RIB's in order of quality and finish

[SR4]

I am new to ribbing and rather than make a mistake buying a duff RIB would like people to help me grade them in terms of quality, a bit like Mercedes, Lexus, Ford, Citroen, Seat e.t.c. I think we all understand cars within reason so wondered if we could start at the top and work down, say the top ten makers then I can decide where I want to pitch myself.

I was at Universal marina at the weekend in the Hamble and saw some fantastic RIBS being made, they did however look more like super tenders than everyday knock about boats, so would prefer if we could stick to everyday types of RIBS, not specialist built to order types. I have seen some called Redbay, they look quite solid and I have *Edited 'NOT' ruled one out but maybe a bit more commercial than just for pottering around the Channel Islands from the Solent max.

Thanks

[Boats&Outboards]

Ribeye

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[SR4]

Thanks, I was looking at them then someone told me they were made in China and stay clear, good to see you recommend them

So what are they equivalent to, say Merc, Skoda, Ford, Fiat e.t.c.

Thanks

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by SR4

Thanks, I was looking at them then someone told me they were made in China and stay clear,

No, south Africa I believe.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by SR4

... start at the top and work down, say the top ten makers ... I have seen some called Redbay ...I have ruled one out

[kerny]

[SR4]

SORRY, it should have read 'NOT ruled one out' Apologies

[C2 RIBS]

Originally Posted by SR4

Thanks, I was looking at them then someone told me they were made in China and stay clear, good to see you recommend them


Thanks

Ribeyes are made in South Africa in a factory owned and run by British based (Dartmouth) team. They are shipped to UK in containers as hulls and tubes and then fitted out in Dartmouth unless a local dealer for Ribeye completes it for customer.

The link to China is their very small SIB type fleet that are aluminium hulls and up to 430 in length if memory serves me. These are made in China but not the RIBs 5 metre to 9 metre and they also make RIBTEC

[kerny]

Get your dancing shoes on.... the new seapro.

Tiger-Marine - RIBs Manufacturer - SINCE 1996..

[SR4]

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

Ribeyes are made in South Africa in a factory owned and run by British based (Dartmouth) team. They are shipped to UK in containers as hulls and tubes and then fitted out in Dartmouth unless a local dealer for Ribeye completes it for customer.

The link to China is their very small SIB type fleet that are aluminium hulls and up to 430 in length if memory serves me. These are made in China but not the RIBs 5 metre to 9 metre and they also make RIBTEC

Thanks for clarifying, that rules them out then as I want to support British industry, not interested in cheap foreign labour

[Cypman]

There are hundreds of RIB builders in the UK, most of whom produce pretty good boats. Who produces the best is open to personal opinion, consequently I would recommend you search this forum and also look at the variety of boats operating in your area to gain your own views. Don't be shy in asking other peoples' opinion but remember we all tend to promote the boat WE like best.
Price also has a major influence on choice. Enjoy your search.

[kerny]

British built Liverpool Power Boats

[SR4]

[QUOTE=Cypman;475967]Don't be shy in asking other peoples' opinion/QUOTE]

Thanks, exactly what I am doing and will bear in mind your other comments

[Dry Run]

I have over 100 ribs on the Dry Stack (both small and large, commercial and leisure) and get to do most of the repairs, servicing, washing, etc. So have a bit of an insight into most makes and how reliable they are and easy to live with. So, taking a deep breath and realising I'm setting myself up to be sniped at, here's my thoughts for what their worth.

Starting at the top

Ribcraft, Scorpion, Redbay - all seem very well built and well suited to Solent conditions.

Stingher, Cobra, Ballistic - great looking ribs with no real build issues save some annoying finishing touches.

Solent, Avon, Ribeye, Humber - good family boats that often perform better that they look.

Everything else - you tend to get what you pay for.

Please note this is only personal experience and subject to lots of caviats (ie it depends what engine it has, how big it is, how old it is, what you want to use it for, etc). Also it depends what you like.

I have a 8m Humber and I like that fact that the control cables run from the console to the transome in an "on the deck" trunk - it make it very easy to work on. But if you want a beautiful family rib, you probably want all the control lines buried.

Hope that helps?????

[Hysucat]

Originally Posted by SR4

Thanks for clarifying, that rules them out then as I want to support British industry, not interested in cheap foreign labour

I would like to let you know that we don't do cheap work in South Africa and the labour is getting more expensive by the day

[Hysucat]

Originally Posted by kerny

Get your dancing shoes on.... the new seapro.

Tiger-Marine - RIBs Manufacturer - SINCE 1996..

Float like an Egyptian !

[kerny]

Originally Posted by Hysucat

Float like an Egyptian !

Bangles an all

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by SR4

Thanks, I was looking at them then someone told me they were made in China and stay clear, good to see you recommend them

So what are they equivalent to, say Merc, Skoda, Ford, Fiat e.t.c.

Thanks

I was just getting the discussion started

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[thomas]

The best rib is the one you've got, everyone one will tell you their boat is best - the othe favourite response is Ribcraft good, Ribeye crap, but depending on what you want it for either may or may not suit.

[SR4]

Thanks to Dry Run and the rest, never heard of Cobra, sounds like a chavvy Indian beer I was surprised that Avon didn't appear on the list.

I am certainly not into posey RIBS, I want something good and sturdy, no wine racks or cup holders for me, clear deck space as well would be nice for diving and watersports. I guess like cars there are some RIBS with stuck on styling just waiting to get ripped off, so I will avoid that without getting too commercial looking.

I now have some makes to go and research so thanks, what was interesting at the weekend was that I found myself looking at RIBS, never gave them a second look before, maybe I am becoming a closet ribber