RIB MAGAZINE : boats : ribs : fast rigid hull inflatable power boats : inflatables : hotribs

[ bellows ]

# 003

Off to a Great Start

" First issue off to a great start!! "

The first issue got off to a great start and created lots of interest. I had some interesting feedback from HotRIBsters, to which I replied, and I encourage surfers to come up with tips, helpful comments, grouses, good news, bad news etc.

I had a query from Neil from Carolina, who wanted advice on who sells RIBS directly from here in the UK to the USA and the best way to get them exported. My reply was that nearly every builder sells direct and the cheapest way to get the boat abroad is to go along to your local docks, find out which ships 'sail in' from the UK. Then tell the builder to put the RIB on the

ship of your choice, 'Freight charges forward'. Have any of you had experience of this, tell us about it please!

Things are really taking off this season, both for new and good second hand RIBS, so don’t leave it to the last minute, you may end up with no RIB! On the Round Britain Record front, I am still a non-starter trying to sort my engines but apparently, 'Blue Dart' the Revenger RIB powered by a V8 Mercruiser diesel sterndrive has sorted its engine mount problems and its police crew from the Royal Household are ready to run.

Bit early isn't it boys? News of more police, my three 9.5m 'Enforcers' down in Gibraltar are working flat out in the hands of the Royal Gibraltar Police, since the cannabis carrying RIBS outward bound from Morocco to Spain are not being allowed back into Morocco when things get tough and therefore seek shelter under The Rock at their own risk.

A dodgy part of the world! I need your help to persuade your local marinas to make all yacht berth holders moor stern to. This ensures that yachts do not tie up leaving their anchors overhanging the pontoon.

This practice is dangerous especially for crew who may be staggering back in the dark, what’s your view on this? Recent bright weather took me afloat just for a short trip down Southampton Water where I hung a right between the end of the Esso Refinery and before Calshot; I found the marked channel that quickly leads to Ashlet Creek and the Jolly Sailor pub that welcomes you for good food and ale.

It is tricky to find by sea, but much harder by road. Arrive one hour before 1st HW and leave no later than 3 hours later.

" I need your help to persuade your local marinas to make all yacht berth holders moor stern to."

" I’d like to learn about your favourite watering hole or quiet spot and I promise not to tell too many people about it!..."

Lots of room to tie up and you can watch your RIB from the pub. I’d like to learn about your favourite watering hole or quiet spot and I promise not to tell too many people about it!

Well, good RIBing you HotRIB surfers, let's see you open up now and put fingers to your keyboards. Miracles do happen and I'm on line next month, await my handle, but meanwhile contact me on bellows@hotribs.com