Ribcraft V XS

[Marki]

I have been asked to advise someone thinking of buying either an XS 7.0m or Ribcraft 7.0m. Any comments advice or info would be useful. Would prefer with twin engines

Thanks in advance

[Simon Hawkins]

I do not know too much about XS RIBS, but I do have a 7m Ribcraft which I am very happy with, as it has a very smooth ride at cruising speeds, and an exceptional Sea Boat.

[Pete7]

Wouldn't have thought there was much in it, both very good ribs, but have a chat with Benc about twin engines.

However around the Solent the local seagulls prefer Ribcraft:

[ADS]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Wouldn't have thought there was much in it, both very good
However around the Solent the local seagulls prefer Ribcraft:

I think we need to get Scotty and his Valiant in the Solent, should help reduce this problem.

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11398

Alex

[pettal]

Loved my XS-700 and looking forward to luvvin my new XS-950 even more!!

Honestly though there isn't much in it between the two although I believe the XS is slightly better built and slightly cheaper having looked at both before I choose XS.

Both still good boats though and would be happy with either!

[peter 24/7]

Know nothing about XS, but have had a Ribcraft 7m and it was a fantastic boat in rough weather, now have a 7.8 Ribcraft, even better. Build quality / finish is 1st class, no self tappers........... etc...

[Marki]

Thanks for the info - there isn't too much info about XS compared to other makes from what I can see. Did anyone find who makes XS? Is it Barnet Marine or under contract to an existing manufacturer?

[pettal]

Nah no one but Laurence knows and they were supposed to be telling the world in spring (2005) who they were......but nothing as yet!

Barnet only fit them out as they do with Tornado. They get the hull, toobs, seats and consoles (as they are bonded with the deck) and then fit the rest i.e. engine's, electronics, SS work etc etc.

Ask Laurence for a quote as it's usually a hell of a lot cheaper than the RRP price list.

[Jizm]

anyone got a web address for XS ribs?
ta
Jiz

[Louise]

www.xs-ribs.co.uk

[Andre]

The problem with XS ribs is if you want a two man or even 3 man jockey seat you do not have a backrest for those in front so if one person seating he has a backrest but nothing to hold on to. The persons in front of him have to lean on each other and no grab handles. Just like on the earlier photos

as for performance well never driven one so cannot comment



Just realized that the photo posted is of a Ribcraft with seats and backrests only at the end of the seat. Well XS do the same but with Ribcraft I believe you do have a choice

[Rogue Wave]

If you really want to know who pops the XS boats out of the Mould then take a look at the Hull shape and see what hard boat it corresponds too.

but theres the rub, The only Ribcraft I have driven extensively is a 7.8 and when pushed its a bit slammy but a safe ride. they are definitely well built ande they don't lose their value!

I like the XS ribs a lot but I think the Ribcraft probably represents a better investment, but if the XS is a lot cheaper.

Twin engines, now your are talking big boy. make sure it's got full redundancy built in sperate tanks filters and electrics! It think a 7 metre boat would go very well with a pair of 150 optis

[swginn]

Plenty of info on here about XS-Ribs:

http://www.rib.net/forum/search.php?searchid=237149

http://www.rib.net/forum/search.php?searchid=237133

You can get have a backrest made up for those sitting in front on a double jockey as well. Myself and Pettal enquired about this and Barnet said they can have anything made up as long as you provide a sketch of how you want it made.

As for who laminates XS-Ribs, they are a major UK manufacturer with a huge production facility and so can turn out the hulls quicker than Barnet can fit them out. As a result Barnet are moving to a larger premises this Christmas so they can keep up. Looking at the hull I would say it is very similar to a Phantom, but I don't know who laminates these or what facilities they have. (Rogue, do you know??)

Is it possible that XS could be using Tornado hulls and having them moulded by a different manufacturer, after all Laurence Lock is a MD of Tornado.

Anyway regardless of who makes them. They are very solid, well built boats with good rough weather ability and sharp handling and performance. They will be a lot cheaper than Ribcrafts also.

I own an XS but would be just as happy owning a Ribcraft too as they are boat equally as good.