Hello from Lancashire

[smudger]

Hi everybody

My name is Matthew and I live nr Blackpool, at the moment I am considering the purchase of an F-Rib 360 with a 15hp Suzuki 4stroke. Both my partner and me had the use of a small sib on Windermere just a couple of weeks ago, basically I loved the experience and from that week I have researched getting a sib. I narrowed it down to the Bombard 380 aerotec and the F-Rib 360 both great boats. My intention is to store it in my motorhome And enjoy the prospect of been able to explore with my new rig we have booked a weeks holiday to Southampton in September to visit the boat show and look at the F-Rib.

I think I have chosen the most suitable craft for our needs from what information I can find they are superb boats.

Matthew

[Martin]

Hiya Matthew, to F-RibsAndSibs.Com
That's a cracking intro, thankyou !
Given the choice of boat and outboard if storage wasn't a problem I would be buying the f-Rib 375 and a 20hp efi Suzuki. Imo that's the ultimate in our style of boating. The twin skin, rigid hull and flat floor of the 375 makes it a remarkable ride and gives huge versatility. The Suzuki 20hp is the same weight as the df15 and as far as I'm aware, it's the lightest 20hp out there today.
If it fits the motor home and the budget, you'll be very very impressed.

Enjoy the forum, pls like and share our media pages, and if you get the chance... Join us on one of our many events..

Regards,
Martin

[smudger]

Hi Martin

Thanks for your advice with regards the F-Rib, my reason for visiting Southhampton was to see Steve at the F-Rib stand and look and talk about the options. I had considered the 375 but the extra weight and dimensions put me off, everything is a compromise. I could always buy a box trailer but the costs just keep mounting because I would then need a tow-bar fitted. Also I had hoped to visit hamble point to test the F-Rib but unfortunately I live 300miles away and then week we visit they are all at the Boatshow

[James]

Hello

I have the F360 with a Johnson 2 stroke 15hp engine attached.
It seems to be a really good setup. Have a look at my video in the video section.

I was thinking about getting the 375 but to be honest the 360 is heavy enough to shift on your own.

It's just a shame the weather is so bad I cant use it

James

[The Gurnard]

Welcome to the forum smudger. Im looking forward to seeing the F Ribs in action next weekend...at the Oban meet. I was hoping an Aerotec would be there too ? It will be interesting to compare different makes of inflatable boats ..and see if any float my boat

Enjoy the forum

[smudger]

The decision has got harder, just been checking out the 375 with the twin skins and I like the idea of the flat deck area, still not sure about the extra power of a 20hp though. I am a big chap (18 stone) and plan to use the boat with my partner mostly, on lakes and just off the coast cove to cove etc, it's really hard to apricate the power to weight ratio when you've got nothing to compare it too! just going off advice etc. I might have to just visit Hamble point before of after the boat show to get a trial run with different options. It's a lot of money to spend if you make a mistake.

[James]

The V floor isn't an issue at all.
I'd rather have the V and sit on a cushion / bean bag, especially up front.

When the water gets rough, I'd rather sit as low as I can :-)

[Paul]

Yup as Calibra has said the v floor isn't an issue in all conditions.
Great as a family boat, fishing boat giving great stability and very dry.
If you're feeling a bit hooligan and want to go mad then it's best to get your arse low and hang on tight coz these f-rib boats fly!
Got a 20hp on my 360 and yup it's fun if you've got hooligan in you
Paul

[Si Crowe]

how do, welcome.

while i was dahn sarf at hamble point marina i saw a bloke fitting transom wheels to an F-Rib. Turns out he was a dealer/ importer so had a natter with him while i clutched a beer outside the Ketch Rigger bar.

obviously he was very enthusiastic about them (he sells em after all) but when i had a good look i was struck by how good the fit & finish was and the simplicity of build.

while i have no practical knowledge of them they would certainly be on any short list if i were looking for a new small rib or sib.

together with a good engine, transom wheels and compact folded size. you get the best of both worlds of sib and rib without the negative aspects of either IMO.