May 29, 2009
Are Charts Still a Necessity?
With all of the fancy marine electronics out there these days boaters often ask themselves, is there really a need to use charts anymore? In my opinion, yes there is. While I am as much of a fan of wide screen displays as anyone else is, I believe that there are certain benefits of charts that a GPS can not provide. First, there is a certain margin of error associated with the GPS. Although it is small and errors occur very infrequently, a margin of error does have the ability to impact one’s safety. Next a chart will always be there and ready for use. If there is a question as to whether the GPS is accurate, the boater has the option of pulling out the chart to verify. Charts are very cost effective as well, coming no where near the price of the electronic version. Lastly there is something to be said about making notes on the chart itself.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)
December 03, 2008
Buying a Boat - A Smart Investment
As consumers, the economic down turn we've been hearing so much about in the media and experiencing first hand, makes us take pause, question our financial choices, and re-evaluate spending habits. At the same time it helps puts things into perspective and remember what's truly important, our families, friends and personal relationships. The current economic conditions have people nervous and that fear is reflected in lower sales on high priced items such as electronics, cars, and even boats. The recent stock market losses and news that we're officially in a recession have made people extremely frugal, but it's easy to forget a couple important things as Ron Lieber wrote in a recent article in the New York Times. He said that the vast majority of Americans aren't going to lose their jobs and that most of us work not simply for subsistence but so that we can spend money on things and experiences that bring us some form of contentment.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 05:37 PM | Comments (1)
November 20, 2008
Support Boat for the World’s Greatest Windsurfing Adventure
Once a year the annual Highland Spring HIHO (hook in and hold on) windsurfing race takes place here in the BVI. With competitors arriving from all over the globe to compete in an island to island race it is dubbed the world’s greatest windsurfing adventure as competitors will race from 150-200 miles on a windsurfer. For the event our RIBCRAFT will need to transport 2 windsurf boards as well as six sets of masts, booms, and sails to various start and finish areas which are often remote beaches difficult to access. Our RIBCRAFT 5.85 is a perfect boat for this event. The custom top RIBCRAFT built for us has a rack system that allows us to store a large amount of gear keeping the precious deck space clear. The top also provides excellent sun protection for those on board and is ideal for our two young children. In the event a competitor needs to be rescued, the tubes on the... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2008
Building a House Using a RIB
Day In the Life of an Outdoor Enthusiast - Posting # 3 When my wife and I began building our house we wanted to incorporate much of the natural beauty of the islands into the construction. One of our favorite past times is exploring remote islands and beaches in our Ribcraft. As we explored the different areas we often came upon unique pieces of rock or wood or even the odd ship wreck that might have occurred during a hurricane. These items are perfect for the various parts of the house, but the trick is being able to recover these items and transport back to our island. Unfortunately, many of these beaches are exposed to the seas and are not very approachable by ordinary craft. However, with the diversity of our RIB we were able to not only access these areas, but also anchor in shallow water making it much more feasible to transport from the beach to the boat.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)
November 03, 2008
Family Excursion Turns Into a Rescue Mission
