Mystery RIB

[limeydal]

Caught this RIB being hauled out the other day but couldn't get close enough to find out who manufactured..
Looks like a custom build with an aluminium hull and perhaps WING tubes? (Or has anyone seen one of these before?? )
Belongs to the Xplore outfit who do tours out here.Looks a pretty solid craft!!
cheers Dal

[swginn]

It's a 7.5m Northwind Custom Rib

http://www.northwindmarine.com/index.html

Yes Dal, you are right it has PU tubes from WING. They are based on the same boats the Navy SEALS use.

[Seb]

Unmanned 'robot' RIBs - what next?

What about the bare ali hulls and superstructures too? Surely there needs to be some prevention against corrosion; or is there a technical product or process that is used?

Would have thought that bare ali would be blinding in sunlight also

[limeydal]

Thanks Swginn,
checked out the site and seems pretty impressive!
Hate to think of the price tag though!
By the construction of that Hull, it looks as though it could take some serious abuse and still keep going.Also seems as though Polyurethane is much more widely accepted over here, (perhaps better in the climate and also abrasion resistance)
Going to have to try and have a chat next time with him.
RichL and I saw them leaving the slip but didnt get a chance to speak to them.
Thanks again,
cheers Dal