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Category: Ribcraft

Why Thames RIB Experience Chose YANMAR Engines

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Yanmar Engines: Word From a Professional

Dean McGlinchey, one of the directors, runs Thames RIB Experience with his wife, Charlotte McGlinchey.

Their River Thames tours combine sightseeing with thrilling high-speed RIB action.

The tour passes the Houses of Parliament before racing beneath Tower Bridge at speeds reaching 30 knots.

Its custom Ribcraft RIB carries 12 passengers and 2 crew, powered by twin 8LV engines producing 740 horsepower.

The partnership with Yanmar, established in 2014, has proven exceptionally reliable.

One RIB has accumulated nearly 11,000 engine hours without replacing a turbo, injector, starter motor, or alternator.

The result is thrilling performance, dependable reliability, and unforgettable smiles after every River Thames adventure.

This video was published on the YANMAR Marine Youtube channel.

You can watch videos where these engines were used in RIBs: check them out!

A Phenomenal Two Day Pasty Run

Andy Squirrell
OCRDA bank holiday weekender @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Three of the fourteen participating RIBs – all photos by Aaron Squirrell and Tornado Tom

Fourteen RIBs and Two Jet Skis at the Pasty Run

The 14th Annual Pasty Run and Hunt took place during the weekend of 23rd and 24th May 2026 across Devon and Cornwall waters.

The event has grown significantly over recent years and is now probably the South Coast’s largest RIB gathering, outside Easdale in Scotland.

The event originally began after the Nacho Run, organised through Ribnet, where Hampshire crews enjoyed nachos while Cornish crews preferred pasties instead.

Over the years, RIBs of every size and style gathered together, cruising Cornish waters while searching enthusiastically for the famous elusive pasty.

For the first time, the 2026 event included an overnight stop, travelling east into Devon instead of remaining within Cornwall throughout entirely.

Fourteen RIBs and two jet skis travelled from Plymouth Breakwater Fort to Torquay, stopping overnight through Salcombe and Dartmouth during the social cruise.

The RIBs

The cruise was led by a Highfield Patrol 600, while an impressive Highfield Sport 700 followed behind, bringing up the rear.

Between the Highfields were RIBs of many shapes and sizes, including a 4m Tornado, Atlantic 21, and solid 7.4m Delta prominently.

Other boats included a Ribcraft, Ribtec, several Brigs, an Osprey, a Valiant, Avon Super Sport, and an X-Pro among the fleet.

Two Sea-Doos joined the adventure, although a third jet ski, a Yamaha, unfortunately failed to reach the starting location before departure.

Continue reading below the photo gallery.

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Force 5 Challenge: Rémy Crosses the Raz de Sein Solo

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Force 5 Wind Can Be Tough

Rémy is navigating the Raz de Sein alone in Force 5 winds and genuine offshore conditions.

Every decision matters in this demanding passage.

This training exercise takes place in one of Brittany’s most challenging boating areas.

The Raz de Sein in France, is famous for strong currents, confused seas, and rapidly changing weather.

Throughout the crossing in Force 5, Rémy continuously assesses the sea state and adjusts his course.

He manages speed, anticipates swell patterns, and maintains safe boat handling.

Most importantly, he makes every decision independently while keeping crew safety as the highest priority.

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

How is a rough sea named? Check out my article on this matter: Wind, Waves, Swell: Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale.

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

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.

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Harbour Master’s Verdict: Can an Electric RIB Deliver?

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Electric RIB with RAD Tested

While I’m not yet convinced that electric propulsion for motorboats is the future, I find its evolution worth following.

In Livington Harbor, senior harbour officer Gregory Patani evaluated a RAD-powered Ribcraft Rigid Inflatable Boat during intensive patrol operations.

Over several days, the crew conducted towing, river patrols, and daily harbour duties. Initial impressions were strongly positive.

The silent propulsion of this electric RIB improved communication with mooring holders and visitors without stopping or approaching closely. Manoeuvrability proved exceptional, with turns achieved within half a boat length.

The vessel reached 20 knots and delivered smooth, quiet performance. Battery life supported full working days, with overnight charging ensuring readiness.

He concludes the system suits commercial harbour operations.

This video was published on the RAD Propulsion YouTube channel.

There’s more to see here about this electric RAD propulsion system.

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