RIB Directory
AB Inflatables
Phone: 845-368-3798
[email protected]
www.abinflatables.com
With the deepest V available, the Oceanus 8.50VST from AB Inflatables is a rugged craft providing a safe, comfortable ride for several hours.The extra-deep V hull and non-submerged tubes provide the boat with plenty of stability, while preventing unwanted friction and spray for smooth, dry operation in calm or choppy waters. The boat features upholstered seating, ample deck space to install ice coolers or additional seating, a smartly designed console with easy-to-reach controls and abundant storage lockers to keep fishing gear secure. In addition, the 8.50VST offers the flexibility to be customized to buyers' needs. Weighing 2,860 lbs., the Oceanus 8.50VST has an overall length of 28 ft. (8.5 m) and a 12-ft. (3.6 m) beam.
Achilles Inflatable Crafts
Tel: (425)513-6414
Fax: (425)347-5785
Contact: [email protected]
Achilles has taken its product base up a notch for 2003 with the addition of new enhancements on all three of their HB tenders. Featuring new Hypalon grab handles on the tubes for added safety and security, while new double heavy duty rubbing strakes add more protection to the boats while providing a drier ride. Available in three of the most popular tender sizes, Achilles RIBs represent the culmination of many years of experience in the manufacturing of Hard Bottom Tenders. Their lightweight double-hulled fiberglass construction provides one of the lightest RIB products on the market. Large 17-in. buoyancy tubes on all three models combined with the level non-skid floor (made possible by the full deck liner), offer a stable, durable tender.
Almar Boats
Tel: (253)572-2877
www.almarboats.com
Contact: Tim Sandeman
[email protected]
The Israeli Oceanograhic Institute Recently Took Delivery Of a new 30 x 10-ft. (9.1 x 3 m) Beam Almar Landing Craft. Powered by a 315-hp Cummins 6BT turbo diesel coupled to a Hamilton 274 jetdrive, the boat was also equipped with a ZF 1:1 marine transmission to allow back flushing of the jet should it get any debris caught in the intake. A flush mounted Fernstrum keel cooler and dry exhaust were also utilized These items along with the jetdrive allow the boat to work in very shallow bays in Lake Tiberias without clogging the cooling system with sediment or damaging the drive system. Used for hydrographic survey, this boat achieved a top speed of 29.8 knots on sea trials & cruise of 24 knots.
Bullfrog Boats
Tel: (360)714-9532
Fax: (360)714-6779
Contact: Craig Henderson
[email protected]
www.bullfrogboats.com
Bullfrog's high quality construction combines the durability of aluminum with the strength of polyethylene for the ultimate combination of safety and durability.
Manufactured with the customers' safety in mind, the majority of Bullfrog’s boats are constructed using virtually indestructible, seamless polyethylene tubes with internal flotation foam — creating a virtually unsinkable, extremely stable and safe craft with five times the impact resistance of typical fiberglass boats. Bullfrog recently introduced the newest member to its product line — the Ranger — constructed to hold up under the most extreme of conditions.
VT Halmatic
Tel: +44 23 9253 9600
Fax: +44 23 9253 9601
Contact: Seb Freeman
[email protected]
www.halmatic.co.uk
Chatham Bar is one of the most notorious stretches of water in North America, with vicious surf, tricky currents and continually changing shoals - not a place for the faint of heart. The U.S. Coastguard station at Chatham Bar often has to respond to emergencies at sea in storm force conditions. But their existing 44-ft. (13.4-m) rescue boats are becoming worn out and the replacement 47-ft. (14.3-m) craft cannot make it over the bar. To find a replacement for the Chatham Bar 44 footer the Coastguard searched world-wide for a suitable craft, opting for the Halmatic Pacific 32 near shore rescue RIB. The newest rescue boat in the Coastguard fleet is fitted with an enclosed air-conditioned wheelhouse with suspension seating for the crew and is fully self-righting.
Power is provided by twin marine diesel engines driving waterjets to ensure excellent maneuverability. The new boat achieves a service speed in excess of 30 knots with the ability to stop within 1.5 boat lengths.
