Fred’s RIB Blog – The first boat Blog devoted to rigid inflatable boats tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog/4 2011-08-24T17:37:40Z Movable Type 3.2 Hurricane Preparedness tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.291 2011-08-24T17:19:45Z 2011-08-24T17:37:40Z With the 2011 hurricane season underway, and a storm poised to threaten the east coast, I thought it would be helpful to post a link to tips on securing your RIB for a storm. If you have any additional questions after reading through, feel free to contact us and we'd be glad to provide any additional guidance that we can.... ribcraftusa With the 2011 hurricane season underway, and a storm poised to threaten the east coast, I thought it would be helpful to post a link to tips on securing your RIB for a storm. If you have any additional questions after reading through, feel free to contact us and we'd be glad to provide any additional guidance that we can.

]]> An Inflatable Solution tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.290 2011-08-09T19:17:53Z 2011-08-09T19:29:29Z We took a fully inflatable AF14 out for a sea trial today. At 13’9” it can be assembled by and easily launched by two people for search and rescue operations. This makes it a popular alternative to the RIB among first responders. The boat pictured below is being delivered to a police department in NJ who required a boat that they can easily deploy at a variety of location for rescue operations.... ribcraftusa We took a fully inflatable AF14 out for a sea trial today. At 13’9” it can be assembled by and easily launched by two people for search and rescue operations. This makes it a popular alternative to the RIB among first responders. The boat pictured below is being delivered to a police department in NJ who required a boat that they can easily deploy at a variety of location for rescue operations.


8-2-11 Sea Trial_7- web.JPG

]]> New Title Laws Will Benefit Recreational Boaters tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.288 2011-07-15T19:46:22Z 2011-07-15T19:47:16Z This week a new set of laws called the Uniform Certificate of Title Act for Vessels were approved. Drafted by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC), a 350-member group of appointed law commissioners, the act is aimed at helping protect consumers and will be valuable to insurers and lenders as well. In addition to the standard information currently included on a title, the act also created a model vessel brand that will be a permanent designation on a boat title that discloses damage to a boat, which will provide an additional level of protection for consumers. The act also would also help in facilitating financing and transfers of ownership. The group is now forming committees that will serve to educate the boating community and enacting the new laws through the US.... ribcraftusa This week a new set of laws called the Uniform Certificate of Title Act for Vessels were approved. Drafted by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC), a 350-member group of appointed law commissioners, the act is aimed at helping protect consumers and will be valuable to insurers and lenders as well. In addition to the standard information currently included on a title, the act also created a model vessel brand that will be a permanent designation on a boat title that discloses damage to a boat, which will provide an additional level of protection for consumers. The act also would also help in facilitating financing and transfers of ownership.

The group is now forming committees that will serve to educate the boating community and enacting the new laws through the US.

]]> Coast Guard Debating New Safety Lanyard Regulations tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.287 2011-06-20T19:51:09Z 2011-06-20T20:07:56Z The Coast Guard is currently holding an open debate on whether changes need to be made to regulations requiring safety lanyards on certain recreational boats. They are considering a mandate which would require an engine cutoff switch to be a standard safety feature on all boats under 26 feet and whether the operators of those vessels would be required to use cutoff the switches or “lanyards”. It’s no secret that we as a company are huge proponent of safety lanyards and support a mandate by the Coast Guard to require them as a standard feature on all boats. If you would like to give the USCG your feedback click here and submit your thoughts.... ribcraftusa The Coast Guard is currently holding an open debate on whether changes need to be made to regulations requiring safety lanyards on certain recreational boats.

They are considering a mandate which would require an engine cutoff switch to be a standard safety feature on all boats under 26 feet and whether the operators of those vessels would be required to use cutoff the switches or “lanyards”.

It’s no secret that we as a company are huge proponent of safety lanyards and support a mandate by the Coast Guard to require them as a standard feature on all boats.

If you would like to give the USCG your feedback click here and submit your thoughts.