Day In the Life of an Outdoor Enthusiast - Posting # 2 There is no question that RIBs are the choice of vessels for most military, commercial, and emergency organizations in need of highly versatile craft for rapid response. Although my 19' RIBCRAFT is set up for recreational purposes it is good to know that the basic boat is designed for these types of uses. I am well aware of the time it takes to maintain lesser quality RIBs and the value of purchasing a top quality boat from the start. When I worked with RIBCRAFT to custom design my top, we put in a tow hitch high on the frame for towing water skiers and wake boarders. One of my requirements throughout the construction of the boat was that it be of top quality and tough. Little did I know that the very first towing my boat would experience would not be a kid on a wake board but... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 06:33 PM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2008
Day in the Life of an Outdoor Enthusiast
While RIBCRAFT's focus is on building commercial quality RIBs for professionals, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the recreational uses of every day RIBCRAFT owners. One such owner is Dave Pettigrew, an outdoor enthusiasts who purchased a 5.85 as a means to seek adventure for his family in the British Virgin Islands. Because Dave uses his RIB for a wide number of activities, I've broken his posting into several parts. I hope you enjoy the stories and if you would like to share yours with us, we’d love to hear them as well. Posting # 1 – Fishing Experiment “19’ RIBCRAFT versus 38’ PowerCat” As an avid fisherman I have often toyed around with the possibility of quitting my day job and starting a little fishing business. Talking with other fishermen, it was apparent that the biggest costs were boat maintenance and especially fuel. With the fishing grounds 20 miles out to sea, the thought of... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 06:31 PM | Comments (0)
October 01, 2008
Tour The Hawaiian Coast by USCG Certified RIB
One of our customers that offers whale watching and eco-tour adventures on the big island of Hawaii posted some beautiful shots of a new tour they're offering to the windward side of the island to Waipio, Waimanu and Pololu Valleys. Truly stunning scenery! Just another location a RIBCRAFT RIB allows you to get to that other boats can't! This location is rarely visited by boat on the big island as the trip is long (over two and half hours) and the entrance to the valley can be dicey. Luckily they're running a USCG Certified RIBCRAFT 9.0. Click Here for a few photos from the tour.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)
August 08, 2008
Miss GEICO RIB
Though it would have been nice for this to be a RIBCRAFT, it's nice to see RIBs are making their way into the Power Racing World. Below are excerpts from an article written about the Miss GEICO RIB by Matt Trulio of Powerboating Magazine: Scott Begovich and Marc Granet, the throttleman and driver for the turbine-powered Miss GEICO offshore racing catamaran, dearly hope their rescue boat never has to do its job. But in addition to being racers, they are realists. They know that things can go bad—as in really bad—instantly in a cat that can top 180 mph in racing conditions. When it came time to build a rescue boat, they chose something that wasn’t just durable and reliable, but could be extensively customized for the job. As the name implies, RIBs have rigid hulls with inflatable air-filled chambers around their perimeters. Because they are, in essence, soft-sided, they make great yacht tenders and harbor shuttles—and rescue boats. RIBs... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 05:32 PM | Comments (0)
July 09, 2008
RIBS: Ahead Of The Times
When it comes to fuel efficiency, RIBs have been ahead of their times and the US Market is just catching up. For this reason, RIBS have enjoyed incredible popularity in Europe over for decades. Unlike the United States until recently, Europe has long suffered from high fuel (petrol) costs. These higher costs forced Europeans to look to smaller fuel efficient cars and smarter more efficient boat designs when it came to on the water activities. As such, Europeans have preferred RIBs over solid sided boats for decades because of their fuel efficiencies. RIBs sport a light weight design and sleek hulls with far greater planning capabilities. They require less horsepower to achieve the same speeds as solid sided boats because they are lighter weight and have less drag through the water. These design characteristics deliver excellent efficiencies which lead to fuel savings. With the fuel challenges in the U.S. hitting everyone, RIBs are the answer to stress free boating and... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 06:07 PM | Comments (1)
July 03, 2008
RIB Rendezvous - July 12th!
