Ribcraft News

The volunteer fire department in Greene, Maine recently took delivery of a 16-foot RIBCRAFT 4.8 rescue boat. This specialized RIB expands the department’s response capabilities while providing a safe platform for rescue missions. Funded by a grant through Firehouse Subs, RIBCRAFT worked with the department to build a boat that met all of their operational requirements.Located on several rivers and lakes in Androscoggin County, the department receives many distress calls from recreational boaters.

Not every vessel in the U.S. Navy is built for major combat operations on the high seas. There are large numbers of boats and service craft that provide essential services to the sea services, the nation and its partners.The U.S. Navy procures about 100 small boats per year. Some of these boats are based on commercial designs, procured to a Navy developed specification that tailors the requirements to the end user needs. They are procured and managed by two Naval Sea Systems Command program offices—PMS 300 and PMS 325.Compared to warships and auxiliaries…

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently took delivery of three more RIBCRAFT 5.85’s. With these additional boats, all of the Department’s long range fisheries patrol crafts now operate with a new RIBCRAFT 5.85 onboard. The rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are deployed for boarding and enforcement up to 200 miles offshore. The delivery of these 19’ RIBs completes the fleet with four others already in service.The new purpose built shipboard RIBCRAFT RIBs renewed the CAFW’s aging and varied fleet.

RIBCRAFT USA, a manufacturer of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for law enforcement, safety professionals and military agencies, announced that it recently entered the production phase on its five-year IDIQ contract with the U.S. Navy to build the standard 7- Meter RIB.Under the multi-year contract, RIBCRAFT will build up to 278 of the 7-Meter rigid inflatable boats worth approximately $80 million. This is purported to be the largest single contract based on number of boats ever awarded by the U.S.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) recently took delivery of two 19’ RIBCRAFT 5.85s. As the first true rigid inflatable boats (RIB) in their fleet, these versatile vessels will serve as rapid response deployable vessels throughout the state.With larger hard-sided patrol vessels already in use, the department was in need of a multipurpose watercraft that was easily handled and operated by a single officer that could still support a variety of operations regardless of the conditions.

Today, despite an abundance of market challenges and supply chain headaches, many of America’s police and fire boat builders are in possession of the shipyard holy grail: a healthy backlog.Dave Hunt, business development and project manager for Theodore, Ala. based Silver Ships said vessel orders from police and fire agencies have been on the rise and that the expectation is that this trend will continue. “Between vessels delivered and in production, we have seen a year over year increase steadily since 2017; particularly the last two years.

A new patrol boat just launched by Ribcraft in Dubai is powered by a unique hybrid electric system supplied by Transfluid and Elcome International.The two companies collaborated to design and install the cost-effective diesel-electric system for the nine-meter Ribcraft professional-grade rigid-hull inflatable boat. A Middle Eastern customer required a patrol RHIB intended for the surveillance of the environmentally protected areas with zero environmental footprint, while at the…

The Vermont State Police recently took delivery of two specialized 25-foot’ RIBCRAFT 7.8 patrol boats. Delivered to the greater Burlington area, the rigid inflatable boats (RIB) will be used by the State Police Marine Division for all law enforcement operations including patrol, search and rescue, rapid response, victim recovery, and executive protection details on Lake Champlain.The two RIBs add to the agency’s existing fleet of RIBCRAFT vessels and will provide expanded on-water capabilities. As with the previous RIBCRAFT deliveries, these boats were configured and built to meet the diverse operational requirements of the Vermont Marine State Police.The new 7.8 features a center console with windscreen and extended aluminum T-top…

However readers might define “normal”, 2020 was anything but. But the business of rigid inflatable boats (RIB) has been going at full throttle.Matthew Velluto, Director of Business Development and Marketing at RIBCRAFT USA, based in Marblehead, Mass., described a business moving steadily ahead, though it’s had to weave and bob at times during 2020. “We’ve been able to stay open throughout 2020, with no disruptions on our side,” though he acknowledged hiccups further down in the company’s supply chain. He explains that the business was deemed to be “essential”.

HamiltonJet will collaborate with rigid inflatable boat manufacturer RIBCRAFT to supply 48 Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) to the U.S. Navy.RIBCRAFT USA was recently awarded a five-year contract to deliver the RIBs custom-fitted for use in explosive ordinance disposal (EOD). The 11-meter vessels will be equipped with twin HJ292 waterjets, blue Arrow control systems and JETanchor technology from HamiltonJet. The contract also requires extensive spare parts and training to be delivered by HamiltonJet.A critical component of the Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Company…

Having recently taken delivery of two new RIBCRAFT 5.85 rigid inflatable boats (RIB), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife awarded the Massacusetts-based builder another contract, to supply and deliver shipboard RIBs for its fleet of long range fisheries patrol boats.The RIBs already delivered will be used by the agency's Southern District, which covers all of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. The vessels will be operated by one or two wardens for patrol and enforcement operations.

D-Marin Business Bay Marina has taken delivery of a new Ribcraft 5.85-meter Pro rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to be used for operations support at the marina.Featuring a center console with extended canopy, removable crew seat, highly reinforced inflation tubes, the RIB provides open deck space for rescue operations, garbage collection as well as forward custom area for fitting a portable fire pump to be used in an emergency situation. Powered by Yamaha 115-horsepower outboard, the RIB can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour, the builder said.

