March 07, 2006
The Only Way To Go
If you’re reading this Blog, you’re probably quite familiar with all the benefits of a RIB. So I ask, why then, would anyone want a solid-sided boat? A rigid inflatable boat offers everything a solid sided boat does, yet it’s safer, more stable, drier, performs better, and can easily be towed without needing a behemoth of a car. Plus, there’s the cool factor of owning a RIB, which I could go on and on about, but I’ll save that for another discussion.
For me, it’s the safety and the shear exhilaration I get from driving one. There truly is nothing else like driving a RIB on a rough Saturday afternoon in the summer when the breeze is up, the seas are like a washing machine from all the boat traffic, and my friends with their Boston Whalers, Makos, and other hard sided boats, are tied up at the dock. They’re always amazed that I’d even consider going out in a 19’ RIBCRAFT 190 when the conditions get like that and they’re shocked when I return completely dry! That is, until I invite them out for a ride and they see for themselves. The only thing better than going boating in a RIB, is taking people out for their first RIB ride!
In my opinion, a RIB is more than simply a boat with a deep V fiberglass hull and an inflatable tube; it’s the ultimate on water experience. And so again, I ask, what gives with a solid sided boat?
Posted by ribcraftusa at March 7, 2006 05:25 PM
Comments
In answer to your question "nothing gives with a hard boat"
I too get asked the question why did you buy a RIB and I always answer it why would you buy any other type of boat.
And I can honestly say from experience why would you buy anything other than a Ribcraft.
A RIB is by far the most versatile boat you could ever own - you can use it for skiing, wake boarding, towing water toys, coastal cruising, rescue, fishing, etc. It can be towed behind most family cars. Also, long after all other boats have run for cover you can be out wave jumping in some really rough conditions.
Check out my blog at http://www.riblog.co.uk for my other side of the Atlantic exploits in my Ribcraft 5.85
Posted by: Roy Cruse at March 8, 2006 10:56 AM
I am in the process of ordering and picking up my 3rd Ribcraft in 4 years.
The last rib I picked up was a 190 two years ago from the factory and I started on the water from Marblehead, MA and went 975 miles to Wilmington, NC! The waves were 8-10 feet in the Boston Harbor, snowing, and 31 degrees, but I made the trip in 3.5 days. The only thing I did not calculate was that marinas in the northeast are necessarily open in early April. Good thing I had a couple of jerry cans of fuel. I had great evening stop overs in Newport, RI, Atlantic City, NJ, and Coinjock, NC.
I am about to do the same thing with a 210 in May with my wife and can't wait!
How many 19-21 foot boats could you make a comfortable and relatively safe trip like that?
Posted by: Kirk Sears at March 8, 2006 05:13 PM
Kirk - I have a 210 and couldn't agree with you more!! - It would great to meet a felow Ribster when you are up in Boston.
Posted by: Scott Beatty at March 8, 2006 08:20 PM