This year's New England RIB Rendezvous will be on Saturday, July 12th. Our dedstination will be the waters aruond Cape Ann, home to the fisherman of Gloucester and the rocky shores of Rockport. We will meet at the town dock in Marblehead Harbor at 9:30am and then head north to Gloucester. We'll parade through the Annisquam Canal to Wingaersheek Beach for a picnic lunch raft. After some swimming, we'll head around Cape Ann for a view of Rockport and then back down to Marblehead. There's no need to own a RIBCRAFT, all you need to do is own a RIB and bring it along. This a fantastic opportunity to get out on your RIB and enjoy a day on the water with other RIB owners. If you'd like more information or would like to join us, please RSVP to Matthew Velluto at mvelluto@ribcraftusa.com by July 9th.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2008
RIBs in Action
For those of us in the throws of winter, thought these pictures of people using their RIBs during warmer months or in warmer climates would be a nice reprieve from the cold temperatures. I'm always looking for photos of RIBs "in action" so please feel free to share your pics with us!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2007
RIB Diversity
Walking through the production floor today was like looking at an ad for what you can do with a RIB. As I looked at the various boats in production this morning, I was amazed at the variety of customers and their intended uses. There's a 5.85 for a fire department's dive team, two 7.8s for a presidential security force, a 5.85 for a yacht club that will use the boat as a safety and work boat, a 9.0 for an adventure tour company, a 7.0 for a recreational customer who wanted a diesel engine configuration for exploring the San Juan Islands, a 150 for another recreational customer who is buying it for his children so that they can have a boat to use on their own and learn about boat handling, and another 5.85 for a marine research lab. Whether it's for work or pleasure, a RIB is the ultimate boat for any on water activity. The diversity of our... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:28 AM | Comments (2)
November 29, 2007
Rough Water Driving – Beam and Following Seas
Picking up where we left off in my last posting, if you take too much of an angle to the waves and/or find yourself perpendicular to them, then you are operating in a "Beam Sea". In a beam sea, you can actually operate at a pretty fast speed. Just be absolutely certain to keep an eye out for breaking waves and either increasing or decreasing your speed accordingly steering for clearer water behind the breaking wave. Breaking waves can be very dangerous and can easily capsize a boat if the operator is not paying attention. If you find yourself unable to escape a breaking wave you have a couple options. You can turn into and ride it much as I described for a "Head Sea" or turn away from it and run in front of it. Doing this seems to make sense, but it could also be much more dangerous unless you can be sure you can out run the... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 07:30 PM | Comments (5)
November 26, 2007
Rough Water Driving
When driving in rough water, the most important thing to do is to match your speed and direction to the water conditions through adjusting your throttle and steering accordingly. Though it may be a blast to keep the throttle on and wave jump, eventually you and the boat will get tired of it. Just as important however, if the prop is continuously leaving and re-entering the water the efficiency of the boat to make quick headway is greatly reduced. There are several conditions that operators need to know how to handle. The first is driving upwind to weather or in a "Head Sea". To do this it's important to first be sure your trim is adjusted all the way down in order to keep the bow down. This will minimize the amount of lift off the wave but also promote the best entry through the water which promotes optimal performance of the V hull to cut through the water. Long... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 10:49 AM | Comments (5)
November 21, 2007
Why do RIBs handle rough water so well?
The combination of the deep V hull and the inflatable tube give a RIB its outstanding sea-keeping abilities. The tube acts like a giant shock absorber absorbing most of the impact forces thus reducing the stress on the boat and crew. Additionally, the tube contributes to a far more stable ride than other types of boats by significantly reducing any lateral movement. This allows a RIB to carry a deeper V hull than hardsided boats which contributes to a smoother ride in rough conditions. Not only does a RIB handle seas way beyond what other types of boats of its length could handle, it's far less likely to take on water. And, if it does, a RIB doesn't trap it and has the ability to get rid of the water quickly if necessary through a low transom and high capacity deck drains. What's more, with the incredible buoyancy provided by the tube a RIB is far more capable of supporting... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2007
Wet & Wild RIB Gathering!
It was a made to order day for RIBs; sunny, 70 degrees, 20-25 knots of breeze, and 3'-4' seas. Our RIB Rendez-Vous on Saturday was a great success and lots of fun. 10 RIBs gathered in Marblehead and en masse we headed out of the Harbor in a scene that Dan Tucker mentioned was reminiscent of Apocalypse Now. As we made our way to Boston, a small craft advisory was issued and the area yacht clubs cancelled the day's sailboat races due to too much wind. The day was definitely a testament to RIBs. With the 3-4' waves and strong steady breeze, there wasn't one of us who were dry by the time we made it into Boston (less than 40 minutes I may add). As we sat and ate our picnic lunch at the Courageous Sailing Center in the heart of Boston Harbor, we all agreed that we couldn't wait to get back out there but couldn’t imagine doing... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:52 AM | Comments (1)
July 17, 2007
What A Fish!
Who said you can't fish from a RIB!!!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 09:15 AM | Comments (2)
May 08, 2007
RIB Rendez Vous in Marblehead
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!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2007
Leaky Tubes?
