RIBCRAFT powers to success

Wednesday, 9 September, 2009

Outside the ExCeL London centre, all the action is in the water, with dynamic demonstrations by different fast boats. One manufacturer is Yeovil-based RIBCRAFT, which has a stand in the DSEi waterfront exhibition area.

RIBCRAFT’s team is promoting the company speciality of manufacturing high-speed Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). The company is active in the civil and military market and builds custom-designed craft between 4m and 16m long made with GRP aluminium. RIB speed varies from 20 to 60 knots.

For DSEi, the company is promoting its Military RIB, and Interceptor/Pursuit/Surveillance/Patrol RIB designs. With other outside exhibitors, RIBCRAFT’s 950 Interceptor design shows off its capabilities every day in waterborne demonstrations.

In terms of sales, the company sold six RIBs, 7.8m long for a crew of eight, with a top speed of 55 knots, to the Royal Navy. RIBCRAFT sales manager Dorian Martin revealed: “These boats will be used for the training of Nigerian naval personnel in anti-piracy operations. RIBCRAFT has also had interest from UK police and foreign navies too, given the current resurgence of interest in maritime security issues. Boats are fitted to customer specifications with onboard GPS, VHF communications and sonar systems.”

In the manufacturing of its boats, RIBCRAFT utilises a resin transfer moulding process in laminating craft. This, combined with a computer-aided design tool and computer numerical control flatbed cutter, delivers the precision that customers need.