F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

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

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

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!

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?

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

INTRESTED following

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.

Martin

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.

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...)

Is the 430 a new size? If not, anyone every try it out? Doubt it'll come to the states anytime soon though.