Are My Tubes Leaking? For departments using RIBs in colder climates during the winter, this is a common question and concern. The answer nearly every time is NO. Because the tubes are air filled, they are susceptible to temperature change. Changing temperatures cause the air pressure inside the tube to fluctuate. The tubes become harder as the air expands on hot days and on colder days the air contracts making the tubes softer. This is extremely evident during the winter for fire departments who store their boats inside the station until needed. Many first time RIB users panic when they move the boat from the 68 degree station to the outside where it’s 35 degrees. Within minutes the air inside the tube contracts and the tubes soften. To minimize this effect, I recommend putting the boat outside in the cold for a half hour and then pump the tube up as much as you can with the foot pump. Then... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:54 PM | Comments (3)
January 09, 2007
On the Water with the USCG Auxiliary
I was catching up on some reading the other day and was flipping through the November issue of PropTalk, a great publication that focuses on power boating in the Chesapeake, and came across a nice little article on a Coast Guard Auxiliarist using his RIBCRAFT 5.85 for patrols, A Day On Patrol With the USCG Auxiliary, by Art Pine. Jim Welday (a RIBCRAFT owner since 2003) has been a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for over 14 years. Welday uses his RIBCRAFT 5.85 for patrols. In the past year alone, he has logged more than 300 hours on the boat patrolling the waters of the Chesapeake. Before purchasing the RIBCRAFT, Welday used a hardsided 21’ bowrider for his patrol duties. As the article mentioned: “This one [RIBCRAFT 5.85] is the ultimate in search and rescue craft. Besides the usual array of safety gear, it’s rigged with Auxiliary patrol signs, red-and-amber flashing strobe lights, a Sampson post for towing, and... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)
December 05, 2006
The Birth of RIBs
There was a comment to one of my postings from a month or so ago that raised the question of who was the first to dream up the concept of a RIB. I thought it was an excellent comment, so, where did the RIB come from? Its origins date back to around the turn of the 20th Century. To talk about the birth of RIBs, one has to discuss the advent of inflatable boats. In large part, we have the Titanic to thank for our boats. With the loss of life of the Titanic in 1912 and the considerable losses experienced to US ships during World War I, the need for a solution was clear. After this, an international agreement was signed to provide safeguards for passenger safety aboard ships; creating the first SOLAS treaty. One of its major provisions was to ensure that every vessel had enough lifeboats to provide every person aboard the ship with a place. This... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2006
A RIB For All Occasions
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... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:35 PM | Comments (5)
November 09, 2006
Faster Than A Speeding Jet?
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... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 09:43 AM | Comments (1)
September 19, 2006
Sipping Coffee
This morning, I had a special treat of being able to commute into Boston from Marblehead, MA on a RIBCRAFT 190. In a drive that can easily take 45 minutes to an hour by car, my RIB ride was a stress-less 30 minutes. The only stress I encountered was trying to dodge the lobster pots as I whizzed by at 30+mph. What other 19’ open runabout can you be out in sharp 1’ seas and still be able to sip your morning coffee without spilling a drop? None I would argue, except for the 19’ RIBCRAFT 5.85/190. I’m constantly amazed by the performance of this truly amazing boat. The boat easily and confidently sliced through the one foot seas this morning – if I was to close my eyes I would have thought I was out on a flat calm day. I can safely say that a RIB is the only way to commute. I had a fantastic ride and... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 02:32 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2006
One Wet Ride!
