A custom-built RIB
Founded in 2001, Ribwest designs and manufactures customized semi-rigid bikes. Based in Baden in the Morbihan region of France, the company provides a tailor-made service for customers wishing to have a semi-rigid adapted to their program, as founder Jérémie Champenois explains:
"Our boats are exceptional products made with the customer's needs and product quality at the heart of the design. Each boat is handcrafted with quality products from local or national suppliers."
Quality construction
Ribwest hulls are vacuum-built, with resin infusion in a glass-cork sandwich. The float is made of 1600 decitex blue Hypalon Neoprene.
The hull alone weighs 490 kg, and the whole boat with full tanks displaces a mere 1500 kg in running order. This 6.99 hull is available in several versions: Rib fish for fishing, Rib RS for a sporty program and Rib pro for intensive use.
The shipyard offers six models with dimensions ranging from 6.20 metres for the RibFish 6.20 to 10 metres for the flagship model, the RibFish 10.
A model designed for a sporty family program
For a model designed for a family program, Ribwest has fitted out this 6.99m hull according to the owner's precise wishes. The overall line is very clean, with slender floats and a beam of 2.55m. It is reminiscent of certain Anglo-Saxon designs, which have excellent seaworthiness.
At the rear, there's a double bench seat with a large trunk and attractive upholstery.
Further forward, the console features a dashboard allowing the installation of two 10" or 12" screens. Wide and protective, it provides optimum driving comfort.
In front of the console is a single-seater seat that also houses a small trunk.
The entire front end of this ribwest is deliberately uncluttered. The anchor locker is concealed in the cockpit floor, and a sturdy stainless steel mooring cock sits atop the bow.
A grab is discreetly integrated on the inside of the float to allow passengers seated on the sides to secure themselves.
Approved for 12 passengers, this is a high-quality package, with a high level of finish.
Excellent performance with low engine power
Powered by a 200 hp Yamaha, this Ribwest RS reaches a top speed of 44 knots. High-quality workmanship and low displacement explain this excellent performance with "only" 200 hp.
On the budget side, you should expect to pay between ?90,0000 and ?110,000 inc. tax, depending on the list of options and the level of personalization requested by the owner.
