What is the target market for each manufacturer?

[daveirl]

I'm am in the process of looking for my first rib I'm doing a lot of research on what type of rib I want. I'm looking for something for leisure use than can handle some pretty rough weather if it turns bad, ribcraft and humber seem to market themselves towards that market.

Others such as Redbay seem to be just as capable (probably more) but market themselves towards light commercial/SAR use. Osprey seem to be fast and tornado (from Hull) for diving.

It would be interesting to hear what others opinions are on rib manufacturers and who their
target market is.

Ie what sort of rib do you have and why did you chose it?

[Xk59D]

you have made a very broad sweeping statement there with what you think each maker offers, it isn't that simple....and you are wrong with some assumptions there

to narrow down what boat you want all we really need to know is the budget, what you want it for, how many people and what size ideally do you want.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

you have made a very broad sweeping statement there with what you think each maker offers, it isn't that simple....and you are wrong with some assumptions there

There you go - I thought he'd pretty much nailed it...

But ultimately, they're all just blow-up boats

[daveirl]

Hi Xk59D,

Agreed my statements are broad, its based on what I have come across while doing my research. They are more a conversation starter than fact, I don't think there are right or wrong answers, just opinions and experiences.

For example you say some of my assumptions are wrong, I'd like to know why you think that?

What type of boat did you chose and why?

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by willk

There you go - I thought he'd pretty much nailed it..

I kinda thought that too...

[Xk59D]

i'm saying it is wrong because Avon for example make the SR and Adventure series, total chalk and cheese so you couldn't just buy an Avon and it will be the same in similar conditions. The same also applies to Humber and a couple of others too.

i bought a ribcraft because i wanted a "deep V" rather than what i had previously, i have never been on a ribcraft until the day mine arrived. i didn't even go to see it, all done over the tinterweb.....i wouldn't recommend that though i just knew i wanted a ribcraft and my options were a spank new 585 or a demo 6.8.....easy choice

[willk]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

i bought a ribcraft because i wanted a "deep V" rather than what i had previously, i have never been on a ribcraft until the day mine arrived. i didn't even go to see it...

Would it be fair to say that you bought it because you wanted something for leisure use that could handle some pretty rough weather if it turned bad?

[Xk59D]

no, i bought it as it looked better than the one next to it

[Pikey Dave]

IMO boats tend to reflect the local conditions rather than target market. UK designed & built boats tend to be deeper "V" & more utilitarian than their continental counterparts. This is due to the weather & sea conditions that they operate in. Med boats tend to be more orientated to warm weather lounging & calmer waters. The first name that always springs to (my) mind when someone mentions "leisure" is Ribeye. If you're not buying new, your choice is limited to what's on the market rather than ideal spec, unless you're very lucky. Ultimately your choice is limited by budget.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

no, i bought it as it looked better than the one next to it

Well, in fairness I can relate to that

[Bigquick2010]

I own a Nuova Jolly and it's been an amazing riding boat in really really bad weather.

[jeffstevens763@g]

IMO being around boats both leisure & working for years it's very hard to choose from the top makes as mentioned unless you can side by side them on the day.

For me builders like Humber in no way biased have been around for 50 years make all kinds of boat for all conditions that for me is a base to start from then on its the deal you can strike.

[GuyC]

I bought mine because I liked the no-nonsense Tonka toyness of it. It was quite a lot of brick out house boat for the money. The diesel attracted me because of the lower fire risk and availability in far flung bits of the UK. It's big, slow and heavy so reflects its owner quite well.

If your boat is a toy, then it possibly reflects the lifestyle you have or aspire to.

[BigE]

Originally Posted by Xk59D

no, i bought it as it looked better than the one next to it

That is the best and most honest answer I've ever seen on a forum weather it be buying boats or cars.