March 15, 2006

United States Navy Returns to its Birthplace

Marblehead, Massachusetts, March 15, 2006 – RIBCRAFT®, a leading designer and builder of professional grade rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) today announced the successful completion of acceptance trials by the United States Navy of two 19’ RIBCRAFT RIBs in Marblehead.

The specialized RIBCRAFT 5.85s will be used as support craft for a missile and torpedo interception testing program off the coast of Hawaii. Over the past two years, RIBCRAFT has worked with the Navy and select government contractors on the project to customize the RIBs to insure they met the specific program application. This two year project culminated today with the successful sea trials, inspections, and delivery of the boats.

“As the birthplace of the American Navy, it was great to have the Navy return to its origins in Marblehead for the inspections”, commented Matthew Velluto, RIBCRAFT’s Director of Marketing. “Today’s trials were a great success. While not knowing what criteria we were being evaluated on, we passed with flying colors. Our ties with the Navy continue to strengthen with each delivery. We are pleased to announce the award of yet another Federal contract from the Navy to design and supply the next generation 7M RIB. The first boat is scheduled to be delivered in mid summer.

The RIBCRAFT 5.85s acceptance trials were a two tiered process with evaluations on land and on water. The water portion was conducted in Marblehead Harbor with each boat put through a rigorous series of maneuvers to evaluate stability and responsiveness. Additional tests monitored decibel readings for each boat at designated speeds. On land, each boat was inspected to insure contract conformity and all electrical, fuel, and navigational systems were evaluated and inspected to insure compliance with established naval standards. The boats were tested by Navy personnel as well as an independent testing firm contracted by the Navy.

About RIBCRAFT RIBCRAFT has established its position as a designer and builder of technologically advanced RIBS that fulfill the most demanding professional and recreational applications. RIBCRAFT is a leading supplier of professional grade RIBs throughout the world. With models starting at 15’, RIBCRAFT offers RIBs capable of fulfilling any mission. www.ribcraftusa.com