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Boat Tests Ribeye 6m Playtime
Boat Tests Ribeye 6m Playtime
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Ribeye 6m Playtime
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| It is now widely known that the Devon-based company, Ribeye, build their full stock of RIBs out in South Africa - a country boasting a very substantial RIB market of its own. With this manufacturing arrangement now in its second year, the flow-through of product to the dealers has appeared to be smooth enough and the overall build quality has, by all accounts, improved all the time. The Playtime models, of which there are three in all, namely a 500, a 550 and a 600, are all aimed at the mass leisure market. These RIBs, although deep-vee in terms of hull design, are less offshore-orientated than the larger Sports models, which include a 650, a 785 and an 8 metre boat. (The company also offers a stepped-hulled, 10 metre, open Sports cruiser for those who desire bespoke high-performance from their Ribeye.) RIB International used the 785 Sports model last year on the occasion of the magazine’s Summer Cruise, which took in Lundy and the coastlines of North Devon and Cornwall. I have to say we were very impressed indeed with the performance of this Yamaha-powered RIB - its head-to-sea ability was outstanding in fact. As for the Playtime, and perhaps not surprisingly as the trend seems to be for larger RIBs, the 6 metre appears to be the most popular selling model, being designed to fulfil the role of an all-round sports-styled day boat. The Jockey Pack 2p version features a s/s arch mast, a sculpted rear bench seat and two two-man jockey seats up front. The helm console appears to be styled heavily on the standard Ribtec console (Ribtec is Ribeye’s sister company), and allows plenty of space for the inclusion of all the usual electronic extras. You can even have the deck teaked if so desired, and other options include a bimini cover, a laser ski bar and a bow sun-bed. Standard items include non-feedback steering, elephant-trunk styled transom scuppers, a moulded deck and a bow fairlead with s/s cleat. You’ll note from the pictures that the attractive Hypatex two-tone blue and grey sponsons are slightly tapered, come very generously fitted with straking, lifelines, handles and so on, and follow the line of the bow’s moderate upward sheer, the latter being a sound seagoing design. The spray rails to the Playtime’s hull are effective enough at keeping the water out of your face underway and the boat is clearly suited to both green water and blue water usage. Suited to a whole array of coastal water-sports it may be, but, to be fair, the Playtime is not really designed for or suited to extended cruising. If the latter were your intention, you would really need to go up a notch and consider purchasing one of Ribeye’s Sports models. With the Playtime model though, Ribeye is undoubtedly taking on the likes of the Avon Adventure, Zodiac’s Medline series and the clutch of new boys to the UK RIB scene, including those products hailing from such people as RIB-X and Ribquest. Certainly, in terms of overall finish, comprehensiveness of fit-out, delivery times and dealership outlets, Ribeye score very highly. But the Playtime is firmly at the competitive end of the market and clearly the fight is on. Besides comparing the price differences between these boats my recommendation would be to carefully sea trail those on your shortlist before making your decision. It is the surest way of making the right choice - no matter what type of RIB you may be thinking of buying. HMS |
