Why go RIB?

[kmarx12]

Hi All! I am new here- college student from the US. I am trying to do some comparison shopping for parents.

I am just generally wondering your takes on why RIBs are so popular in Europe. I am looking into a tender/sport boat. Dealerships here in the states have steered me away from ribs and more towards comparably-sized fiberglass boats (I am looking at around 4 meters). I am getting grim reports of the durability, longevity, and resale value of ribs as compared to an entirely fiberglass counterparts. Coming from salespeople, of course I am skeptical.

From reading the threads it sounds like most people here use RIBs as their primary boat. I'm just sort of wondering how that caught on, and what the appeal is. The US market caries far less brands than are available in Europe. (Mercury, Avon, Zodiac, and Caribe seem to make up nearly the whole of the market) and also the size of the RIBs here don't seem to any where close to those in Europe. I have been on a Zodiac and I'd like to make a case for my family to get one (we live on a great lake in michigan over the summer) but I guess I'd like thoughts on why they seem to be so unpopular or at least new here in the States. Anyone?

[pettal]

They are the greatest invention since sliced bread! Not that I'm biased of course!!

They will last just as long as a hard boat, they are just as durable as a hard boat (although your toobs will need replacing once every 10-15years if you look after them....but not a great expense in the long run), they can't sink like a hard boat does, they make better and more stable platforms at rest and can handle some of the roughest conditions you can throw at it, and they are more fun.

They are generally quicker than most hard boats, have good all round visabilty, they are easier to sail and they come with a large built in fender!

The only thing they don't offer without great expense is somewhere to sit out of the rain and wind!

As for holding their value? Over here they tend to hold their value quite well but then there is a relatively big market for second hand RIBs and it may well be different over there.

Personally, I will become a hard boat owner eventually but hopefully a big enough hard boat for a RIB tender!!

[Phil Davies]

Originally Posted by kmarx12

I am just generally wondering your takes on why RIBs are so popular in Europe..........but I guess I'd like thoughts on why they seem to be so unpopular or at least new here in the States. Anyone?

Hi, may I call you Karl?

In response to the first part of your question relating to RIBs' popularity in Europe, I guess some of the main reasons are superior seakeeping capability than equivalent sized 'hard' boats due to inherently massive bouyancy; capability of utilising large outboards/inboards; speed and handling; and, just as importantly to lots of people, high level of 'coolness' and fashionability. The fact that RIBs are used extensively by the Armed Forces and rescue organisations further strengthens their image amongst boating folk.

Regarding your point about RIBs' relative lack of acceptance in the States, I would put that partly down to 'cultural' differences. After all, you guys find NASCAR and baseball interesting, don't play soccer, cricket or rugby, and think Cadillacs and Chevvie pick-ups are cool

[Chopppywaters]

lol im from the U.S. (Mass.) And im getting a RIB. Main reason is no one in my harbor has one so it would be unique and they will be amazed on those days that the 6 ft whitecaps are coming in that im still going out to have fun Also-easier to tow, smaller engines=more fuel efficent, if your an expierenced driver you can go out in the most inhospitible seas, and everyone will think your the COast Guard if you get an orange one heh

[roycruse]

1. They are lighter meaning they need less horsepower for same performance and are more easilly trailered and put in and out of the water.

2. They are more seaworthy than an equivalent sized all fibre glass boat mainly due to the tubes acting as big shock absorbers.

3. Practically unsinkable (unless you manage to pop all the chambres simultaneously).

[roycruse]

Originally Posted by kmarx12

The US market caries far less brands than are available in Europe.

Dont forget Ribcraft http://www.ribcraftusa.com/

[Andre]

I guess you know the meaning of the saying
"To seperate the men from the boys"

well the men are say the ribs and the boys well you can guess the answer to that

[Hightower]

Depends where you live in the States. If you use inland lakes and waterways then a Hardboat will be the way to go (you will find it hard to sell a RIB inland). If the sea's your playground then yes, a RIB is the first choice I would go for (unless you want a Gin palace). You might find it hard to get some intrest in selling your RIB the short term but take em on a sea trial and they'll be throwing cash at you, but if you're thinking of using your RIB on a longer term RIBbing will only get more popular Stateside.

It's quite common to get RIBs that are 15 years and older with their original tubes providing you buy from a reputable dealer.

Andy

[hard1]

Why are RIBs so popular here in the UK? Have you ever seen the "RIB park" on Town Quay behind Red Funnel Ferry during Cowes Week? Guess not, but you'd be hard put to get 1/2 the number of hardboats in there and a lot of those would get damaged. In a word, apart from all the superior sea-keeping qualitites etc: Space! (Like we don't have much!)

[Jonny Fuller]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

and everyone will think your the COast Guard if you get an orange one heh

That's all you really needed to write!

You lot make me cry! ( with laughter)