Is Ribex worth going to?

[bingomike]

Is Ribex still worth the effort/expense to go to?

If so which is the better day?

And finally, I seem to remember there was a rib taxi running from Portsmouth direct to the show, is that happening this year?

Mike

[John Kennett]

It's a good social event if there are people you want to meet up with.

It's also good if you're actually thinking of buying a new RIB and want to have a look at a good selection of boats. You can normally get a few rides out in boats, but if you're a serious buyer you should also be able to arrange a proper sea trial.

It doesn't tend to be quite so good for casual visitors as it's not like a big boat show with loads of stuff to just gawp at, and the shopping opportunities tend to be a bit limited. However, it's only £4.50 to get in so even if you only go for an hour or two it's well worth building in to a day trip to the island.

I'm going on Friday and will post some photos in the evening.

[boristhebold]

Im intending to go on Friday. It's not a huge show but definately worth while having a look at new boats etc. Plus Cowes itself is good to look around if your after any clothing or gear, lots of shops selling boating things. There is plenty to do and see in Cowes to keep other half occupied while your looking at boats.

[Ribshop]

Due to low visitor numbers last year we have chosen not to exhibit at Ribex 2011.
Instead we are offering free standard delivery for the duration of the show.

[John Kennett]

I went today, and it's clear that the industry is having a very difficult time at the moment. I had a chat with Hugo who reckons they are 20% down on last year. To be honest it looks more like 50% and there are a lot fewer RIBs being exhibited than last year.

However, it's better than ever to visit by boat as the visitor moorings are in the main marina with the rest of the show. Visiting boats are charged £12 which includes 1 admission ticket and 1 hog roast - they're worth £9 combined, so it's effectively only £3 for a day's mooring in a prime Cowes location!

The weather forecast for the weekend is great, so what better excuse for a run out to the island?

[Hightower]

If you're looking for a RIB package, then great!

If you're looking for stands, bits and pieces to buy, then not so great

Even the social side of things haven't been great lately and I keep thinking back to the days when we had round the island cruises and speaches from Mr Priddy.

I've been very disapointed with RIBEX in recent years, to the point I'll be giving it a miss until I see signs that its starting to get back to the good old days or am buying a new RIB.

I'll be going to the RIB and Sports boat show in Southampton instead.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Even the social side of things haven't been great lately and I keep thinking back to the days when we had round the island cruises and speaches from Mr Priddy.

Alan was there, giving speeches to anyone who would stand still long enough

A round the island cruise would actually be the perfect accompaniment to a visit to RIBEX this weekend. Maybe you might find a few takers?

I've been very disapointed with RIBEX in recent years, to the point I'll be giving it a miss until I see signs that its starting to get back to the good old days or am buying a new RIB.

I'll be going to the RIB and Sports boat show in Southampton instead.

I've not been to the RIB and Sports Boat Show recently, but I don't think the number of RIBs on display comes close to RIBEX does it? RIBEX may not be perfect, but I reckon you'll miss it when it's gone!

[bingomike]

I went today, reasonable selection of Ribs of varying sizes and types.

Visitor numbers very low, the number of exhibitors was low too.

With the low number of visitors you would have thought customers would be top priority, but this was not so on most of the stands with a few notable exceptions.

as mentioned by others earlier in the thread, it is worth going for a couple of hours and then explore some of the sights to be had on the Island

Mike

[Alan Priddy]

Just got back after going over yesterday, it took this long to sober up.
What ever you have to say about RIBEX, Hugo does try to put on a good show. There will always be the argument that it is too far away or costs too much to exhibit etc etc but as far as a"Rib Gathering" goes it is at the top of the list. It has to be apcceted that events cost money and I would hate to think how much this years "Social" event cost to put on. Last nights open air concert was Brilliant. The band were Rocking and although the numbers were on the low side, everyone had an excelent time. I am guessing that if there wasnt RIBEX someone would want to hold one. Hopefully it will continue and perhaps it might be the time for the RIBNET team to join forces with Hugo and turn it into a good old shin dig for next year? just a thought.
Alan P slightly more sober than he was last night

[boristhebold]

I went on Friday, it was very quiet, not much to see was disappointed, however did have a good look at a new scorpion very nice.