Fred’s RIB Blog – The first boat Blog devoted to rigid inflatable boats

An Upward Trend in Horsepower

2010-03-05T22:19:56Z

As the trend continues toward more horsepower one can start to wonder if bigger really is better. There is no clear cut answer either way as there are many different factors that play in. One of the biggest drawbacks is the larger the engine, the more fuel they burn per hour meaning increased fuel costs. The beauty of a RIB is that thanks to its lighter overall weight, a RIB requires far less horsepower to run at the same speed as a hard sided boat. This means better fuel economy and that RIB owners don’t necessarily need the maximum horsepower offered. Better fuel economy and great performance with smaller engines, yet more reasons why I love RIBS!

Familiar With the Beaufort Scale?

2010-02-24T18:52:45Z

From time to time we get asked questions about where RIBCRAFT falls on the Beaufort Scale. For those of you who aren’t real familiar with the Beaufort Scale, it’s generally defined as a measure for the intensity of the wind, based mainly on sea-state or wave conditions. Generally RIBCRAFTs can operate within Force 7-9. A Force 7 is described as high wind and moderate gale, where as a Force 9 is a strong gale with high waves, dense foam blown along wind direction and large amounts of airborne spray reducing visibility.

The RIBs in our Offshore Series in particular are more than capable of handling these conditions with the proper outfitting (power, ect). The limiting factor isn’t the boats ability to handle the conditions, but the operator’s ability to withstand the elements. We hear many stories from customers, specifically our first responders, who have been out in these types of conditions numerous times on their RIBCRAFTs and say the same thing. To them a boat that can perform in those conditions in critical to not only getting the job done, but getting the operator and crew back home safely as well.

RIBCRAFTs on Display This Week at the New England Boat Show

2010-02-19T20:15:57Z

We are excited to have two RIBCRAFTs be a part of the 2010 New England Boat Show in the booth of Boston based tour company, Flagship Adventures. Both the company’s fully outfitted 7.8 and 9.0 used for their water based events and tours will be displayed. The 7.8 and 9.0 are head turners at any show and on the water so we are thrilled that people will get a chance to climb aboard and check them out. Visitors can also learn more about the tours, scavenger hunts and team building events that Flagship Adventures offers aboard their fleet of RIBCRAFTs.

Flagship Adventures’ is located straight back from the main entrance in booth 2332. Click here for show times, directions and ticket information.

American Made Means Quality

2010-02-10T17:41:01Z

Just because you purchased your RIB in the United States doesn’t always mean that it was manufactured here. There are less than four of us who have manufacturing plants within the U.S. Of that already small number, there are only two who build their entire line of boats within the U.S. At RIBCRAFT “American Made” means adhering to strict quality control measures during the build process and manufacturing a product that our customers can truly rely on. I encourage anyone who is in the market for a RIB to do your research and be sure that the RIB has been fully manufactured in the U.S.A.

A RIBCRAFT Hard at Work

2010-02-04T13:37:37Z

One of our customers recently sent a few photos of the fire department's Deputy Chief and the dive team onboard their 5.85. I love seeing RIBCRAFTs hard at work and thought I'd share one of them.

The Benefits of a Tube

2010-01-27T16:39:06Z

A while ago I had written a blog on the top ten benefits of a tube. Since common questions that people ask when leaning about a RIB for the first time are in regards to the tube's function, I thought that I'd re-post my entry.

How Old is too Old for Outdated Flares?

2010-01-21T19:53:38Z

I recently read an interesting article in Boat U.S. Magazine which focused on flares. Many of us carry a set of expired flares onboard in addition to new flares which makes you wonder to yourself ,“are these too old?” or “will these out-of-date flares fire off properly if I need to use them?” In conjunction with the Coast Guard the article’s author set off a series of tests to determine exactly how old is too old. After firing off new flares to use as a bench mark, they fired off a series of flares with various expiration dates. The oldest dated back to 1985! After being evaluated for both height and the amount of light emitted, the group determined that flares which are out of date about four years are worth keeping aboard in addition to a new set.

Navigation Made Easy

2010-01-12T19:10:22Z

RIBCRAFT’s forward position console is another example of how RIBCRAFTs are designed with functionality and ease of operation in mind. The forward position console offers better visibility than a console positioned further aft, and with the majority of seating located behind the operator, the view of the water remains virtually unobstructed. The configuration also makes anchoring and securing bow lines easy for the operator as they do not have to maneuver around additional seating.

RIBCRAFT Rubstrake Gives Durability a New Meaning

2010-01-06T16:54:07Z

Here at RIBCRAFT when we say our boats are professional grade, we mean it! Recently we had a 4.8 come in with seriously damaged rubstrake from a nail in the dock. The picture below is a testament to the heavy duty, high profile, high density rubstrake that we use on every boat we build. The rubstrake certainly did its job! Had this been a lower profile rubstrake, like what many of our competitors use, there would have definitely been damage to the tube as well.

