Results for Highfield Patrol

RIB Photo Contest 2023 Crowns Its Winners

Truly Winners

Thrilling waves of anticipation have finally settled, and we’re delighted to unveil the extraordinary winners of the very first RIB photo contest, presented by the renowned blog RIBsONLY.com.

Huge Shoutout: Thank You, Jury

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed members of the jury. Their invaluable dedication, expertise, and competence contribute immensely to our shared journey in celebrating nautical photography.

Categories that Ignited Imagination

In an exploration of the world of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), our contest featured four captivating categories. While all were brimming with potential, the spotlight shone on three, each capturing a unique facet of RIB adventures – Leisure Use, Commercial Ventures, and the Artistry of Professional Photography.

If You Can’t Wait…

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Single Outboard Joystick Control Demonstration

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

A Single Outboard Joystick Control System

The Yamaha single outboard joystick control makes boating easier and more fun.

This advanced technology, not new and mainly used on multiple outboard installations, makes the experience of docking much smoother and enjoyable.

The video demonstrates how easy and intuitive boat manoeuvring at low speeds can be with this system.

Single Outboard Joystick Control System@ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat — The Joystick next to the wheel

Thanks to this joystick, the captain can easily change the boat’s direction and speed with ease. This eliminates the need for extensive steering systems and makes docking even in challenging weather simpler.

It is suitable for both experienced and novice boaters making it more accessible to more people.

Pros and Cons

I know that many RIBbers swear by pure manoeuvring with the throttle and wheel and therefore don’t like this system very much.

It comes down to practicing the right skills. Some say it’s even useless with a single outboard installation.

For newcomers however who can afford this expensive “accessory”, it is a pleasant and easier way to dock.

But make no mistake, it needs a lot of practicing as well to build experience in different weather and water conditions.

This single outboard joystick control is not a panacea.

Here’s a short video of a captain demonstrating the joystick system on a twin Suzuki installation outboard and in this video you get an excellent drone view on docking with that system.

This video was published on the Ribeye YouTube channel.

Sacs Strider 10 RIB Special Hardtop

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

This Sacs Strider 10 has a special hardtop. If offers room for 1 to 2 surfboards, radar and camera. This video was shot during the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Compare how Highfield has developed their adventure hardtop on the Patrol 760 RIB, a much smaller RIB and check for yourself which one suits your needs the most.

Why a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is Quite Expensive: 15 Essential Thoughts

Why a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is Quite Expensive @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat — “Owning a RIB is investing in quality time I so long for.”- Karel Overlaet – Photo Pixabay

You may ask yourself: How much does a rigid inflatable boat cost? Well it all depends on what your purpose is.

Introduction

Rigid inflatable boats have become, over the last couple of years, the preferred choice not only for marine professionals but also for those that take boating as a leisure activity. There are a plethora of reasons for this; the boat comes with a myriad of benefits.

For many years now I own a single outboard RIB. As a journalist I sailed many motor boats and RIBs. I aways had the most fun in RIBs. The feeling of “flying” over the waves is really extraordinary! It’s a kick I can’t get enough of.

That being said, one cannot help but inquire why these Rigid Inflatable boats, ostensibly referred to by their abbreviation “RIBs” or “RHIBs”, as expensive. They cost more than the “ordinary” boat, but why exactly is that. The answer to this question can be found in the nuances of the RIBs, from the construction to their operations.