]]> 2011 National Safe Boating Week tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.286 2011-05-26T19:56:35Z 2011-05-26T20:09:52Z The time has been flying by! Culminating this weekend, National Safe Boating week began last Saturday and for the second year features the Ready Set Inflate Campaign. The National Safe Boating Council, Canadian Safe Boating Council, and Coast Guard Auxiliary are inviting everyone to participate their local event which will provide education on lifejackets and the comfort of the inflatable version. The events will teach boaters how to inspect, re-arm and re-pack their inflatable lifejackets. Click here to find an event in your area.... ribcraftusa The time has been flying by! Culminating this weekend, National Safe Boating week began last Saturday and for the second year features the Ready Set Inflate Campaign. The National Safe Boating Council, Canadian Safe Boating Council, and Coast Guard Auxiliary are inviting everyone to participate their local event which will provide education on lifejackets and the comfort of the inflatable version. The events will teach boaters how to inspect, re-arm and re-pack their inflatable lifejackets. Click here to find an event in your area.

]]> Top Ten Boat Names of 2011 tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.285 2011-04-19T21:14:24Z 2011-04-19T21:32:33Z Recreational boat owners along with many commercial outfits love to name their boats. The site www.firstboat.com just released a list of the Top 10 Boat Names for 2011. Is your RIB's name on the list? 1. Serenity (In addition to “Serenity” there were variations such as “Serenity Now!”, as well as clever misspellings including “Sea-Renity”) 2. Happy Ours (Time was a common theme in boat names this year. Variations on this boat name included “Happy Hours” and “Happy Hour”) 3. Feelin' Nauti 4. Family Time (Another variation of the Time theme. There were many other boat names that referenced Time that came close to the top ten.) 5. Liberty (There were also variations such as Miss Liberty, Lady Liberty, and Liberty Belle) 6. Black Pearl 7. Andiamo (Let’s Go! A quick internet search will show you that this is not only a popular name for boats, but also for Italian restaurants in America) 8. Knot On Call (Several boat names... ribcraftusa Recreational boat owners along with many commercial outfits love to name their boats. The site www.firstboat.com just released a list of the Top 10 Boat Names for 2011. Is your RIB's name on the list?

1. Serenity (In addition to “Serenity” there were variations such as “Serenity Now!”, as well as clever misspellings including “Sea-Renity”)

2. Happy Ours (Time was a common theme in boat names this year. Variations on this boat name included “Happy Hours” and “Happy Hour”)

3. Feelin' Nauti

4. Family Time (Another variation of the Time theme. There were many other boat names that referenced Time that came close to the top ten.)

5. Liberty (There were also variations such as Miss Liberty, Lady Liberty, and Liberty Belle)

6. Black Pearl

7. Andiamo (Let’s Go! A quick internet search will show you that this is not only a popular name for boats, but also for Italian restaurants in America)

8. Knot On Call (Several boat names used the word “Knot” cleverly, but only this one made the top ten)

9. High Maintenance

10. Just Chillin

]]> Fueling Safety tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.284 2011-03-31T20:22:56Z 2011-03-31T20:30:31Z The Coast Guard recently released this list of tips for safely fueling your boat. These are good reminders for everyone to keep in mind as the boating season is beginning in many areas. • Frequently check fuel lines and connections for leaks and worn spots. • Be sure all electrical devices are turned off, as well as the engine. • When gasoline passes through the hose, it generates static electricity. If that ‘sparks’ with the fumes at the fuel tank fill point, an explosion can occur. To dissipate the static electricity, keep the metal nozzle of the hose in contact with the metal part of the refueling opening. • Try not to spill any fuel during the process. • When fueling is complete, securely fasten the gas cap. • If you have inboard or inboard/outboard engines run the bilge blower. Run the fan for at least five minutes. (It’s a good idea to run this blower before ANY engine start,... ribcraftusa The Coast Guard recently released this list of tips for safely fueling your boat. These are good reminders for everyone to keep in mind as the boating season is beginning in many areas.

