Here are a few pictures showing what can happen when a lower unit comes in contact with a submerged log at 40 mph! Luckily everyone on board was fine. It just goes to show the importance of having a TowBoat US or SeaTow membership. Even the best maintained boat or a brand new RIBCRAFT isn’t immune to freak accidents like this. With a towing membership, you have the piece of mind knowing that you’ll make it home safely.

No - this isn't the latest in outboard jet technology!

Posted by ribcraftusa at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

In honor of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25th, all of us at RIBCRAFT remind you to exercise caution while boating and to wear a lifejacket any time you’re on the water. Visit the National Safe Boating Week website for more information on how safe boating can improve your time on the water.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 09:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We’ve all experienced it and most probably complained about it too – our marine grade “waterproof” electronics at one time have fallen victim to the elements. Unfortunately, on an open boat none of them (GPS, VHF, Stereo), regardless of brand, on an open boat are immune to water damage.

Though intended for the marine environment, none of these are designed to be left out in the open exposed day and night to rain. To insure that your electronics last, it’s important that you take steps to weather proof them when you’re not on your boat. At a minimum if the manufacturer supplies a cover for the unit – USE IT. However, the most effective way to protect your electronics (other than not installing them in the first place) is to cover the console after using the boat with a canvas cover.

A console cover not only protects the instruments and electronics, but it’s a great security device to deter theft; “out of site – out of mind”

Posted by ribcraftusa at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Ahh – as the weather get’s nicer – so do the sea trials. Making it even more enjoyable is a fantastic boat with the perfect layout. I just sea trialed a 25’ RIBCRAFT 7.8 built for a recreational customer who is going to use the boat for use as a tender for his fleet of sailboats. The boat featured a center console, leaning post, fore and aft tow posts, and a transom extension which allowed for our newest feature, an aft bench seat. All metalwork was completed in stainless steel – making the final appointments refined and flawless.

Not only did the boat look great – it performed beautifully. With a small chop and a westerly 15 knot breeze, the boat easily popped onto a plane and maneuvered empty moorings in the harbor like a professional slalom skier. Perfect for recreational use – this layout would work great for harbormasters, yacht clubs, and marine patrols.

Don't forget to check out the new bench seat. Shown here in stainless steel - the bench is also availabe in aluminum.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Are you looking for an opportunity to get out on your RIB with some fellow RIB owners? If so, come to Marblehead on June 9th for a RIB Rendez Vous. We'll be meeting Saturday, June 9th in Marblehead Harbor then heading north to Gloucester where we'll take the Annisquam Canal through to the backside of Cape Ann then loop around with a stop off in Rockport and then back down to Marblehead.

Organized by a group of RIB enthusiasts, RIBCRAFT is happy to lend a hand and share our backyard! If you own a RIB, come on down. No need to own a RIBCRAFT - all you need is a RIB! If you're interested email mvelluto@ribcraftusa.com for more details or check out RIBnet Forums to hear from some of the participants. Who knows - I might even join up!

Posted by ribcraftusa at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are loads of boating safety courses offered throughout the country, for all kinds of boaters, of all experiences, ages, and professions. Many volunteer organizations, private companies, and state boating agencies offer classes. These courses cover cover virtually all aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather, to courses created specifically for kids or those designed for Coast Guard personnel and first responders. Below is a partial list of just some of the many courses offered:

American Boat Operators’ Course
Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for individual states

Boat/ US Foundation Courseline
This is a searchable database of current boating safety courses

BoatEd
Online boating safety courses with online certification test for various states

BoaterExam.com
Online boating safety courses with certification for various states

Boatsafe
Online Basic Boating Certification Course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

Commander Bob
An award winning website that advances boating education

States Courses
Many individual states offer boating safety courses. NASBLA’s online director provides contact information for various state boating agencies.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Local flotillas offer a variety of safety courses – basic boating classes and advanced navigation courses.

U.S. SAILING
Programs offer powerboat handling instruction for sailing instructors and race committee volunteers.

United States Power Squadron
Sponsors “The Squadron Boating Course” and “Boat Smart”

Ocean Rescue Systems
Provides courses for rescue and safety professionals

Pistris
Provides special operations training and boat handling tactics

Posted by ribcraftusa at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The United States Coast Guard requires that a sound producing device, such as an air horn, be carried onboard as part of the boat’s basic safety equipment.

The navigation rules require sound signals be made under certain circumstances. Meeting, crossing, and overtaking situations are examples of when sound signals are required. Additional, recreational vessels are required to sound signal during period of reduced visibility.

Any vessel less than 39.4 feet must carry a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal to signal your intentions or to signal your position in fog or at night.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 09:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)