RIB Force inflatables forms from merger

by Mike Orsmond on 1 Mar 2011 The formation of RIB Force Inflatables is now confirmed with a merger of Global Force Marine and Gemini Inflatables (Australia) Pty Ltd.

In addition to the current inflatable brands names of Caribe and Aurora, RIB Force Inflatables is pleased to be appointed the exclusive distributor of AB Inflatables, the no 1 brand in the Caribbean and no 2 in the USA.

The merger now provides one stop access and support to three of the top brands of inflatables on the Australian market today. RIB Force Inflatables will also continue to offer the Mariner range of outboard motors from Mercury Marine to power any sized inflatable from ducks to luxury RIBs. Gemini customers and products will continue to be supported under the RIBForce brand.

As the Australian recreational boat market continues to develop in sophistication, RIBs and inflatables are showing increased market share as the tender of choice of super yacht owners and families alike.

Originally perceived as soft boats, the opposite now proves the case as inflatable boats are selected from all comers by Australian special forces, Rescue Services, SLSA and police SAR ops.

By combining the safety of multiple independent hypalon ruggedised buoyancy cells with reduced weight, lowered centre of gravity allowing increased strengthening of the hull core, smoother and quieter passenger ride and thermal isolation they just can't be beaten on the water.

A major step in 2010 has been the advances in hull and deck shaping to provide better ergonomics and looks. The soft feel allows passenger to interact with the waterline and other watercraft, sitting on the tubes while traveling, rolling into the water to swim or just lying around the boat in comfort with no hard edges.

The merger sees RIB Force Inflatables operating from three factory units at the Gold Coast City Marina
• Sales showroom with Australia's largest range of premium inflatables , with onsite on water facilities for testing.
• Mechanical workshop offering full outboard and inboard services and repairs including Rubber and inflatable fabric workshop relating to tube work (tube covers, air repairs, retubing of RIBs) as well as to provide the biggest inventory of inflatable boat parts in Australia
• General engineering (including fibre glass) workshop to cover integration, refurbishment and customisation of inflatables and RIBs handling special requests and requirements including swept targa bars and swim ladders

RIB Force Inflatables thrives on a competitive spirit with the challenge in 2011 being to offer the best products at the most competitive prices.
Three examples of hot products: -
• The Aurora Lite 260 in either PVC or Hypalon is a Gold Coast designed RIB made using the resin transfer method RTM technology piloted in the new Dreamliners. The Aurora Lite 260 in PVC, with welded tubes $2300 (BYO outboard).
• The Aurora Pro 410 (RIB) with centre console and seat, Mariner 40hp outboard at $12 500. At this cost you have a boat you can go to sea with.
• The ultimate RIB day-boat is the new Tahiti 500. For some lucky buyer the first Tahiti 500 is going for $27 000. (ONE ONLY).

RIB Force Inflatables will be using Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to release some exciting two new product in the AB Inflatable range
• The light weight ALX10 is a first in its class davit friendly tender being both a light weight prestige RIB with alloy hull and centre console with outstanding looks - yet remarkably it is davit friendly without needing tiller steering.
• RIB Force Inflatables will also be releasing for the first time a range of Ultra Light ally hulls made by AB Inflatables with hypalon tubes called appropriately the AB Ultra Light range.
• Sanctuary Cove Boat Show specials - two lucky purchasers will secure a Caribe DL 11', super yacht tender with shower, esky, dive ladder and more.

More at www.RIBforce.com