Propeller Safety

2009-12-29T15:22:22Z

Your prop is arguably one of the most important parts of your engine. However as with many things, if it is not used properly your propeller can potentially present danger. To wrap up my series on propellers, here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Your propeller should be inspected on an annual basis, every 100 hours, and after any impact strike. Issues that require further attention should be dealt with immediately.

2. Avoid operating the boat in areas where loose clothing, debris, fishing line or nets are located. This presents a danger if someone were to become entangled in the prop and pulled towards it.

3. Kill switch lanyards and wireless versions such as Autotether, are designed to help prevent propeller strikes, so as usual I will stress the importance of always wearing one!

4. Avoid operating the prop in conditions that may cause damage such as mud, surface penetrating operation or other entanglements. This may cause stress on the prop prematurely. If these conditions cannot be avoided, operate the engine with extreme care as catastrophic failure or disintegration could occur.

Freedom to Choose- Join those who have already taken advantage!

2009-12-17T19:01:46Z

The Freedom to Choose Promotion is making right now a great time to purchase a new RIBCRAFT! If you haven’t already heard…all customers who purchase a RIBCRAFT (19’ or greater) by December 31st will receive a 4% bonus credit based on the total sales price. It is up to you how the credit is applied!

Customers who have taken advantage of this promotion have told us that they love the ability to choose how the credit is applied. Each has chosen to use the credit in a slightly different way.

Although the end of the year is almost here, there is still time left to take advantage of this opportunity. Click here or contact us to learn more!

Time for a New Prop?

2009-12-07T19:52:48Z

In the first segment of my propeller series I provided some tips on maintenance. Now in the second installment, we are going to look at different types of prop damage and I’ll give my opinion on whether or not they are signaling that its time for a new prop.

1. The internal hub is blown out. This is usually is caused by hard shifting between forward and reverse or by continually applying a heavy throttle. The operator will notice that the speed has maxed out, but RPMs keep increasing. In this instance it’s time for a new prop.
2. The blades are chewed up. This was likely caused by hitting rocks or hitting the bottom over time. The general indicators for this type of damage are vibrations that can be felt while running along with hindered performance and in this scenario a new prop is recommended.
3. Paint is missing near the hub. In this case your prop is fine to continue using. It is possible for paint to come off in this general area of an aluminum prop due to normal flexing.
4. A hairline crack is present. There is no one cause of a hairline crack that can be easily pinpointed. Most times the operator will notice a drop in performance and eventually the prop will fail all together. It is recommended that once a decrease in performance is noticed, the prop be examined and if a hairline is found, it be replaced.
5. Paint is missing on the edge of the blades. If a boat is beached frequently, sand will cause wear around edges of an aluminum prop. Lack of paint in this instance is nothing to worry about and the prop can continue to be used. However, I recommend keeping an eye on it to be sure that only light rubbing is taking place.

The Climate's Effect on Tube Pressure

2009-11-20T22:28:28Z

In many regions the weather is starting to turn colder, but not everyone may be pulling their boat out for the season. For those who are using their RIB during colder weather, you may find this prior blog helpful as it looks at the effect that cold air has on the pressure in your tube.

Ringing Praise for RIBCRAFT

2009-11-05T21:39:35Z

We love to hear from our customers and we just received some great feedback from the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California. They purchased two RIBCRAFTs last July and said, “The two RIBCRAFT RIBs are excellent. Perfect for our needs and they handle the bay amazingly well!”

We look forward to hearing more from the club as they continue to spend time on the boats!

Maintaining Your Propeller

2009-10-28T16:04:07Z

Most boaters know that having a damaged propeller can in turn cause damage to their engine or stern gear, hinder performance and result in poor fuel economy. Here are some tips to help to maintain your propeller and extend its life.

1. Preventative Maintenance: Propellers should be serviced at least once a year and immediately if you know that it is damaged. Watch for signs such as vibrations, a change in performance and loss of speed as indicators that the propeller should be serviced.
2. Anode Fittings: Having your boat fitted with an anode helps prevent electrolysis. Be sure that you choose the appropriate type of anode based on the location where the boat is used. If your boat is used in saltwater be sure go with a zinc anode and for use in freshwater, a magnesium one should be fitted to the boat.
3. Check Washers and Nuts: Grab the prop by the blade and check to ensure the prop does not rock back and forth more that ¼ inch. If there is any play in the prop it is likely due to compression. Start by visually inspecting the internal hub, next check the washers and nuts. It is important that they are in good condition and if compression has occurred they will no longer he holding the prop tightly.
4. Grease: Apply marine grade grease to the propeller shaft. This keeps the stainless steel shaft from bonding to the propeller.

Stay tuned for more in our series on propellers…