This past weekend I relented and agreed to go out on my friend’s 17’ hard sided boat. The plan was to leave Marblehead and head to Kettle Cove, which is about 6-7 miles away from Marblehead Harbor on the way towards Gloucester. With the wind steady and strong out of the N/ NW at about 20 knots, we began our journey. As soon as we left the harbor, we were soaked!! The ride was dicey at best and we were hanging on for dear life. Every time the boat would slam down off a wave, water would be splashed up in the air and the wind would throw it back into the boat and all over us. Horrible ride to say the least. After about a half hour of this, we decided to head home for calming waters and put our Kettle Cove plans on hold. After our shortened boat ride, I couldn’t wait to get back on a RIB!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2006
A Functioning VHF Radio – A Definite Must Have
One of the best pieces of safety equipment any boater can have onboard is a marine VHF radio. Should an emergency happen, having a functioning marine radio onboard can make the crucial difference. There’s really no excuse these days not to have one when out on the water. Today’s VHFs are compact, reliable and relatively inexpensive (depending on the model). VHF radios provide boaters with instant access to the Coast Guard and local marine responders. Though you might not think it, they are far more reliable and effective on the water than your cell phone. Plus, many of the new VHF radios come with a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature which is designed to get emergency help to the distressed vessel with pinpoint accuracy. In an emergency the DSC radio will send an automated digital distress alert consisting of your identification and exact position (provided the radio is connected to a GPS unit) to other DSC equipped vessels and rescue... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 05:27 PM | Comments (1)
August 07, 2006
Mooring Your RIB
So you keep your RIB on a mooring – so what’s the best way to secure the mooring pennants so as to not damage the tube? As with tying a RIB to the dock (we’ll cover this in a subsequent posting –stay tuned) you want to avoid anything that can lead to a line chafing the tube. The best way to go about this is to secure the mooring pennant directly to the bow eye. You can do this very easily with a stainless steel clip or stainless steel karabiner that is clipped through the loop at the end of the mooring pennant and then clipped directly to the bow eye. For a more permanent set up, you can have your local mooring service company splice the mooring clip to the end of the pennant. If your mooring has two lines, make the second line 3’- 4’ longer so that you can drape it over the tube and secure it... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 08:47 AM | Comments (2)
August 02, 2006
Crunch!
Though RIBs make the perfect platform for marine photographers covering regattas, even a RIB can't avoid a collision. Glad I didn't loan these photographers my RIB for the day!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 07:49 AM | Comments (2)
August 01, 2006
Tough As Nails - River Rafts
In all my years on RIBs I have never been on a white water rafting raft – that is until this past weekend. If anyone knows about the resiliency and durability of inflatable tubes (Hypalon and Polyurethane) it’s me – but I was amazed to see what the tubes of a white water raft go through – truly unbelievable! We used rafts made of both Hypalon and Polyurethane on our trip. Just to launch our rafts - we dragged them over sharp medal racks and jagged rocks. I found myself wincing and wanting to lift the tubes as we slid them along the granite outcroppings. But our guide, who has been doing this for years, had not a worry on her face. As we made our way down the rapids – the abuse continued but the tubes were up to the challenge (though many of us were not). At the end of our 4 hour trip of punching through breaking... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 07:05 AM | Comments (0)
July 31, 2006
Buckle Up - Wear a Life Jacket
By simply wearing a lifejacket, more than 80% of the boating fatalities each year could be avoided. Unfortunately, boating accidents can and will happen – most often times they happen quickly and with little warning. Leaving little to no time to reach for stowed life jackets. To save money, some boaters buys the most inexpensive life jackets that meet the mandatory standard for life jackets – but these are bulky and uncomfortable – no one likes wearing these. However, effective Coast Guard Approved life jackets are NOW available that are not only COMFORTABLE but come in a variety of styles. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing vests while others are inflatable — as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water and then once submerged they automatically fill with air. These can be found at all boating stores. There’s no such thing as one size fits all - Life jackets come in... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:35 AM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2006
Children & Boating
Introducing children to boating is one of the coolest things a parent can do. Boating is such a great family activity. Just think, you can be alone with your family for hours on the water with no television, phones, or other distractions. But being safe and smart must come first. Too often children are put in dangerous situations by parents who lack knowledge, are short on common sense, or simply are not thinking. The results are often catastrophic. Dealing with safety professionals such as the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, we regularly hear of awful stories involving children. More often than not, the incidents could have easily been avoided by the parent or adult onboard. For example, wearing a PFD (a.k.a. lifejacket), is the simplest preventative measure. Wearing one should be obvious, yet this past weekend in Massachusetts, a five year old boy and his father drowned after their 14’ skiff overturned. Sadly, neither was wearing a PFD.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)
July 14, 2006
Run a RIB!
