AB Inflatables Ribs

Locozodiac · 03 December 2008, 17:38

Hello all...

Has anyone herad about this rib brand, anyone seen one, ownn one. This brand is Caribe competitor, is made by a Italian Boat Builder, years of nautical experience. Lot's of incredible models to pick from, Pennel-Orca Hypalon made. About to get the Representation. An excellent alternative to Sibs.

Happy Ribbing

Vintec · 03 December 2008, 18:14

I believe mslayride owns one with a 90 tohatsu....

PeterM · 03 December 2008, 19:26

Father just got one based in Dutch Antilles - as 2 man dive boat - its leaking air - maybe from these type of valves ? any idea what sort they are so I can send out some replacements. Are they all hypalon ? Looks abit PVC to me from the valve pic ?

Hampton Pete · 03 December 2008, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

Father just got one based in Dutch Antilles - as 2 man dive boat - its leaking air - maybe from these type of valves ? any idea what sort they are so I can send out some replacements. Are they all hypalon ? Looks abit PVC to me from the valve pic ?

The look like the ones fitted to bombard sibs

PeterM · 04 December 2008, 10:45

Definately not the same as Bombard SIBS ( I've got one ) .

Locozodiac · 04 December 2008, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

Father just got one based in Dutch Antilles - as 2 man dive boat - its leaking air - maybe from these type of valves ? any idea what sort they are so I can send out some replacements. Are they all hypalon ? Looks abit PVC to me from the valve pic ?

Yes, Blackroady, that's the rib brand, the valves are Halkey Roberts Type (Not the originals one) now a days many manufacturers duplicate them with little variations) have 4 different Halkey Valves, the differences are in the central pin thickness and heights, are nice, cheap valves that last long. AB just manufactures Ribs with Hypalon fabrics, hope not the thinner ones. Have about 40 different models to choose from.

Happy Ribbing

captnjack · 04 December 2008, 18:10

I have seen quite a few ABs (new) although never ridden in one. They make both PVC and hypalon versions of various models. I don't know how well they hold up; seem solidly made to me.

iandl · 04 December 2008, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

Father just got one based in Dutch Antilles - as 2 man dive boat - its leaking air - maybe from these type of valves ? any idea what sort they are so I can send out some replacements. Are they all hypalon ? Looks abit PVC to me from the valve pic ?

seat/steering set up in the picture doesnt look the easiest to get in and out of ......tidy looking rib none the less

I

PeterM · 04 December 2008, 20:17

I told him to check it all out , but it seems to be some sort of stainless frame with the controls on an extended bit to the right of the seat. Photo doesn't make clear but they only sit to the right of the seat , not in front - so you can get on off seat easily. I guess its pretty stern heavy , but he's had the OB fitted with fins to pick it up .

Set up so that it has max deck space free for diving stuff - I've been told.

He is not happy with it as its leaking & wishes he shipped my Avon out ! apparantly avons are like gold dust out there due to their reputation - but i think blue tubes wont last long in that sun !

PacificNWrib · 23 March 2009, 15:44

I am a AB owner and it has been a good rib. I have owned a Zodiac Mark I sib, West Marine SIB, Zodiac Hurricane RIB, Bombard RIB, and now the AB. It has been the most comfortable inflatable so far.

I have the rear bench setup for family cruising and fishing. With this configuration it holds up well. The hypalon fabric has held up well for this 2001 model.

Mine is fitted with a 50 HP Merc and a 3.3 kicker and right now this 4 meter RIB is the perfect combination for me and my family. It is easy to tow, fits in my garage, and it easily handled by one person.