As there are no charts of the Chatham Bar area a comprehensive navigation system is essential so the Pacific 32 is fitted with radar, chartplotter and GPS integrated into two computer terminals with displays for the helmsman and navigator. A large working area on the stern contains towing braces, a rope winch and a diving platform.
In order to further aid its American presence, Halmatic is actively seeking a suitable long term partner in the U.S. to help market and manufacture its boats for the U.S. commercial and military market place.
Nautica International
Tel: (954)986-1600
Fax: (954)986-1631
www.nauticaintl.com
Contact: Juliette Rossi
Nautica has released a new rigid inflatable boat model, the RIB 28 CAT. The largest of the catamaran series, it is another addition to Nautica's commercial/rescue line.
The RIB 28 CAT is an unusual craft: a Rigid Inflatable Boat with a rigid catamaran hull. Originally designed as a landing craft with a bow area loading ramp for commercial work, it fulfills many functions. Its cargo/ passenger deck measures 110 sq. ft. With its 5-ft. opening, the bow loading ramp lowers to facilitate easy loading of cargo, wheel chairs, stretchers, even 4-wheel ATV's. It is ideal for dive training, dive/snorkel tours, and dive/rescue as the ramp can be lowered into the water to create a swim platform. The Nautica RIB 28 CAT is a versatile military, work or pleasure craft, which handles superbly with a light load or fully loaded to its 4,120-lb. weight capacity. Its broad cargo deck provides room for two stretchers or cargo pallets. The effect of the Cat hull plus tubes creates a stable work platform when at rest.
Novurania
Tel: (772)567-9200
Fax: (772)567-1056
Contact: Sylvia Collada
[email protected]
www.novurania.com
To further complement its successful Equator series of boats, Novurania has introduced its new Equator 500 — measuring just 16 ft. (4.8 m) in length overall. Touted as the smallest in the line, which includes the Equator 530, 600, 660, 720 and 800, the 500 boasts an inboard 120-hp turbo diesel engine and stern drive — along with a seating arrangement for seven passengers. Scheduled for completion in March, other features on the 500 include a self-bailing deck, anchor locker, water tank with fresh shower unit, aluminum fuel tank and integrated swim platform.
Protector Boats
Tel: (510)749-9300
Fax: (510)749-304
Contact: D. Seth Williams
[email protected]
www.protectorboats.com
Protector's range of RIBs are designed as multi-purpose vessels to serve military and workboat requirements worldwide, featuring a Deep-V hull for smooth ride and handling. With models ranging from 22 to 40 ft. (6.7 to 12.1 m), the boats can be deployed as a rapid response vessel in all extreme conditions, and it is capable of being highly maneuverable in the rescue of personnel in emergency situations. Protector vessels are comprised of RayGlass/High Modulus hull design; all hand-laid, non-cored all laminate fiberglass hulls for use in extreme weather.
Ribcraft
Tel: (781)639-9065
Fax: (781)639-9062
Contact: Matthew Velluto
[email protected]
www.ribcraftusa.com
Ribcraft specializes in providing commercial grade rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for professional mariners.
Designed and built for the most inhospitable of conditions, Ribcraft boats are true workhorses — built to go anywhere and do virtually anything. With 15 years experience and more than 1,500 boats in active use around the world, Ribcraft has gained an enviable reputation as one of the leading builders of semi-production rigid inflatable boats. Every boat is built to the highest commercial grade specifications and standards resulting in a remarkably solid, well performing, and safe RIB. Ribcraft uses Dupont Hypalon for its tubes — a premier material for commercial applications.
