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Author: Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Being a RIB advocate I'm passionate about Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).

The Rib Wall is Live!

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
The RIB Wall RO @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

Welcome to The RIB wall

TheRIBwall.com is a new initiative making the world of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) easier to discover and navigate.

Built by Karel Overlaet, founder and owner of Medianaut, Nautical News Media, the RIB Wall is the gateway to the world of RIBs.

It connects enthusiasts, professionals, and newcomers through clear pathways into the global RIB ecosystem.

Visitors can explore videos, news, reviews, active RIB brands, and industry insights from one central platform.

The site links directly to RIBsONLY.com, RIBManufacturerList.com, the weekly RIBs ONLY Insider newsletter, and the LinkedIn group.

The goal is simple: create a smoother and more accessible gateway into the fast-growing international RIB community. Check it out.

Especially the RIB Manufacturer List is a unique RIB directory with various entry points.

Want to discover more? Get in touch. Click the image to explore every detail in full size.

You can find here more news on the ecosystem I built:
RIBManufacturerList.com’s 3 USPs
Press Release: the RIBs ONLY Insider
Welcome to RIBs ONLY – The Exciting Number 1 Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

BlueNav Makes Docking and Position Holding Easier

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Bluenav Shaping the Future of Mobility

A recent demonstration shows how modern assistance systems are reshaping everyday boat handling on the water.

Technologies such as Smart Mooring, Virtual Anchor, and the mobile application simplify docking and low-speed maneuvering.

The system helps skippers approach a dock with greater precision and reduced stress levels.

Once alongside, the boat can maintain its position while passengers step on or off board.

Users can also adjust positioning remotely through a smartphone interface.

The technology supports lateral docking, 360-degree turns, heading stabilization, and cruise control assistance.

According to BlueNav, the system focuses on comfort, control, and easier manoeuvrability.

This video was published on the BlueNav YouTube channel.

This article fits perfectly in the range of articles in the category: how-to.

Real-life MOB Drill in Rough Seas by OLM

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

MOB Stands for Man Over Board

A maritime safety exercise off Brittany demonstrates a realistic man overboard recovery in rough offshore conditions aboard a rigid inflatable boat.

The training, organised by Oliver focuses on fast reactions, coordinated teamwork, and controlled manoeuvres during an emergency situation at sea.

Crew members immediately identify the casualty and announce the man overboard situation to everyone on board.

The helmsman carefully repositions the boat while maintaining control in strong swell and challenging sea conditions. A very important skill in case of an MOB.

The recovery procedure prioritises crew safety and a stable approach toward the person in the water.

The MOB exercise highlights the importance of preparation when navigating exposed coastal waters with strong Atlantic currents.

Brittany remains a demanding environment where rapid decision-making can become critical during offshore navigation.

This training footage targets recreational boaters, sailors, and rigid inflatable boat operators seeking stronger safety awareness at sea.

This video was published on the OLM Perfectionnement Mer Formée YouTube channel.

I truly value Olivier’s training sessions, which is why you’ll find an extended collection of videos on RIBsONLY.com. All is focused on mastering navigatiion in agitated and rough seas.

Discover a structured overview of 200+ active RIB brands via featured companies, global listings, and direct access through socials and email. Get to know the Global RIB Manufacturers List!

Highfield Velox 560 Review – Made in the USA

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Velox in the Middle

The Highfield Velox 560 is the bridge between de 420 and the 660 Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).

It combines an aluminium hull with a Rotax jet propulsion system for responsive performance on the water.

Its jet-driven configuration allows operation in shallow waters where traditional outboard-powered boats often face limitations.

The model uses Highfield’s high-tensile aluminium hull construction, already familiar throughout the brand’s wider RIB range.

On board, the Velox 560 features an open layout with generous seating and several integrated storage compartments.

The setup is intended for day cruising, watersports activities, and fast coastal passages in varying water conditions.

With an overall length of 5,60 metres, the model targets both families and recreational performance-oriented boaters.

The combination of jet propulsion and lightweight construction creates a distinctly different driving experience compared to conventional RIBs.


This video was published on the Highfield YouTube channel.

Find much more Highfield footage here.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

The Global Manufacturer List showcases 200+ active RIB brands, organized through homepage visibility, featured companies, and detailed listings by country and segment. Contact the RIB Builders fast!

Specs

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SKIPPER Unveils the New ACE 360

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
SKIPPER ACE 360 @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

A Next-Generation Performance SKIPPER RIB

This press release landed in the RIBs ONLY mailbox and I’m glad to share it.

Greek performance boat builder SKIPPER Powerboats has introduced the new SKIPPER ACE 360. The high-performance luxury RIB aims to set a new benchmark in the 36-foot category.

The ACE 360 succeeds the brand’s legendary 34NC as a completely new-generation platform.The model focuses on offshore capability, intelligent deck design, and refined onboard comfort.

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