, 01:50

Hi all, newbie user and about to enter into the mystical world of Ribs. Currently getting an 8 metre rib built in NZ for a new mooring project which is a bit secretive at the moment. Lots of questions on suspension seats and powering the beast to come so I apologise in advance

willk · 14 April 2014, 08:05

Welcome to RIBnet!

biffer · 14 April 2014, 08:11

Welcome, good luck with your project, I had a not so good experience with a main dealer of jet boats in NSW, not really a professional or caring advert for the marine trade, hope this isn't the norm over there, lovely country though

Rabbit22 · 14 April 2014, 11:13

Hi guys, yes it is a pretty good place, shame about your experience biffer. I'd like say it is unusual but like anywhere there a few ragbags in the industry and the numbers seem to be growing.
I can't understand why there aren't more ribs in WA, perfect conditions for them. Mornings are ok then sea breeze comes in about 1300 @ 25-30knots, perfect for blasting across the top.
Looking forward to seeing first hand.

boristhebold · 14 April 2014, 13:14

And youve got Rottnest Island, must be a nice trip on a sunny day. I spent a few days on a friends yacht anchored off Rottnest a few years back. Great place. Flew in by a friend in his small aircraft then joined the yacht anchored just off the island, felt like a millionaire. Great memories.

Rabbit22 · 14 April 2014, 14:09

Just going to have to train the sharks a bit better.....

Bittentobuggery · 14 April 2014, 15:51

There are certainly a lot more ribs now than when I arrived 7 years ago but they haven't achieved the popularity that they enjoy in the UK. The reason is that the average bloke wants a trailer boat to fish and wants to drag it up north or down south for his holiday, where the fishing is better than the fished out metropolitan area and they tend to use the traditional brands for that.

There are quite a few Brigs and some older Geminis and most of the sailing clubs now have ribs as support boats. They say WA is 15 years behind the times, so maybe in another 8-10 years....

The heat is definitely an issue and my dark blue tubes suffer massive expansion on 35C+ days.

In April & May we get some beautiful flat days with 25C+ and they are ideal for a run over to Rotto. Little Parakeet Bay is our favourite and at this time of year, we might be lucky and have the beach to ourselves.

biffer · 14 April 2014, 17:58

I said to someone that if nature could carve out a boating area for the ribs then Sydney would be it. I will be back again but for longer next time. Kubcat has a nice rib that just needs a little sorting. I will be back bothering him again. If you're up that way look him up. He's a sound guy