SeaArk Marine
Tel: (870)367-9755
Fax: (870)367-2120
Contact: [email protected]
www.seark.com
SeaArk Marine, Inc., of Monticello, Ark., recently delivered the first of a multi-boat order for Naval Sea Systems Command. SeaArk's 34-ft. (10.3-m) Dauntless RAM, destined for Naval Coastal Warfare units, is the first of 36 boats to be delivered to the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. These boats feature a 20-degree Radical Vee Deadrise Hull, twin 370-hp Cummins 6BTA5.9M-3 diesel propulsion with Konrad 520 series stern drives, on board AC power, air conditioning, head, galley, electronics suite, foam filled air cushioned collar for boarding and shouldering operations, 4 - 50 caliber weapons mount foundations, ammunition storage, weapons storage, sonar buoy storage, recessed forward gunner area and foundations and accommodations for future installation of classified electronics. The Dauntless RAM reached a top speed of 36 knots during trials. The 36 boats, which were built to specifications administered by Combatant Craft Department of Naval Sea Systems Command, will all be used to protect U. S. Military Installations worldwide.
Willard Marine
Tel: (714)666-2150
Fax: (714)632-8136
Contact: Jack Hochadel
[email protected]
www.willardmarine.com
Two new variants of the Willard Marine standard U.S. Navy 24-ft. (7-m) RIB have recently been placed into production. Deliveries to users began in late 2002. One model is the (7-m) DIVE RIB, which incorporates features to be utilized by Diving and Salvage Units of the U.S. Navy and commercial users. In addition to having a 30 in. removable dive door in a polyurethane Wing Inflatable collar, the RIB is fitted with a foldable T-Top with windshield to provide some protection from the elements. An extensive optional factory installed electronics package is offered, including radar, GPS, depth sounder and VHF radio. These boats are manufactured to the same high quality of the standard Navy 7-m RIB, with the identical Cummins 180 hp diesel engine and a Mercury Bravo II outdrive.
Force Protection of ships and facilities is now an important function of the standard U.S. Navy 7-m RIB manufactured by Willard Marine. Therefore, a force protection package is added to most of these RIBs being delivered.
These RIBs are also available to other law enforcement agencies.
Wing Inflatables
Tel: (707)826-2887
Fax: (707)826-0136
www.wing.com
Wing Inflatables manufactures original equipment and replacement sponsons for virtually any RIB. Whether airholding or air/foam hybrids, all of Wing's tubes are U.S.-designed and manufactured, using 40 oz. industrial grade, 100 percent polyurethane coated fabric. The use of this specialized fabric, coupled with Wing's advanced construction techniques and unique design, ensure a precise fitting, low maintenance tube incorporated within each RIB. Combining the resiliency of Dow 2.2-lb. Ethafoam, the strength and durability of a polyurethane sheath and the pneumatic shock absorption of an air bladder, creates the air/foam hybrid collar. In addition, Wing's air sponsons, which attach to any RIB hull, provide a soft impact and less shock to the vessel during boarding operations. Air inflated tubes also bend under pressure, thus offering shock absorption at higher speeds and increased maneuverability in rough seas.
Zodiac
Tel:(410)643-4141
Fax:(410)643-4491
www.zodiac.com
Zodiac's new Ribster 530 Light Strike Craft (LSC) amplifies the advantages of past designs to become a long-range combat rubber raiding craft (LR-CRRC). The Ribster, a military folding rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), is also suitable for local law enforcement agencies seeking to improve their mission capabilities for maritime patrolling and to enhance the security of waterfront communities. Zodiac's patent-pending Ribster series are the first military RIBs with foldable, collapsible and storable hulls. This combined advantage of the rigidity, seaworthiness, speed and comfort of a RIB, with the convenience of a totally collapsible inflatable, makes it the right choice for professionals who need tough, durable boats, but whose storage or transport space is limited.
The Ribster performs like a RIB, but folds into a bag. Both the rigid hull and hard deck are comprised of stackable, aluminum pieces that make assembly a quick and easy process. The Ribster is easily assembled and disassembled by three persons without tools, and goes from "box to boat" in less than 20 minutes. Measuring in 18 ft. (5 m), the new Ribster 530 features a number of design improvements that make it "mission ready" for long range patrols. The Ribster utilizes a heavy-duty aluminum hull that is structurally reinforced for added durability and toughness.
