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Category: Orca Retail

The Oromarine Gravel 27: a RIB for You?

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Oromarine … It’s Been a While

The Italian built Oromarine Gravel 27 is a versatile 8,60-meter boat with 3,3-meter width and inflatable tubes for easy transport.

At the stern, dual swim platforms flank a 300-hp engine, upgradeable up to 500 hp in single or twin configuration.

The EVA-coated flooring and recessed boarding ladder ensure safe access and excellent grip for passengers of all experience levels.

Modular seating at bow and stern adapts for sunbathing, dining, or extra storage, with custom layouts available on request.

Central helm features a multifunction Garmin display, audio system, USB-C charging, and ergonomic controls for precise handling and comfort.

Storage compartments, insulated coolers, and reinforced bow make organization, safety, and sound quality effortless across the vessel.

This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel.

Here are more videos of the Oromairine RIB brand.

Proud to share that ORCA Retail is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Specs

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Ribelle R6 – Full Sea Trial and Test Results

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Ribelle R6 on the Water

The Italian built Ribelle R6 was powered by a Mercury 40 Pro. It was tested off Torre del Greco.

In Italy you don’t need a license below 40 hp. I don’t understand why…

According to the video, conditions were calm but gradually changed in the afternoon.

The boat showed excellent stability at rest and during displacement thanks to its large Orca-fabric tubes.

The hull’s chines ensured dry, soft navigation, excellent grip in tight turns, and no cavitation.

The Test Results

Condition / Speed StageRPMKnotsFuel Consumption (l/h)Trim / Handling Notes
Initial readings6001,70,8Minimum throttle, smooth, stable
Planing entry34009,77,1Slight bow lift, smooth transition to planing
Intermediate cruise400014,710Stable cruise, slight trim adjustment
Two people aboard520021,813,7Moderate trim, smooth handling in turns
Top speed61002621,640% trim, stable, soft impact on waves

This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel.

I’ve posted a walkthrough video of this RIB here: On Board RibElle R6 a New RIB Brand.

Want to watch more reviews by The Sea Team? Here they are.

Proud to share that ORCA Retail is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Ribcollar Partners with Radical Marine – Schotland

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Interesting News About Ribcollar

Radical Marine Ltd has proudly partnered with Ribcollar Inflatables Ltd. It is expanding expert RIB retubing and inflatable collar services coverage across all of Scotland.

For over twenty-five years, Ribcollar Inflatables has expertly designed, manufactured, and installed durable, high-quality inflatable collars trusted by numerous marine professionals.

Their exceptional craftsmanship, unwavering reliability, and precise attention to detail have earned lasting trust from rescue teams, commercial operators, and private vessel owners.

This collaboration enables Radical Marine clients to take advantage of a complete portfolio of inflatable collar solutions, including :

  • Full retubing and collar replacement
  • Repairs for punctures, rips, and delamination
  • Valve servicing and replacement
  • Surface restoration, colour renewal, and long-term protection

Each collar is built using premium ORCA® Hypalon, offered in a choice of 38 colours, giving owners the freedom to personalise the appearance and performance of their vessel.

From leisure RIBs to professional workboats and rescue craft, the shared mission of both companies is to ensure every vessel remains safe, efficient, and visually impeccable on the water.

(source)

This video is published on the RIBs ONLY YouTube channel.

I’ve published another video on tube repair: What You Need to Know When Repairing a Hypalon RIB Tube.

Proud to share that ORCA Retail is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Replacing RIB Sheaths for Foam-filled Tubes

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

What’s Inside Foam-filled Tubes

If you wonder what these ‘tubes’ look at the inside, this video explains it all.

It demonstrates how to remove the sheaths from the tubes. The video included a quick before-and-after view.

The tube’s internal structure, is detailed explaining that the inner bladder pushes the hard foam outward.

When the boat impacts something, the inner bladder absorbs most of the shock as the foam pushes inward.

After pulling out the inner bladder, all the remaining components (foam) were removed by running a line at some point.

This line would allow them to pull the inner tube back through once the chassis was on.

What Are Possible Issues With Foam-filled Tubes

Some issues are logical like water penetration. It is the most important one. But there’s more to compare. The table below gives you a comprehensive overview. I included a video of the effect that air-filled tubes have on impact.

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ORCA A Century of History Innovation and Partnerships

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
A Century of History - ORCA 100 Years @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

A Century of History!

November 22nd, 2024, Friday

I was honored to attend the 100th anniversary celebration at the Orca factory in Moeskroen, Belgium. My dear wife accompanied me.

We’re both passionate about Rigid Inflatable Boats.

The event, impeccably organized by a dedicated and professional team, offered fascinating insights into the factory’s history, operations, and innovations.

We got a fascinating tour.

Due to confidentiality, photography and videography were prohibited, adding to the exclusivity of the experience.

It was truly a privilege to share this unique occasion alongside CEOs and industry leaders.

A century of history is an awe-inspiring milestone.

Team ORCA, may the odds be in your favor!

Read these posts about ORCA® Retail.

Proud to share that ORCA Retail is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.

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