Ribcraft announced that the United States Navy (USN) has awarded a five-year indefinite quantity contract worth up to $43 million to build and deliver an estimated 48 of the 11-Meter Expeditionary Mine Counter Measure Boat. Ribcraft has also been providing the U.S. Navy with 7-Meter shipboard RIBs since 2014.The 11-Meter RIBs will serve to support explosive ordinance disposal mine counter measure platoons in both shallow and deep water operations. To achieve this, Ribcraft will build two configurations for mine counter measure operations…

RIBCRAFT announced that the United States Navy has awarded a five-year indefinite quantity contract to the company to provide the 11-Meter RIBs.Under the contract, RIBCRAFT will build and deliver the 11-Meter Expeditionary Mine Counter Measure Boat. RIBCRAFT has also been providing the U.S. Navy with 7-Meter shipboard RIBs since 2014.A critical component of the Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Company, the 11-Meter RIBs will serve to support explosive ordinance disposal mine counter measure platoons in both shallow and deep water operations.

Located on the Merrimack River in Massachusetts, the Lowell Police Department recently took delivery of a new RIBCRAFT 5.85 for patrol and enforcement duties as well as search and rescue operations. The new RIBCRAFT increases the departments on-water presence and visibility and greatly expands their response capabilities on an increasingly busy stretch of water with good public access, a large beach, collegiate rowing clubs and boathouses, and growing weekend recreational boating activity.RIBCRAFT worked with the department to build a boat that meets their diverse operational requirements.

Professional grade rigid inflatable boat (RIB) manufacturer RIBCRAFT said it recently delivered a specialized 25’ RIBCRAFT 7.8 to the Portsmouth Fire Department.Located on the Piscataqua River in New Hampshire, the Portsmouth Fire Department provides on-water search and rescue operations as well as fire protection to the seacoast community. This RIB, featuring a heavy duty inflatable tube and deep V hull, expands the department’s firefighting and rescue capabilities while providing…

Rigid inflatable boat (RIB) manufacturer RIBCRAFT has delivered a RIBCRAFT 6.5 to the Pender County Sheriff. Located on the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern part of North Carolina, Pender County Sheriff formed a joint venture with the County Rescue Squad to provide on water enforcement and rescue operations seven days a week during the summer months. The 21’ RIBCRAFT meets the county’s multifunctional requirements and expands its on water response capabilities. RIBCRAFT worked…

MarineNews showcases the ten best of North America’s 2018 workboat deliveries. Domestic shipyard production is robust, innovative and getting greener. And, that translates into two kinds of ‘green.’As the domestic offshore energy support sector slowly awakens, other sectors have been happy to take the spotlight in its absence. As always, and if a hull was delivered in 2018, we took a look at it, with several areas as a focus for inclusion into this edition. For my part, I’m always excited when the U.S. boatbuilding sector can deliver for a foreign buyer. We’ve checked that box here. And, that’s because we can compete on price, quality and when we do…

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) manufacturer RIBCRAFT announced the recent deliveries of two USCG Sub Chapter T Certified Tour Boats to customers in Hawaii and Florida. The two certified 30’ RIBCRAFT 9.0s – one to the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort in Hawaii and one to Aqua Adventure Tours in Florida – were built to meet the unique needs of each company. The vessels feature a combination of jockey-style pod seats and benches for accommodating up to 15 guests on eco and adventure tours.

Rigid inflatable boat (RIB) manufacturer RIBCRAFT has introduced the newest and largest model in its  model line, the 41’ RIBCRAFT 12.5, with the recent delivery of a specialized USCG Sub Chapter T Certified tour boat to a customer in New England. Engineered as an offshore platform for tour operators, security and patrol operations, military applications and even recreational boaters, the 12.5 combines RIBCRAFT’s deep V hull and bow sheer with an extended waterline and generous beam.

RIBCRAFT recently introduced the all new 41’ RIBCRAFT 12.5 with the recent delivery of a specialized USCG Sub Chapter T Certified tour boat to a customer in New England. At 41’, the RIBCRAFT 12.5 is the newest and largest model in the RIBCRAFT model line. The ultimate offshore platform for tour operators, security and patrol operations, military applications, and discerning recreational boaters, the 12.5 combines RIBCRAFT’s signature deep V hull and bow sheer with an extended waterline and generous beam.

Marine News showcases the best of North America’s 2017 workboat deliveries. There is something for everyone. Notwithstanding the lingering offshore energy downturn, there were plenty of bright spots for North American shipyards in 2017. If a hull was delivered in 2017, we took a look at it, with several areas as a focus for inclusion into this edition. For starters, it is always exciting when a domestic yard delivers a vessel – or multiple vessels, for that matter – to foreign buyers. We can compete in a foreign arena; on price, quality and on-time delivery. This year was no different. No less important is the environmental footprint of a vessel, and there was plenty to report on from that angle in the past 12 months. The domestic waterfront is indeed getting greener and cleaner.

Located on the eastern side of Martha’s Vineyard, the Edgartown Harbormaster provides search and rescue operations, routine patrols, and mooring management duties to the town. This RIB, designed for year round all weather operations, expands the Harbormasters capabilities while providing a safe and reliable vessel for their officers. Featuring a two person console enclosure, the 7.8 provides excellent open deck space for patients or equipment, easy access for officer boardings, unobstructed views, and most importantly a comfortable platform for long hours on the water. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha, the RIB will reach speeds in excess of 50mph while still providing unparalleled safety and unsurpassed performance.