Mako Ribs

Scotty · 20 April 2003, 17:29

Has anybody got any knowledge or experience of Mako ribs ? I have looked at a 7m model and need some info please.

Islander · 20 April 2003, 19:08

Mako Ribs are based production wise in Cape Town. The 7.8 was produced by Ballistic Marine, Sparkes Marina,Hayling Island by Ballistic Ribs Uk which I believe are no longer producing the 7.8.
The other size craft are still produced in Cape Town and I believe their is a company now in the UK as agents for them.
The 7.2s and 7.8 are excellent ribs and I have extensive knowledge of these two particular sizes.

dgpw · 24 April 2003, 08:59

If you are looking to buy get a 7.8 and try to get a uk built one. The 7.8 is loads better than the others and is the only boat I would consider. The south african ones have a tendency to have their fuel tanks split. Though many have had them changed for new tanks. The teak decking is nice but requires more work.

John Kennett · 24 April 2003, 09:10

Alternatively, if you particularly like this design, you could try to find a Crompton -- same hull design, although the seats and consoles are not so well styled.

John

Jonny Fuller · 24 April 2003, 09:30

Not wanting to make any innacurate statements, I understood crompton stole all thier hulls (splashed) from phantom! I am certain at least, the 25 phantom was "splashed" by them a good few years ago. Not that this is unusual practice of course, and it's usually phantom or revenger who are the victims! and whilst 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' the many, many unautherised copies in diferent forms of phantom boats is a large part of the reason phantom are no longer trading!
Anyway, I've had my winge.

John Kennett · 24 April 2003, 12:36

The Crompton/Ballistic/Mako hull has very pronounced scalloped chines which as far as I know are not to be found on any Phantom hull. There are various stories about where it originated, but according to hearsay it was designed to carry heavy loads very fast in the waters of the western mediterranean

John

ribraff · 24 April 2003, 12:49

Yes indeed Mr Kennet... and for some very discerning customers!!!

dgpw · 24 April 2003, 13:06

they have very high deck loads like John said and the plain at much slowwer speeds. Say 6-8 knots as aposed to the 14 ish that most ribs do. They do give a harder ride though in short chop. Definatly need to be driven nicely. the 7.8 will do 50 knots with a 225hp very nice turn of speed.