RIB history

Mats · 12 April 2003, 10:44

I am trying to find informations about the first RIB that was built,
when ? Where ? who ? pictures ?
If anybody have any information or can tell where to find some information.

Thank you

Mats

Keith Hart · 12 April 2003, 12:03

Hi Mats

Try the Zodiac website

Keith Hart

crazyhorse · 12 April 2003, 13:49

I think you would be better contacting the RNLI and Atlantic college in wales.

Andre · 12 April 2003, 20:38

Mats,

I remember reading an article a good few years ago in the Workboat magazine and I think it had been written by Dag Pike. This was about the development of the rib concept from a sib and involved as Crazyhorse said the RNLI and the Atlantic College in Wales. I believe that as a a result of that development work the Atlantic 21 was born. Best try and establish contact with Dag Pike and perhaps here the Rib International magazine can help you.

Andre

GED · 13 April 2003, 17:41

book called rigid inflatable boats by....colin jones may be of use to you, esp.. section on history and development

Andre · 13 April 2003, 19:48

Quote:

Originally posted by GED
book called rigid inflatable boats by....colin jones may be of use to you, esp.. section on history and development

I have been trying to get this book for some time now but no longer available. Even amazon.com can't come up with a copy

If anyone has a copy and has no further use for it I would be happy to purchase or just borrow it

Andre

Pete7 · 13 April 2003, 20:31

Andre don't bother its not worth the read. It was out of date when it was published. Probably why its no longer published.

My copy went to the charity shop a while back.

Pete

Richard B · 13 April 2003, 21:45

I found a copy of this book a short while ago...

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...3373#post13373

Andre - If you would like to borrow my copy, just drop me a PM. Mind you, if you can find a copy in "The Works" it's cheaper than posting it around the country - I think I paid £1. Like Pete said, not a book that's particularly stood the test of time well.

Andre · 14 April 2003, 11:32

OK guys many thanks will take Pete's advise and not waste money.

Andre

bryan edwards · 14 April 2003, 17:52

hi matts , ive have also heard that ribs were first produced about 15 miles from me @ atlatic college in the vale of glamorgan but would be interested if anyone can confim this , otherwise im going to have to get off my arse & go down there myself and find out ,

regards bryan

thewavehumper · 14 April 2003, 19:57

In my Avon sea rider manual it says that they made the first ribs in conjunction with Atlantic college.

crazyhorse · 14 April 2003, 20:11

The ultimate inflatable boat book ever written in my oppinion bye the worlds authority on ribs and inflatables is {Inflatables} bye Dag Pike.

Even though it was produced in 1994 most of the contents are relevant today. It is just the buisness and Dag Pike is one mega experienced guy.

It sounds like a little tame as a authoritive piece of inflatable boat literature but I promise you it is not.

Paul Glatzel · 14 April 2003, 22:17

I was just about to post a message but crazyhorse has stolen my thunder. Inflatables by Dag Pike is a very good book and covers all of the history plus plenty of other areas. I happen to have two spare copies if anyone wants one - would do them for face value including postage (£13.99 i think. I'm sure if you shop around you can find them cheaper.) Go to John's Book section on this site and you will see the book we are refering to.

Basically though the story goes:

- RNLI/Atlantic college drag inflatable across beach - it gets rather tatty
- so they add a wooden bottom
- but this slams a bit so why not make it V shaped to cut through waves & voila - a RIB!!

Regards

Paul

crazyhorse · 14 April 2003, 22:32

Sorry about the thunder Paul,but its sat here next to me on the bed side cabinet, and its a better book than a Razzle

Andre · 14 April 2003, 22:33

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul Glatzel

Basically though the story goes:

- RNLI/Atlantic college drag inflatable across beach - it gets rather tatty
- so they add a wooden bottom
- but this slams a bit so why not make it V shaped to cut through waves & voila - a RIB!!

Regards

Paul

This is what I read in the Workboat magazine some years ago.

So Mats Dag's your man.

Paul , please PM me your address and I will send you a cheque for one copy of Dag's book

Andre

Pete7 · 14 April 2003, 22:51

Gents, please don't forget the work done about the same time by Tony Lee-Elliott, one of the nice guys in the Rib World. Started in the late 60's building little ribs by hand with his brother. I wish I knew a fraction of what Tony does about ribs. His Flatacraft Ribs were always good quality, with excellent tube work. Many of his staff have moved on over the years and taken the skills with them to benefit our current manufacturers.

He has written an article on the history on hotribs.com.

Regards

Peter

{Stu called me a Rib Spotter, is that a compliment or like "train spotter ?

}

Richard B · 14 April 2003, 23:02

"Inflatables" by Dag Pike is also being remaindered by some discount booksellers - look around for this one. I picked up a copy at "Salters Bookshelf" in Kingsbridge for about £3or£4 if I remember correctly. Alternatively go to www.abebooks.com and you'll find quite a few copies.