Check out this great video of a 21' RIBCRAFT 210 underway in what looks like 1-1.5' chop. Nothing runs like a RIB as these two RIB junkies know! In case you're wondering, the footage was shot from a 25' RIBCRAFT 7.8 Mitigator. RUN A RIB! By the way, if any of you have footage of your RIB underway - I'd love to see it!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2006
Soaked, Battered & Hindered - Not In A RIB
It was the first real nice day of the season here, so I decided to head out on a RIBCRAFT 5.85. You could tell too by the number of SeaTow, Tow Boat/US and Harbormasters out responding to breakdowns - that for many this was the inaugural cruise of the season and the excitement of the moment didn’t magically put fuel in their tanks or fix their engine problems from last year. It was a rough day with a strong westerly breeze that made for a wet rough ride for anyone not in a RIB. I am still amazed to see the area Harbormasters and towing companies struggle with their hard-sided boats in theses kind of conditions. As I sped comfortably by at 25 knots, it was a sad sight to see the harbormaster in his 25’ hard-sided center console with a T-Top and blue light flashing slowly flogging their way out of the harbor. Not making more than 10 knots,... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:33 PM | Comments (0)
June 05, 2006
Trailer? What Trailer?
The BOAT TRAILER – it has been my experience that many owners overlook this critical piece of equipment. As I was waiting down at the town launch ramp the other day for my turn to splash a new 15’ RIBCRAFT 4.8 for a junior sailing program this sentiment was strongly reinforced. I watched in amazement - and at times even in horror - as boat after boat came down the ramp precariously placed on old rickety trailers that only made it to the launch ramp by habit. It surely wasn’t the skill of the driver or the strength of the trailer. Though I’ve talked about it before on this blog, I think it’s worth recapping what I do before trailering a boat (I mean every boat). First and foremost, I always make sure that the boat is not going to find its way to the pavement faster than it will to the water. Check the trailer winch to insure that... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Safe & Sound in Wilmington, North Carolina
905 miles and 82 hours after leaving Marblehead, Massachusetts, the Sears arrived safely last night at 7:30pm in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina aboard their 21’ RIBCRAFT 210. To give you an idea of the weather conditions they encounter for most of the trip, yesterday, the first day of decent weather, they covered 360 miles alone – almost as many miles as they covered the four previous days! After experiencing four days straight of strong winds, heavy seas, and driving rains, the only minor problems they encounter was a faulty transducer and an XM Radio system unable to pick up a signal (well, OK, maybe no XM does constitute a major problem). All in all, another successful trip for a RIB and a RIBCRAFT. What’s more – the Sears were able to raise a bunch of money for a great cause, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2006
Still Going Strong - MA to NC Update
The Sears are currently south of Norfolk, VA. After a LONG weekend battling small craft advisories and unsettled weather along the coast, they’re making slower time than they anticipated. They've been facing 20+ knot winds on the nose for the last few days - other than that, they're doing great and enjoying themselves. Kirk tells us that the “210 is performing flawlessly – the biggest problem has been the wind and rain! With Norfolk behind them and better weather ahead, Kirk and Sylvia hope to be home sometime on Tuesday.... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
Massachusetts to North Carolina Aboard a RIBCRAFT 210
They’re off! With a light 2 knot breeze out of the Southeast and overcast skies, Kirk Sears and his wife Sylvia left Marblehead Harbor this morning aboard their new RIBCRAFT 210 (their 3rd RIBCRAFT) bound for Wilmington, North Carolina. With the winds predicted to build to 18 knots out of the South/ Southeast, the Sears anticipate arriving in Newport, RI this afternoon around 3:00pm. Why are they doing this you might ask? For the thrill and excitement for one, but more importantly, to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Today’s departure was in stark contrast to three years ago, when Kirk and his nephew left Marblehead on a RIBCRAFT 5.85 (his second) in the midst of a classic April Nor’Easter. They made great time, arriving in North Carolina in just under four days. The Sears’ route this year will be to head out of Marblehead, pass through the Cape Cod Canal into Buzzards Bay and then... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2006
On the Water With Vessel Assist
