Alternative makes

Riblates · 13 November 2003, 21:13

Another one seeking advice, I am looking for a 5 - 6 metre package and trying to find feedback on smaller makers such as Solent Ribs, Porter Brothers etc in terms of build quality etc as their prices seem more reasonable and lead times better.
I like the Ribcraft but not their 6 month build time. or is it time for a trip to Guernsey?

thewavehumper · 13 November 2003, 21:21

Solent Ribs i think use the old Tohatsu moulds and they have a pretty precise guy making them with Henshaw tubes. The company is lee fairweatheers so the mechanical side of it will be good and they use Henshaw Tubes.

Andre is better plaed to tell you about the Parkers, but they appear OK and the Prosports look like good deals

Steve Care · 13 November 2003, 21:22

I've been looking much like yourself for over a year and decided to go with Bembridge Outboards for a new avon 620 they have new and second hand with a few ribcraft check out their web site.
www.bembridgeoutboards.co.uk
If you call them speak to Jim his a good help

Ian · 13 November 2003, 22:35

Riblates, Guernsey is well worth the trip to demo a Pro Sport but not sure what the lead time is for a new rib from them now.
Give Jason a call, see www.prosportribs.co.uk for his contact details.

Louise · 13 November 2003, 22:44

Steve,
Clear out your PMs - it's full.

Steve Care · 13 November 2003, 22:46

i have

Richard B · 13 November 2003, 22:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Riblates
trying to find feedback on smaller makers such as Solent Ribs, Porter Brothers etc

I thought that Porter Bros made the Solent RIBs hulls... anyway the Solent 7.1 looks very good in the water, and is very fast.

thewavehumper · 13 November 2003, 22:56

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
I thought that Porter Bros made the Solent RIBs hulls... .

Oh really!

Richard B · 13 November 2003, 22:58

Well it was Flanker that told me that

Steve Care · 13 November 2003, 23:01

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
Well it was Flanker that told me that

If he is wrong about the hull his name must be spelt wrong

thewavehumper · 13 November 2003, 23:05

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
Well it was Flanker that told me that

Well he was a bit of a wanderer, as far as I know the porter brothers make country rock music in the states and wayfarer dinghies over here. When I was out and about during Cowes week I was surrounded by Solent ribs all week and a few Ribeyes.
so I got talking to the Solent drivers who mostly worked for Lee.

Riblates who are these porter brothers then!

Pete7 · 13 November 2003, 23:18

Solent ribs, mould there own hulls. Porters work out of Emsworth and used to do some work for BWM, then Tohatsu followed by there own ribs.

http://www.solentribs.com/

Pete