Another Year
Another year already gone and after a dreadful summer of wet and windy weather I'm hoping for a bit of respite as the Southampton Boat Show can often bring out something of an Indian Summer.

So if you're looking for a RIB now is the time to look and buy. Order at the show and you're sure to get on the water in 2008. Very often I have desperate calls on the occasion that the sun breaks out with buyers looking for RIBs for the coming week-end or summer holidays. Anyone who knows about the RIB market will understand that it's never that easy.

Those who continually show at Southampton are those who have established a sustainable market with products that deliver.

Keep your eyes out for the following builders/dealers who are offering either static displays and/or on water demo's. Most have very busy schedules so if you're keen to talk turkey give them a call before you go so they can give you their full attention. You'd be surprised at how many 'tyre kickers' take up their valuable time.

Who to look out for!
For great value for money packages check out IBS Boats on Stand E66, who bring in a large Valiant range of RIBs from Spain. These craft ideally fit the family week- ender or summer holiday watercraft at very reasonable prices. IBS will be bringing nine craft, the 240/270/340/380 from their Dynamic Series, from the Vanguard range the 450/520/490 and from the DR Series the 490 and 570 models. Check out the full specification on their website at: ibs-boats.com

If it's fast sports models you are looking for take a look at the UK built Revengers. This year's exhibits are a Revenger 31 Ex-Demo twin Yamaha inboard as tested by HotRIBS , priced at £128,000 inc Vat. A brand new Revenger 29 Mk2 with stepped hull and outboard well, fitted with a Mercury Verado 275 - at a ready to go price of £58,400.00 inc VAT. And a new Revenger 25 Outboard well fitted with a Yamaha F225.

Ceasar Marine (South African built RIBs) will be on Marina Berth 091. They will have a P850, like the one tested by HotRIBS which is available for demonstration throughout the show. They will also have a rotation of their P, T and X Class RIBs available. If you would like to have a sea trial in any of these craft please contact them for available dates and times. Tel:+44 (0)1271 869 101. Web: ceasarmarine.com

Sept 2007