I was fortunate enough to get out on a RIBCRAFT 7.8 on the Pacific Ocean the other day with a customer in Ventura California. What a beautiful day in Southern California, the sun was shining, a nice gradual swell was rolling in, and the 2 foot chop made for ideal conditions for a RIB ride and for the dolphins that joined us. When it was my turn at the wheel, I put the boat to the test – cutting in among the surf and pushing the boat through tight figure eight turns. As always – I’m continuously amazed by the performance of a RIB! The RIBCRAFT 7.8 we were on is a machine – complete with twin military spec 150HP Johnson Enforcers, a shock mitigating seat for the operator and two aft pod seats for crew. This boat is used by Channel Watch Marine, a Vessel Assist Tow and Salvage operator. As a commercial tower, it’s an excellent platform for... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 06:14 PM | Comments (0)
April 20, 2006
Pre-Flight Check
It’s great to read everyone’s thoughts on my last posting – keep them coming. With all this talk about safe boating I thought I’d put my own two sense in on some tips I found to be a great way to insure a safe boating experience. We’ve all flown and walked by the cockpit as we board to see the pilot and co-pilot going through a series of checks prior to take off. We as boaters should do the same. I recommend checking the engine, making sure the fluids, steering, and battery are operating properly and water is streaming out of the engine, just below the cover. Always make sure the navigation lights are working, you have a functional horn that is loud, and the flares haven’t expired, and there are enough PFDs for all on board. I always check the below deck compartments to insure there isn’t any water in the bilge and to smell for fuel. Additionally, you... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 12:54 PM | Comments (2)
April 14, 2006
Safe Boating?
I was flipping through a boating magazine this morning and counted four ads showing powerboats soaring out of the water looking, in my opinion, very much out of control. In a time when boating safety is moving to the forefront as it should, I’m amazed that manufacturers would show their boats in such a state. I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t really make me think of safe responsible boating or that my experience on that boat will be safe when I see a boat flying off a wave with spray flying and propellers spinning in a blur – though in some respects it does appeal to my male ego and gets the testosterone flowing. To see an image like this suggests that either the boat is poorly designed or the manufacturer in some indirect way condones unsafe and irresponsible operating habits. With boating fatalities and accidents on a rise, I think all of us in the marine industry... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 10:41 AM | Comments (6)
April 10, 2006
Tubes - Top Ten Things They Do
Everyone at some point early on in their introduction to RIBs has asked, and no doubt all of us have been asked no tons of times “What do the tubes do”? Perhaps the question should really be; what don’t they do. But for now, I thought I’d give you the “Top Ten” things tubes do for RIBs.... read moreComfort – The tubes offer a great place to sit with lots of handholds. Additionally, they provide a great cushion should you jump down into a boat from a high dock or accidentally fall.
Cushion – Also having to do with comfort, the tubes act as an oversized shock absorber at any speed and in any sea, providing a very smooth ride.
Dry - Not only do they provide a very smooth ride, but they also keep you nice and dry! The tube deflects spray from the hull down and away from those onboard. Additionally, with the added buoyancy, you’re less prone to swamping.
Easy Access – Divers have long loved the tubes for the ease of rolling off the tubes in full dive gear and then easily being able to pull themselves back in over the tubes by using the lifelines.
Fenders –The tubes provide great protection from damage when launching and retrieving the boat. Even more so, they provide an oversized fender to protect their boat as well as the boat they’re pulling along side.
Stability – A big favorite of rescue & safety professionals, the tubes provide great transverse stability. All on board can safely sit/ stand on one side of the boat and the RIB will never capsize in calm conditions – can’t do that with a hard sided boat.
Following Seas – The added buoyancy at the bow provides one of the most important performance factors, by preventing the boat from stuffing and swamping.
Buoyancy - No matter what you throw at them (or I should say, in them) – chances are the RIB can carry it. Incredibly forgiving, with the air filled tube a RIB is able to carry substantial weight. Not only can RIBs carry the weight, with the tube, they’re able to do so without sacrificing stability.
Speed – With the tubes, the overall weight of the boat is much less than a hard sided boat. This allows you to go with a smaller horsepower engine without sacrificing speed. In some cases, you can go with a smaller horsepower and get a greater speed.
