Ribeye's approach to their business and to the matter of selling their boats in general is perhaps more akin to the car world than it is to the marine business. Even their brochure provides strong evidence of this, as it promotes a message of the boat forming just one element within a whole range of products and services that include: branded clothing for use both on the water and ashore; full storage and boat care; launching and trailing; as well as tuition and the convenience of Ribeye's special RIB centres strategically located around the shores of the UK.

As for the boat itself, again it is influenced by the car industry as it has been Ribeye's aim to produce a craft which is truly a 'turn key' package. That means the question of retro-fitting gear just shouldn't come into the equation as the Ribeye `S' series comes with every conceivable item necessary, including state of the art electronics systems, power steering, stern arch etc., even through to a first aid kit, life-jackets and a s/s bottle opener! It's impressive stuff and shows Ribeye to be aiming its arrows pretty firmly at the non­RIBster, those perhaps who from a consumer point of view fall outside the normal band of potential RIB boat buyers.

Nonetheless, the boat remains a serious RIB and therefore will no doubt appeal to the already converted as well as those looking to upgrade to a high spec offshore leisure craft.

The Ribeye hull is a Peter Kidd creation. Peter, besides his other projects, was formerly responsible for producing a range of high performance boats several of which enjoyed great success on the RIB racing circuit during the early nineties in the capable hands of champion race driver, Miles Jennings. The Ribeye hull, having originally cut its teeth on the offshore RIB racing circuit, apparently is well suited to the Ribeye ethos of providing the customer who appreciates speed, the exhilaration of a boat which is capable of touching speeds of nearly 60mph.

At this point I'm going to play the Devil's advocate. Bearing in mind many of these potential custom­ers are likely to be families who wish to simply enjoy relaxed pleasure boating, I'm not so sure a boat with such a high degree of performance is really what they'll want or require. Indeed, selling a boat of this type to the first time buyer section of the market places the manufacturer under some degree of responsibility. Many of those buying these sports RIBs will not be used to driving power boats of such a calibre, and, if an accident does happen at over 50 mph, then it could well amount to more than just `serious fun'. It has to be said, the performance/handling characteristics of the 7 metre model is not that of a conventional RIB. She is a bit of a thoroughbred and like any animal that's a bit highly strung, she's going to take a bit of getting used to. Indeed, I would say the 7 metre especially, requires an element of skill in order to get the best out of her. This latter comment isn't necessarily a criticism, because I think it will prove much of the attraction in owning a Ribeye. I mean, if you buy a 3 litre sports car it's not because you expect, or even want, a predictably sedate ride.

When all is said and done, however, the owner of a Ribeye will not I'm sure feel compelled to drive his acquisition at full tilt at all times. Bearing in mind the many attributes of this craft, not to mention its superb fit out, a new owner will soon come to appreciate that this boat's very great leisure boating potential does not simply begin at 5000 rpm and above!

Though the hull with its planing pad and super low profile does much to allow the horse power to operate at its full potential, the standard engine fitted to the 7 metre is anything but standard. The Yamaha Pro V Max 150 is a stunning piece of engineering both from within the cowl and from without. Nonetheless, its true strength lies beneath the waterline and comes in the form of counter rotating props. This semi-surface piercing propulsion system is unique to the Yamaha V Max outboard, its counter rotating capability ensuring the normal problems associated with propellor torque are completely removed. The end result being a balanced and level ride which stops a heavily trimmed RIB from running on the flat of its port chine.

This engine also benefits from the modern advancements of fuel injection and a high power to weight ratio which means, though it may only have 150 stamped on its tail, the performance is stunning. The counter rotating prop system does, however, give the impression of the boat being more sensitive to weight distribution. As to whether this is partly due to the boat itself I am not altogether sure, but it is nonetheless noticeable, particularly underway if a crew member passes from one side of the boat to the other.

Up until now, we have mainly been concentrating our attentions on the largest vessel in the range, for my money though, the smaller 6.5m model takes the prize. In every way this boat feels right to drive and handles beautifully. She enjoys an excellent power to weight combination with the smaller 1OOhp Yamaha outboard providing, if not stunning performance, an exciting ride which is both exhilarat­ing, yet nicely within the safe operating margins of the hull and general user alike. Both boats handle well through all their high speed manoeuvres, but the 6.5 in particular gives one the impression you really can throw her around without coming to any harm. It's great fun to drive and whilst the boat could be described as a shortened version of the 7 metre, it remains well proportioned both mechanically and aesthetically.

Though I have not had the opportunity of driving these two boats in the same sea conditions, I tend to feel the 6.5 may be better in the rough as her proportions allow her an extra generous amount of buoyancy, grant­ed by means of her overall beam/ waterline length combination. The matter of forward buoyancy to the Ribeye's hull is an important factor as her flat profile and lack of a raised prow means she has no second line of defence if the bow decides it wants to bury itself in the foot of a wave all is dependant upon the hull's ability to lift. In the short steep seas of the Start Point overfalls, our test pilot managed to seriously stuff the 7 metre into the back of a wave that resulted in him instantaneously taking on the appear­ance of a bedraggled water rat! When I had a go, I found that in these some­what testing conditions, as long as you drove the boat sympathetically she was OK. A moment's lapse in judgement or too hefty a hand on the throttle though and you could very quickly be taking an early shower. Again, I would say therefore, that the 7 metre model is better suited to the more experienced power boat handler.

The standard of fit out to these boats is most commendable and forms the key element in their being viewed, quite rightly, as very desirable craft. Don't get me wrong, they certainly are not `sexy' perhaps still more 4x4 than saloon if you get my drift. Although, her overall appearance does not constitute a radical step forward in terms of RIB design, what is provided is strong and seamanlike with high quality materials used in all aspects of the boat's construction. I personally feel the stainless arch mast is somewhat out of proportion to the rest of the craft, but it is Ribeye's belief that the advantage in this design is the fact the boat can be boarded via the transom without even the need for the occupant to stoop.

The console comes from the Boston Whaler school of design, but nonetheless works. Loads of functional space, true weather protection afforded by the high screen, a beautiful carbon fibre instrumentation panel and a first rate driving position. The latter to my surprise was very good indeed, even though most helm points serviced by means of a bench seat are not usually a success on the contrary, this arrangement allowed good forward vision and comfortable access to all the controls whilst either standing or sitting without taking up a dispropor­tionate amount of room on deck. Much of this is achieved by means of the height of the console as opposed to its overall width. From an aesthetic point of view, the height factor of this unit helps also to balance the overall proportions of the vessel's high arch mast.

As mentioned, the detail to the Ribeye interior is of a high standard and includes some of the finest and most luxurious seats I've known on any RIB of this type. Sebastian Gowar-Cliffe was contracted by the company to provide this initial range of boats with much of their present styling and full marks to him, he's done an excellent job. A wise move on Ribeye's part to engage a professional designer and further evidence of a refreshingly positive approach toward the RIB industry by this company.

In supplying a RIB to the leisure market which, it is hoped, will have the ability to satisfy an interna­tional demand, If eel the Ribeye shows a good deal of potential. In the meantime, if you are considering offloading some of your hard earned wonga on a high quality luxury Sports RIB, then it's possible that you need to be placing this new range of boats on your shortlist.

HMS

Builder
Ribeye Ltd,
Collingwood Road,
Townstall
Dartmouth,
Devon TQ6 9JY

Tel: 01803 832060
Fax: 01803 839090