Ribs with decent weather protection/cabins - why are there so few options?!

[RJH]

Thanks. Yes, I know what you mean. They have a similar cabin to the Ribcraft version I believe. I've heard and read good things and have no doubt they do the job well but ....maybe it could just be a little bit better looking?

[willk]

Originally Posted by RJH

They have a similar cabin to the Ribcraft version I believe....

IIRC it's the same cabin/console produced under licence by Ribcraft.

The willkcraft topsides moulding certainly gave a nod to the Shearwater, but we had a lot more space to play with and worked in more bulk. My key requirement was complete shelter and full standing height, which was achieved. The wrapped back sides and screen provide excellent shelter in all but the worst weather and with the covers in place creates a very cozy foul weather enclosure.

[Phil M]

Highfield Harbour Master?

[atinod]

Thanks for all your thoughts and comments. Many of these I have investigated already and it does seem to confirm that there is nothing really out there as a complete system, for a medium sized rib. Most of the 'cabin' ribs don't really address the enclosed cockpit issue and still leave you exposed to rain, wind and spray.

The ICE1 cockpit is superb I think but I imagine the cost is very high. A couple of the others are along the the lines of what I was looking for.

In the end I did look elsewhere away from the rib that I initially wanted and that included Axopar, Anytec, Viggo and other mainly Finnish designs. In the end I bought an XO with this arrangement, which is proving to be fantastic.

Although not a rib (am I still allowed on here?!), I still feel that this type of solution would be a great option on a rib...?!

[RickW]

how do you find it and how much do they go for?

[atinod]

RickW
It really is fantastic - aluminium hull and around £50k without engine. Wessex Marine is the place to go if interested.

This sums it up quite well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2_Bx0pyNVY

[Andre]

This particular Parker 900 Baltic is based in the Hamble and the canopy type cabin was designed, produced and installed by a company I believe is based in Lymington

But there is nothing wrong with a full cabin like the orange Parker 900 Baltic. This model has 4 suspension seats

[RickW]

Usual caveats I know but how many litres per nm trying to compare to a similar type rib (both the xo dfndr and the Parker)

[atinod]

That is very interesting for future reference Andre, thanks.

RickW - I haven't got round to calculating that yet but at 1500kg plus 355 litres of fuel it is going to be a fair bit heavier that an 8m rib.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by atinod

Thanks for all your thoughts and comments. Many of these I have investigated already and it does seem to confirm that there is nothing really out there as a complete system, for a medium sized rib. Most of the 'cabin' ribs don't really address the enclosed cockpit issue and still leave you exposed to rain, wind and spray.



!

Wondering if you have ever tried one...

[RickW]

Interested to know what the fuel consumption is - the other thing I find odd is looks and is sold as a serious boat for offshore conditions and is only C rated?

[RichardinNZ]

How about an Assault (Gemini based):
http://www.assaultboats.co.nz/default.asp?id=116

[RJH]

I like the look of those. They could sell well in the UK.

[RichardinNZ]

I think Fluid Watercraft (Gemini in the US) sold something similar?

[RichardinNZ]

See:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lttrinop2NE

[Daniel]

That's a wheel house rib. I had a 9m ribtec wheelhouse which was a truly awesome machine but took the fun away from RIB'ing somewhat.

If I have another cabin style rib, it'll be more like the scorpion / customRIB design where you're open to the elements but have a cuddy cabin for overnighting - like the yellow one



I appreciate the OP is asking about well protected cabin ribs, but in my opinion - for leisure use - they're not nearly as much fun

[RJH]

Yes I agree. I've also decided I like the look of the Parker Arrow!

[Andre]

Originally Posted by RJH

Yes I agree. I've also decided I like the look of the Parker Arrow!

Same here and funny enough we have only made two of them and both are based in Gdynia Poland. Twin outboard version only. If I was to have a petrol demo rib the Arrow would be my choice

[Daniel]

Didn't know about that model Andre, looks nice.

[Andre]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Didn't know about that model Andre, looks nice.

the Arrow shares the 10 mtr Baltic hull and is on our web page