Safety - God forbid you ever capsize a RIB in large extreme seas, the tubes keep the overturn boat afloat and high in the water which not only keeps victims out of the water, but makes it very easy to see. Additionally, if you’re trapped underneath, you have a large guaranteed air supply.
Posted by ribcraftusa at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
March 31, 2006
Whaler, Where Art Thou?
Remember growing up on a 13’ Whaler? It seemed as if every family had one. It was the male teenager boat of choice. You weren’t cool unless you had one. Introduced in 1950, the model went virtually unchanged for decades. These days seeing a 13’ Whaler is like whale watching. Think extinction. What happened? We grew up. We realized that boating wasn’t all about going out and getting pounded and beaten up even on the calmest of waters. Getting soaked is fine when you’re 15, but not when you’re 30. And what about that “light weight” hull. Every year the 13’ seemed to absorb more and more water in the foam hull (think sponge) until it became a floating tank. I find it amazing our generation can stand-up straight after years of slouching over the wheel down by your knees . . . . . Fast forward to present day. We’re older, smarter, and wiser. Boat design and construction has... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 02:14 PM | Comments (2)
March 28, 2006
Go Fish!
I was asked the other day by a prospective customer if you could fish from a RIB – the short answer is of course you can – but I really wanted to ask him why you’d ever want to. I must confess that I’m not a fisherman (no surprise there), nor do I really get the attraction, but even I can’t deny that it’s extremely popular. So after speaking with the customer, I forced myself to flip through one of the many fishing magazines out there to try to understand the attraction. I was shocked when I turned to an article with photos of a NASCAR-like fishing derby that showed thousands of spectators filling an arena to witness the finalists unveil their winning catch for a chance at $500,000! With a half million dollars at stake – even I’d grab a rod and real and jump into a RIB. In all seriousness, fishing for many is a great excuse to... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 11:51 AM | Comments (5)
March 22, 2006
Training Day
Training isn’t something that we think much about – but we should. Driving a high performance boat, such as a RIB, requires some special knowledge and skill to stay safe. Much like cars, many folks think they can simply get behind the wheel and go simply because they are old enough and can afford it. Boats and RIBs are different. Just because someone may be a great car driver doesn’t mean their skills will transfer to the water. There are several very good boat handling courses out there. A mix of class room and specialized on-the-water training are key. In my opion everyone would benefit from taking one - even those of us who have been on the water for years. Here are three that I recommend: Ocean Rescue Systems Coast Guard Auxiliary Power Squadrons Public Boating Courses There's been talk lately about having all boat operators be licensed. In fact, many states already require some form of certification. To... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:35 PM | Comments (4)
March 12, 2006
Pods or Leaning Post?
This past weekend I was fortunate enough to go boating. I took to the water in a new RIBCRAFT 190 featuring our brand new leaning post. It had been a while since I was on a RIB with a leaning post and to be honest it was a nice change. I must say that I enjoyed the space and clean look it provided. Now a standard option on the new RIBCRAFT 190, customers can choose either the more mainstream leaning post or two jockey style pod seats as part of the base boat. Though I liked the comfort of the leaning post while cruising around the harbor, after my ride today, I still much prefer the peace of mind, safety and comfort the pods offer while underway. With the pods I have the option to either sit or stand, but no matter what, I know that I am fully supported and secure in the boat. While standing, using the backrest... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 09:20 PM | Comments (4)
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... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 05:25 PM | Comments (3)
March 02, 2006
RIB PIONEERS ON THE FRONTIER
For some reason, RIBs don’t share the same popularity here in the United States as they do in Europe. But their acceptance and reputation is growing leaps and bounds; in fact the RIB market is the fastest growing segment of the marine industry in the States today. Even still, Europe, and especially the UK, is about a dozen years ahead of the US RIB market. Brits have long enjoyed the many advantages of RIB’s while the vast majority of boaters here in the US are just beginning to understand what these boats are all about. One of the best indications of how RIB popularity is gaining strength comes from evolving perceptions at boat shows. We started keeping track of people’s reactions and comments at recreational boat shows four years ago, at that time their comments said it all: “what is it?”, “what do you do with a boat like that?”, “those seats look like mail boxes”, “it must be like... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
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