SO HARD to find a rigid-hulled RIB

[Greenheart]

If you ask Google to show you small RIBs, the only ones it can find aren't RIBs at all...

...just the various manufacturers' attempts to ape RIB benefits, in a totally deflatable product.

I had a look at the Zodiac website. Jeez, what a mess. I gave up trying to find the dimensions of the boats, or any distinguishing factors between the bewilderingly similar product groups. I wonder what the company paid for that website?

I daresay somebody does make fibreglass-hulled inflatables under 4 metres or about 13ft...

...but the manufacturers aren't good at advertising them.

 

[Kelpie]

There are plenty of small genuine RIBs around, e.g. Ribeye, Caribe, AB, Highfield.
Just make sure you're sitting down when you get to the prices...

 

[PaulRainbow]

This site seems to give plenty of info about Zodiac RIBS Dan : http://www.zodiac-boats.co.uk/acatalog/Zodiac-Cadet-Compact-RIBS.html

 

[ip485]

Consider a Ribeye - I found it is just about the lightest in each size category and very well made. The aluminium hull will meet your requirements.

 

[Kelpie]

Consider a Ribeye - I found it is just about the lightest in each size category and very well made. The aluminium hull will meet your requirements.

Dan's requirements are probably to add a centreboard casing and rig!

 

[TQA]

Aruba make good hypalon RIBS.

If tempted by a ali RIB do some research first. A number of Ali RIBS have had corrosion issues at a young age in the Carib.

 

[Roger52]

We had a 3m Valiant RIB for several years and were very pleased with it.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Last year st.neots marina in cambs. had a 3.1m grp hulled rib for sale that I think may still be there, I borrowed it a couple of tomes to test an outboard, give them a bell on 01480 472411, it had a knackered 9.9 johnson 4 stroke with it with internal corrosion damage.

 

[davidej]

Dan's requirements are probably to add a centreboard casing and rig!

And a trapeze

 

[simonfraser]

4.5m Valient with trailer for sale Morgan Marine Brightlingsea.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks Simon, but small was essential.

The only way I can afford to get a cruiser this year, is if I moor her a long way from where I launch. Cheap, safe, sheltered mooring...but a long boat-ride (across open water) from where I keep the Osprey. So...a pretty serious tender is required; but it needs to be small enough to tow behind whatever diminutive cruiser I buy, without being a serious burden. The 8hp, 8ft RIBs look good...

This site seems to give plenty of info about Zodiac RIBS Dan : http://www.zodiac-boats.co.uk/acatalog/Zodiac-Cadet-Compact-RIBS.html

Thanks Paul, that simple page is much better than the weird, glossy, slow-loading Zodiac site I found: https://www.zodiac-nautic.com/en/

 

[Caer Urfa]

A bit late now but you should have gone to the RYA Suzuki Dinghy show the weekend at the Alexander Palace there was a few on display