KING RIB 6M & 6.7M REVIEW : Boats : ribs : fast rigid hull inflatable power boats : inflatables : hotribs

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King Rib 6m & 6.7m
Nuova Jolly show off their latest brand - King Luxury RIBS

For many years Italy has supported a large Rib manufacturing base, just visit the Genoa boat show to see the demands of the Mediterranean and Adriatic sports boat market.

Although enjoying a much greater abundance of sunshine than that seen in the UK, the challenges of the seas can be just as formidable as those around Britain, contrary to popular belief . Hence continental Ribs share the same safety pedigree by utilising large inherent buoyancy tubes and high power to weight ratio rigs that are the hallmark of the craft.

King Luxury Ribs are the latest branding from Nuova Jolly, a renowned Italian manufacturer based in Milan. The company

first started to manufacture inflatable boats in 1969 and supply to commercial, military and leisure market sectors. Their products have been available in most European countries since that time and are also supplied to the US luxury leisure market under the Extreme Inflatables branding.

Polymarine Ltd, based in North Wales is the sole UK / Ireland importer of King Ribs.

Two recently imported models, a 6.0m (115hp) and a 6.7m (140hp), both fitted with fourstroke Suzuki’s awaited review on the pontoon.

First impressions were very favourable with comforting fat hyperlon 600cm

diameter tubes constructed in five compartments; an attractive marine blue upholstery, fully moulded deck, lockers with seating and lounge areas remarkable for the size of Rib. Obviously the generous 2.54m beam helped pack a lot of features in what are normally quite narrow Ribs at these sizes.

Indeed this extra width certainly made for a lot of boat which carried a whole host of traditional extras, which are provided as standard equipment on these imported models.

Both models share the same transom engine well and bow mouldings which is a real bonus for the 6.0m model, making it look an excellently well presented, value for money package.These mouldings provide deep locker space and the stern locker under the rear seats has got to be

seen to be believed. Not only suitable for wakeboards, skis, picnics etc, it would even cope with the proverbial kitchen sink!

Finished in light grey tubes and white hull, with contrasting blue cushions, the King Rib looks very smart.

Steering is provided from a centre upright console with a double folding ‘A’ frame, lights and horn as standard on these models, making it an exceptional package.

These features alone should, without doubt, encourage other manufacturers to consider putting together production packages which don’t require a host of extras before the craft can be used seriously. Stainless steel fittings are used throughout but a possible addition, as a

preference, would be a pair of stern cleats rather than using the ‘A’ frame for tying off.

On the water both models handled well and provided a very comfortable and perfectly dry ride, even when crossing the tidal bar at the harbour entrance to Conway Marina. The 6.7m was fitted with hydraulic steering which would also have been my preferred choice for the 6.0m, this using traditional cable which, when going on to full lock at a good speed, required a little more effort when turning to port.

Both the hulls easily achieved low planing speeds and provided a very soft ride at higher speeds. A very common continental design is to have seating, lockers, fuel and

steering at the stern, and King Ribs adopt this concept. This provides for a large open area in the middle of the boat, ideal for entertaining, eating and sunbathing. As a consequence this has an effect in very adverse weather when more weight forward is desirable. This can easily be addressed however by simple weight distribution in to the huge forward lockers or simply just throttle back a little.

The King Ribs at this size are rated to EEC Recreational Craft Directive Cat B, which means: “Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to and including wind force F8 and significant wave heights up to and including 4m may be experienced”. In this event, buyers of any Rib should be wise enough to be in the

Model	Length (m)	Weight (kg)	Max HP	Price (£ inc)
450	4.63	320	100	7729
490	5.03	380	115	8798
600	6.00	580	150	10936
650 IB	6.46	600	250	12745
670	6.70	680	200	14226
750	7.50	970	270	19489

King RIBs Dealers in the British Isles are:

MEC Marine T/A - "RIBPUBLIC"
Port Hamble Marina, Satchell Lane, Hamble, Hants

Parkway Marine Ltd
Tel: 01202 745568
Fax: 01202 742978
E mail: sales@parkwaymarine.co.uk

Polymarine Ltd
T/A - NW INFLATABLE BOAT & RIB CENTRE
Tel: 01492 583322
Fax: 01492 583111
E mail: info@polymarine.com

Whiterock Yacht Services
Tel:0289 7542910
E mail: sales@whiterockyachts.co.uk

Killen Marine
Tel/Fax: 00353 1285 3908/5199

marina bar, G&T in hand, watching the RNLI Atlantic 75’s going out to a rescue.

Overall, a very well finished and comprehensive luxury family sports rib that will deliver top performance with safety, and a serious contender on the UK leisure market.

Standard Features
Self draining deck with safety valves, Console with stainless steel handle, Plexiglas console windshield, steering system, wheel, 2 storage compartments inside the console, console teak doors, teak instrument panels, stern compartment with gas suspension door, removable stern sundeck with cushions, fibreglass front bow with cleats and anchor weigh, anchor compartment, bow compartment, side bow compartment, removable bow sundeck, 2 stainless steel stern handles, stern folding ladder with

teak platform and handle, 3 stainless steel rings, paddles, inflator, repair kit, high density cushions.

*KING 600: Console with double seats
*KING 670: Double driver seat, hydraulics steering, console with double seat, 300 lt. stainless steel fuel tank (not installed)
*KING 750: Double driver seat, hydraulics steering, console with double seat, 400 lt. stainless steel fuel tank (not installed), electric air pump.