Redbay Boats have a long history of boat building, hailing from the fishing boat/workboat sector before applying their shipwright skills to the RIB market and subsequently establishing a respected name and much wanted RIB brand. It’s probably true to say that few RIB manufacturers can boast such a loyal and enthusiastic ‘owner’s club’ as Redbay. Unofficial and informal it may be but that doesn’t make it any less effective when it comes to the matter of providing a breeding ground for the ongoing furtherance of ‘the cause’. Whether that be granting owners the support and help they need to go boating safely/in company or providing Redbay with an invaluable forum for customer feedback and product development.

The key though to all this, and of course to Redbay’s undoubted success, is the fact, the men at the helm, including the company’s MD, Tom McLaughlin, are men of the sea - lifeboatmen and avid RIB enthusiasts themselves. Thus, Redbay RIBs are built to be used seriously in the offshore environment by both professionals and private owners alike.

The boats are strong, workmanlike and designed to take on the toughest of sea states. Every model in the range, from the largest 11 plus metre down to the smallest 6 metre RIB is extraordinarily surefooted. Redbay’s large cabin RIBs are well appointed and finished to a high standard affording their owners endless customisation possibilities.

The smaller, open versions can often be seen sporting Redbay’s very own patented ‘soft top’ cabin - a great alternative to the confines of a hard cabin. Furthermore, this added protection allows for the possibility of true all year round cruising for those who fancy braving ‘out of season’ sport. The 6 metre Stormforce is one of the company’s most popular selling models and has been bought by scores of people desiring a seaworthy first RIB suited to cruising and general family pursuits. If however, you are seeking to shortlist RIBs with sportsboat type interiors, luxury seating and stylised consoles, then the Redbay is probably not for you. On the other hand, it’s no fuss, utilitarian appearance will far more likely strike a chord with those whose key priorities include good sea-keeping, strength of build and deep-vee handling characteristics.

If such items figure strongly on your list of wants then check out the Redbay range by logging onto www.redbayboats.com or check out the Redbay exhibit at London International Boatshow.

HMS