• Frequently check fuel lines and connections for leaks and worn spots.
• Be sure all electrical devices are turned off, as well as the engine.
• When gasoline passes through the hose, it generates static electricity. If that ‘sparks’ with the fumes at the fuel tank fill point, an explosion can occur. To dissipate the static electricity, keep the metal nozzle of the hose in contact with the metal part of the refueling opening.
• Try not to spill any fuel during the process.
• When fueling is complete, securely fasten the gas cap.
• If you have inboard or inboard/outboard engines run the bilge blower. Run the fan for at least five minutes. (It’s a good idea to run this blower before ANY engine start, since even a small leak can produce lots of fumes.)
• NO SMOKING

]]> A “Must” for Yachties tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.283 2011-02-18T14:42:41Z 2011-02-18T14:47:01Z For all of you who remember (or perhaps were an avid fan of) the Official Preppy Handbook, published in 1980, a new version of this classic was recently published. A friend brought True Prep to my attention because of the section entitled “Why Sailing”. Listed as the #1 “’must’ for any respectable yachtie” is owning center console RIB as a tender. Anyone who is a part of the sailing community would most likely nod their head in agreement with out giving it a second thought, however it was great to see that the author not only agreed, but ranked it number one on the list. In case you are curious, other “musts” that made the list were yachting pillows, Helly Hanson “foulies”, a folding bicycle, and towels with the boat’s name.... ribcraftusa For all of you who remember (or perhaps were an avid fan of) the Official Preppy Handbook, published in 1980, a new version of this classic was recently published. A friend brought True Prep to my attention because of the section entitled “Why Sailing”. Listed as the #1 “’must’ for any respectable yachtie” is owning center console RIB as a tender. Anyone who is a part of the sailing community would most likely nod their head in agreement with out giving it a second thought, however it was great to see that the author not only agreed, but ranked it number one on the list. In case you are curious, other “musts” that made the list were yachting pillows, Helly Hanson “foulies”, a folding bicycle, and towels with the boat’s name.

]]> No Trailer Needed tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.282 2011-02-11T14:08:18Z 2011-02-11T14:59:38Z A friend recently sent along this picture that he took of a 4.8 while at a regatta this past summer. Believe it or not we have seen several sailing programs transport their 4.8's this way. By loading the support boat onto the truck, it allows the team to trailer their fleet of Opti’s or Laser’s behind the truck at the same time. A RIB, naturally being lighter than a hard sided boat, makes this option possible and at 15'7" the 4.8 is the ideal size.... ribcraftusa A friend recently sent along this picture that he took of a 4.8 while at a regatta this past summer. Believe it or not we have seen several sailing programs transport their 4.8's this way. By loading the support boat onto the truck, it allows the team to trailer their fleet of Opti’s or Laser’s behind the truck at the same time. A RIB, naturally being lighter than a hard sided boat, makes this option possible and at 15'7" the 4.8 is the ideal size.

Ribcraft1 (4).jpg

]]> Seasonal Boating? Not at RIBCRAFT! tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2011:/blog//4.281 2011-02-04T21:43:56Z 2011-02-04T21:53:47Z Here in Massachusetts we have gotten storm after storm almost on a weekly basis since the end of December. So what is the cure for the winter blues? Going boating of course! We build and ship RIBs year round, which means we sea trial them year round as well. This week was no exception, so while it was 19 degrees out we put on our thermals and all of the foul weather gear we could find and headed to the launch ramp. The boat that we were testing performed great and topped out at just over 30 knots! Even though a temperature of 19 degrees while going 30 knots makes for a BITING wind chill, there is still nothing quite like time on the water. Here is a photo that was taken from the boat looking out at the harbor and the snow covered lawns in the distance.... ribcraftusa Here in Massachusetts we have gotten storm after storm almost on a weekly basis since the end of December. So what is the cure for the winter blues? Going boating of course! We build and ship RIBs year round, which means we sea trial them year round as well. This week was no exception, so while it was 19 degrees out we put on our thermals and all of the foul weather gear we could find and headed to the launch ramp. The boat that we were testing performed great and topped out at just over 30 knots! Even though a temperature of 19 degrees while going 30 knots makes for a BITING wind chill, there is still nothing quite like time on the water.

