Ribcraft to introduce ‘ most advanced’ high-speed, heavy weather RIB

by IBI Magazine on 11 Sep 2003 US RIB builder Ribcraft USA, is to debut a cutting edge RIB at the Newport International Boat Show, September 11-14, 2003. This 25' RIB integrates multiple technologies, all designed to dramatically increase driver and passenger comfort and safety by mitigating many of the naturally occurring actions generated by changing sea conditions.

Ribcraft set out a little over six months ago to improve the driver and passenger experience by taking one of its proven hull designs, the Ribcraft 7.8, a model the company successfully launched a little over five years ago, and improve upon it by modifying the build specifications to incorporate the latest in composite materials. The result is the Mitigator, which is powered by a single 225 HP Honda four-stroke engine, reaching a claimed top speed of approximately 50 mph.

To complement its in-house design team, Ribcraft assembled a team including a physician who is a world -renowned expert on back and neck injuries caused by high-speed performance boats, and a well known naval architect.

Working closely together, Ribcraft and this team designed and built the first true ergonomically correct console, better referred to as a ‘cockpit’. This slightly oversized console enables pilot and navigator to sit side-by-side while remaining fully protected from the wind and spray. Furthermore, this cockpit approach allows for all instruments; engine gauges, oversized GPS mapping, radar displays, VHF radios, and any other needed navigational controls to be easily seen without any obstructions and positioned within an arms length of both operators.

In addition to providing better protection and access to electronics, this new cockpit contains a steering system that overcomes one of the greatest problems while operating in heavy sea conditions — to effectively steer with one hand on the wheel while throttling up or down with the other all while trying to ‘stay in the boat’.

To improve on this, RIBCRAFT eliminated the conventional steering wheel and throttle system in favour of a newly designed and computer controlled steering system. This first-of-its-kind electronically controlled hydraulic system, claims Ribcraft, allows the driver to control steering, all gearshift and throttle operations, as well as communications, without ever having to release his stabilising grip of the handlebars.

A trigger switch on the handlebars allows the helmsman to utilize the onboard intercom system to speak with crew or use the VHF and cell and satellite phones through an integrated helmet/headset.

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