Does the company still exist?

Folding Ribs or F-Ribs are a great way of obtaining a hard hull boat but having the flexibility of a sib.
F-Ribs have the 3 or 4 section articulating hinge joint that allow the boat to fold up for ease of storage & transportation. A great idea opening up a whole new world of opportunity.
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Does the company still exist?

Post by xtic » 07 Sep 2021, 07:15

Hi,

Recently i discovered these boats and i find them very convenient for my needs. However I noticed that all boats are out of stock, twitter and fb are deleted, news are from 2019 etc... and i was wondering if this company still exists or it failed?

Thanks

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by Martin » 07 Sep 2021, 07:25

Hi there & welcome!
When you say this company, I'm assuming you mean the company Foldable Rib (f-rib) ?

If so, then yes!
They still exist, funnily enough I was talking to the MD just last week.

We are an independent forum with no ties to - or financial gains from any manufacturer..

I think like many companies, f-rib have perhaps struggled with material supplies and manufacturing delays due to covid etc, they’ll certainly be back with vengeance before too long.

I own a Frib myself, and they are remarkable … ✅

Martin :cheers
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F-RibsAndSibs.Com.... :whistle
Because it's a big old WWworld out there :mrgreen:

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by xtic » 07 Sep 2021, 07:35

Thanks Martin for the welcome and quick reply!

Yes I meant the f-rib company.

Sure i did not expect to get any detailed financial info, just since this forum is also dedicated to this boats and thought i might get some info here.

That is great news!!!

I plan to get one of those myself. At the moment i have inflatable hull/keel, however i would need something for a bit rougher sea and this looks perfect.

Thanks!

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by 9-R » 03 May 2022, 14:12

Hey Martin, any further updates? Supply chain for materials ease at all?

Everything in the States is leaping up in price. I'm assuming F-ribs will have to as well?
Wrote a note said, 'back in a minute'. Bought a boat and I sailed off in it.

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by Martin » 03 May 2022, 21:59

Hi 9-R,
Everything’s gone mad worldwide buddy.
Between driver shortages, covid reduced workforces and limited production there seems to be a shortage of everything.
Stick on top the fact that China appear to be stockpiling shipping containers too, the worlds on manufacturing pause atm :?

Foldable Rib will hopefully be back manufacturing this year, it looks like the whole process will be done in the uk now.
I’ll update the forum as and when I get any news 👍🏻

Martin :cheers
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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by bun » 02 Jan 2023, 04:18

INTRESTED following

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by Martin » 02 Jan 2023, 09:09

Still no news from F-Rib central I’m afraid.
I tried ringing Steve some months back but didn’t get a response or return call.
It looks like they’ve shifted their interests to the outboard market, a real shame imo as the Frib was a great idea.

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by DaveRolph » 08 Jun 2023, 08:43

Martin (and all), I find this pretty unbelievable. Such a great product, I don't think I have heard anyone complain about them and they were in big demand when I got mine, just seems like such a waste, if Steve is not interested in continuing there must be people out there that would be willing to invest and get them rolling out again. I wonder what it would take.

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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by SPO » 23 Jun 2023, 22:20

This website:

https://www.frib.uk/

seems hopeful that they will start to be made in Europe and become available again.
Also has pictures of a new logo (not as nice as the older one, but still...)
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Re: Does the company still exist?

Post by 9-R » 26 Jun 2023, 19:39

Is the 430 a new size? If not, anyone every try it out? Doubt it'll come to the states anytime soon though.
Wrote a note said, 'back in a minute'. Bought a boat and I sailed off in it.

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