Here is a photo that was taken from the boat looking out at the harbor and the snow covered lawns in the distance.

1-31-11_8.JPG

]]> Mandatory Lifejackets for All? tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2010:/blog//4.279 2010-12-17T15:44:21Z 2010-12-17T15:47:45Z According to an article that I recently read the National Recreational Safe Boating commission met this week and one of their main focuses was a test program run by the Army Corps of Engineers which has mandated wearing jackets on many of the corps lakes. Corps spokesperson, Lynda Nutt, said that she was pleased with the results of the program in 2010 and wants to expand the program in 2011. The Corps reported that they implemented this through educating the surrounding communities and it was well received. Additionally they reported that lake use was up. However many boating advocacy groups strongly disagree and continue to push back in proposed test areas such as Iowa, Ohio and California. The most stringent program yet was proposed for a lake near Fresno, CA which mandates that all boaters, regardless of the size of the vessel, along with those swimming more than 100 yards offshore, must wear a lifejacket. Reportedly the response and reaction... ribcraftusa According to an article that I recently read the National Recreational Safe Boating commission met this week and one of their main focuses was a test program run by the Army Corps of Engineers which has mandated wearing jackets on many of the corps lakes. Corps spokesperson, Lynda Nutt, said that she was pleased with the results of the program in 2010 and wants to expand the program in 2011. The Corps reported that they implemented this through educating the surrounding communities and it was well received. Additionally they reported that lake use was up. However many boating advocacy groups strongly disagree and continue to push back in proposed test areas such as Iowa, Ohio and California. The most stringent program yet was proposed for a lake near Fresno, CA which mandates that all boaters, regardless of the size of the vessel, along with those swimming more than 100 yards offshore, must wear a lifejacket. Reportedly the response and reaction of the community will be closely monitored. This program and the impending new laws will be closely monitored by many groups. Click here for more information from the Army Corps.

]]> Boat of the Month! tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2010:/blog//4.278 2010-12-02T21:36:40Z 2010-12-02T21:43:45Z Marine News hailed the 9.0, recently built for the City of Boston Fire Department, their November Boat of the Month! Check out the full page article: Download file... ribcraftusa Marine News hailed the 9.0, recently built for the City of Boston Fire Department, their November Boat of the Month! Check out the full page article:

Download file

]]> RIBCRAFT 9.0 in Action tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2010:/blog//4.276 2010-10-22T14:38:05Z 2010-12-02T21:48:39Z If you checked out our News/Events section recently then you may have noticed that we just delivered a 9.0 to the City of Boston Fire Department. Well, no sooner did they finish the dedication ceremony and unveiling of the boat did it get called into action. Here is a link to an article by the Boston Herald.... ribcraftusa If you checked out our News/Events section recently then you may have noticed that we just delivered a 9.0 to the City of Boston Fire Department. Well, no sooner did they finish the dedication ceremony and unveiling of the boat did it get called into action. Here is a link to an article by the Boston Herald.

]]> Winterizing Your RIB tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2010:/blog//4.274 2010-10-12T22:09:17Z 2010-10-12T22:21:41Z Many of our customers up north are now begining to winterize their boats. Here is a link to a few postings that I wrote in the past on winterizing including steps on how to winterize the engine and tube.... ribcraftusa Many of our customers up north are now begining to winterize their boats. Here is a link to a few postings that I wrote in the past on winterizing including steps on how to winterize the engine and tube.

]]> RIBCRAFT Fall Newsletter tag:www.ribcraftusa.com,2010:/blog//4.273 2010-10-05T21:50:52Z 2010-10-05T21:52:10Z The fall edition of the RIBCRAFT newsletter is being sent out now. The newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on all of our exciting projects and happenings. Join our mailing list and receive your copy by emailing info@ribcraftusa.com.... ribcraftusa The fall edition of the RIBCRAFT newsletter is being sent out now. The newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on all of our exciting projects and happenings. Join our mailing list and receive your copy by emailing info@ribcraftusa.com.

]]>