What do you do with a RIB?! It’s a question I used to get all the time, but these days with RIBs becoming more prominent in US waters the question comes up less and less. It’s too bad in some ways – because that question really speaks to the versatility of a RIB. As I’ve said countless times before in answering this question, with a RIB you can do everything you do with a hardsided boat, only much more. I recently scanned a list of our customers and to my own amazement I was quite impressed with the multitude of activities our RIBs are used for.

For Work our customers use their RIBs for: Coaching, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Patrols, Security Work, Interdiction, Education, Philanthropy, Tourism, Officiating, Diving, Towing, Research, Exploration, Salvage, & Transportation.

For Play our customers use their RIBS for: Entertainment, Adventure, Cruising, Fishing, Hunting, Exploring, Spectating, Family Fun, Escapes, Diving, Thrills, & Enjoyment.

I know I missed some, but I think you get my point. How about you? What do you use your RIB for?

Posted by ribcraftusa at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Assuming you have interest in a water jet, the next question has to be, can my new boat take a jet. Many (most) can’t. For one, jets require a large intake block installed underneath the hull. The intake requires unobstructed water flow so lifting strakes – common on all great RIB designs, have to be removed for optimal jet performance. Installation of the jet also requires modifications be done to the transom as well.

Another thing to take into account when considering if a boat is a candidate for a jet is can it handle increased weight. As I mentioned, a jet typically requires a larger horse power engine which means added weight. Once you know if the boat can take the weight, where does the engine live? All the way aft or forward under the console. Either way – deck space is lost.

If the boat is conducive to a jet, then the next question should be; one jet or two. The basic rule of thumb for RIBs is that a single jet installation is the way to go for boats under 30’. Larger RIB’s have the space and design abilities to accommodate the redundancy of twins.

As with anything, there are pluses and minuses. But, if it’s what you want and the safety and integrity of the boat isn’t compromised – then go for it.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In my opinion, water jets on RIB’s are a mixed bag. On the one hand, they allow better maneuverability, shallow water navigation, and at high speeds they are more efficient then most traditional propulsion set-ups. But, their efficiency is really a Catch 22.

Though at high speeds jets are rather efficient, operating a boat with a jet at lower speeds is actually inefficient. Jets reduce the horsepower output of an engine by about 20%+ until you hit the sweet spot on the power curve. At that point, the resistance is lowered such where the jet begins to assist as opposed to hurt the efficiency. This is why typically jet boats require larger horse powered engines.

Depending on how the boat is used, the jet is either a good idea or a bad one. For the local harbor cruiser, I'd say no. Similarly I wouldn’t recommend a jet for a patrol boat, harbormaster, or even a local first responder with small boat needs. On the other hand, applications that require high speeds and long range such as interdiction boats and larger SAR boats, a jet is a good choice.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As promised, here are a couple photos of the RIBCRAFT 4.8s from yesterday's sea trial.

Not only did the boats perform perfectly they are incredibly functional.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 06:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I just got back from a fantastic sea trial. As part of our quality control program, we sea trial every boat prior to delivery. Each boat is taken through the paces and pushed to the limit to insure everything is functioning properly. Should there be any failures we want to know about them before the boat leaves our facilities so we can fix them while the boat is still in our possession.

This morning I was fortunate to get out on two identical RIBCRAFT 4.8 Rescue Craft. These two boats performed perfectly. I’ve been on hundreds of sea trials and they just don’t get old. Whether with prospective customers, marine editors, or colleagues, the 4.8 is one boat that never disappoints!

The two 4.8s were equipped with the 60HP Mercury Big Foot four stroke engine. Though not always a favorite of our riggers, these 60HP engines moved the boats perfectly. Topping out right around 40 mph, the boats easily held through the turns at full throttle. What’s more there was zero cavitation. I hope to have the pictures I took of the boats tomorrow - I’ll be sure to post when I have them.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 01:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)