F-Rib 375 - Water getting into the twin hull?

[NickDK]

Hello everyone!

I'm researching the possibility of owning a F-RIB and I have read almost all about the boat and found this great resource! - I have some questions for the owners :-)
I have been in contact with one of the EU F-Rib dealers regarding my interest in the 375 model with flat floor. I was told that they're not selling the boat at the moment because there had been problems with water getting inside the hollow compartments of the floor. Is this problem something you have heard about?
Also i would prefer a smaller boat but the 375 seems to be the only one with the flat deck. Do you know if F-Rib are planning on releasing flat floored version of the 360 anytime soon?

While reading all threads regarding the interesting boats in here I also received the impression that there's problems with the pressure valves. What's the consensus on that? I'm a bit hesitant ordering such a boat as these dealers are located far away from me.

Sorry if this post comes off as talking bad about the boats, I'm just trying to clear up any pre-sale questions. And most of what I have read is positive

[Paul]

Hi Nick and welcome to F-RibsandSibs

Interesting information regarding this water entry into the twin skin hull of the 375, so it's news to us
We have an owner with a 360 mentioning water within the hull 'box sections' draining out of the pre drilled holes but I haven't had this problem with mine
Here's the thread http://www.f-ribsandsibs.com/viewtopic. ... t=10#p1672 so have a read.
All the F-Ribs share the same hull section and connection method and as I say within the thread, the only place I can determine water entry would be through the aluminium 'top hat' type of inserts which the connecting bolts pass through lacking the sealant required to prevent any ingress. A simple 'fix' I'd imagine but I don't build them

I'm not aware of the 360 getting the twin skinned flat floor composite of the 375 at this time or in the future (I did ask), however after owning the 360 for some time now the floor doesn't bother me at all being a shallow curve, giving a progressive feel underfoot.

Regarding the pressure valve issue reported I really can't comment as I've had mine inflated for 4 weeks at a time without any pressure loss

These boats are not cheap, so if at all possible then cover some miles which I did to try them out at your dealership to ensure which boat is the one for you

All the best with your purchase

Paul

[NickDK]

Hello Paul,

Thank you very much for the welcome! - Interesting read the one you linked to. I hope a fix is found.
The main reason for me liking a flat floor is for the roaming around in the boat. When looking at pictures of the 360 and smaller versions the sectional floor looks like a hard place to rest and relax should the family and small kids like to?
I try to read the other interesting post in here and hopefully educate myself a bit more.
I live far from the dealers (Denmark) so it's pretty hard to go and test a boat.

[Paul]

The main reason for me liking a flat floor is for the roaming around in the boat. When looking at pictures of the 360 and smaller versions the sectional floor looks like a hard place to rest and relax should the family and small kids like to?

Nick

The hull isn't a 'harsh' curve to cope with underfoot within the boat because of the moulding is somewhat 'softened' as this photo shows

I've bought some in-expensive camping inflatable pillows to sit on if I'm wanting to get a real move on in a heavy chop, when sitting on the bench seats is not suitable and want to get down out of the wet stuff

It's such a shame you're so far away from a dealer preventing you to 'try before you buy' this concept of the 'best of both worlds'
Do a lot of research of Youtube videos to see the WinBoat/F-Rib in action to give you an idea what these boats can do out on the water

Paul