RIB dinghy

[Monique]

We had an AB aluminium floored dinghy which is much lighter the a GRP floor, we always kept it on deck because we didn't have davits. But as TQA says on passage he moves his AB from davits to the deck on passage. He may also may have read the book 'Heavy weather sailing' where a ketch in the Med had it's dinghy on davits in bad weather, a wave broke over the dinghy and tore the stern off the boat.

No intention of keeping dinghy in davits on long runs... easy to place on the aft cabin roof

 

[ribrage]

Anyone own one? I intend to have it in davits on overnights at anchor but to stow it onboard when on long passages.

Personal choices and experiences sought...

TA

Hi

Im on my third RIB now, I started out with an Avon (to heavy) , then had a Brig ( tubes melted ) i now have a Rib eye , aluminium hull, well put together (im fussy) with a 15 hp two stroke Yamaha on it - love the thing, wouldn't hesitate to buy another one , its hauled on deck just using light block and tackle (less engine) engine mounted on push pit out of the way.

I fitted some beaching wheels and a "second skin" cover (to prevent UV damage) the wheels have been key to protecting it when pulling it up a shingle beach, whatever you buy , Id recommend the wheels and a good cover.


Some pictures of it while at anchor in Heraguda on my blog , (link below)

Ian

 

[Monique]

TA Ribrage. Will look at this one too. Fussy as well. Yam 2 str 15 HP enduro too... never used from 2011. Dont ask why but its new!

 

[Steve C Cronin]

Caribe 9ft. Had it ten years. Bought new with a tohatsu 9.8hp two stroke. Planes with two easily. Both have done sterling service. Caribes come in heavy or light spec. Mine is heavy spec and is in great condition after ten years of abuse. Would buy another. Incidentally, the 9.8hp tohatu two stroke is lightest on market at 26kg! That is only twice weight of the tohatsu 3.5hp two stroke! It's also a lot easier to start.

I am a great fan of Caribes!

 

[Monique]

Seems the owners of Caribe have nothing but praise... TA Steve.

 

[Monique]

Final outcome!!!

I just bought a 3D XPRO ULTRA LIGHT RIB ALUMINIUM UL 290 in Hypalon. Will handle my 15 HP outboard and will have a bow locker to store the Fuel tank.

They have a good reputation. Will report first impressions when delivered.

TA