Grand G580: 5.8 Meter RIB Tour Down Under

G580: a Well-thought-out RIB

Entry-level mariners and growing households often gravitate toward this budget-friendly, medium-scale Rigid Inflatable Boat. It serves as an interesting introduction to aquatic adventures.

Transport and Layout

Measuring 5,8 meter, this boat remains light enough for simple towing behind most vehicles. Its nimble performance ensures stress-free navigation.

The open-deck configuration allows occupants to circulate without obstruction. High-capacity lockers tucked beneath the benches keep the deck clear of clutter.

Performance and Utility

A 115 hp Yamaha motor drives the craft, making it an ideal choice for high-speed recreation. This G580 can handle up to 150 hp.

Integrated ladders and platforms simplify water access.

These features, combined with a sturdy tow arch, create a premium setup for towing skiers or boarders.

Comfort Features

The forward section serves as a versatile lounge for post-sport relaxation.

You can install a portable table for dining or utilize the conversion kit. This creates a massive, padded surface perfect for soaking up the sun.

With a 17° deadrise, it’s a stable RIB.


This video was published on the Grand Boats Australia YouTube channel.

More Greek powerboat videos you don’t want to miss!


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TROPIDA Cosmic 39: When Design & Horsepower Collide

The Cosmic 39 is a Power House

First things first.

This COSMIC 39 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was honored at the Iron A’ Design Award 2019 for its innovative design excellence.

After four open sea racing titles, Takis Samartzis founded TROPIDA, a name rooted in the Greek word for keel.

Three vented steps create a cushion of water and air, requiring precise study of airflow under the hull. Chine shape and size direct spray away in rough conditions.

A polyester bow and closed tube ends enhance reliability, airworthiness, and tube protection.

The arched deck improves stability, aerodynamics, and cabin usability. Interior includes 1,85 m height, toilet, shower, closet, double bed, and storage.

Aluminum seats provide seated or standing stability with suspension comfort.

Like most luxurious RIBs this one features a wet bar, refrigerator, folding table, sundeck, hidden windlass, and electric bow catwalk.


This video was published on the Tropida boats YouTube channel.

More videos of this powerful Greek boat brand: click here.

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


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RTM Technique: Resin Transfer Molding Explained

RTM Technique: Resin Transfer Molding Explained @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Northstar Vega 3.5

Have You Heard of RTM?

You probably know hand lay-up, chop, and vacuum infusion techniques, but RTM?

It stands for “Resin Transfer Molding”, and is a closed mold technique used to manufacture small to medium parts.

Common in the automotive industry and less common in boat building. Some boat manufactures have adopted RTM production for small parts like lids and hatches.

RTM gives you a finished underside of the part. Also extremely important is thickness control.

Using an a and b mold, the cavity between the two molds can be closely controlled.

This achieves repeatable, uniform, and predictable thicknesses. The Resin Transfer Molding has virtually no waste.

Molds are reusable. Other than the hoses used for resin, there are no consumable materials.

NorthStar Vega Lite tenders are RTM- single shot production.

A unique aspect of the process is the foam-filled cavity between the deck and hull. This adds rigidity and eliminates the need for stringers and secondary bonding.

100% composite construction with zero wood, RTM process achieves a high-quality, strong, and light durable boat with very consistent results.

This enables us to manufacture the hull and deck as a single piece. This method ensures a very high level of consistency. It eliminates an incredible amount of rework and waste.

NorthStar is proud. It is one of the only known manufacturers to completely build one shot, one piece RTM hulls.



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Boot 2026: Three Countries, One Boat Show

Boot 2026: Three Countries, One Boat Show @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

How We Got to Boot 2026

Another post focused on boats already. This story concentrates more on the journey than the displays.

This is true unless you study the photographs.

Boot Düsseldorf is the iconic marine show where manufacturers launch boats, dive equipment, sailing yachts, ribs, superyachts, and marine toys.

It had been on our list for years, and this time the diary finally aligned, so we went.

Travel and Stopover

Flying Exeter to Amsterdam with KLM cost more than easy Jet from Bristol but was far more convenient and comfortable.

KLM offered great flight times, generous baggage allowance, and complimentary drinks and cheese sandwiches.

Parking at the Grange Hotel meant a front-door drop-off, avoiding a long walk from remote car parks.

An overnight stay in Amsterdam ensured a relaxed evening and an early, stress-free start.

The hotel was clean, affordable, kettle-free, and fifteen minutes from the station.

Tourist tax was payable by card at reception, despite rooms being prepaid.

Coffin-style accommodation tempted us briefly but was fully booked.

Boot Düsseldorf Experience

The intercity train quickly took us to Düsseldorf, followed by a short tram ride to the Boot 2026 exhibition station.

Our first stop was the Highfield stand to see the newly launched ADV9.

The ADV9 builds on the ADV7 and is Highfield’s first cabin boat.

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Grand Golden Line G980: Full Tour at Boot 2026

The Grand Golden Line is the High-end Range

Carlo Luongo presents the Grand Golden Line G980, a 10-meter-long, 3,40-meter-wide RIB, showcasing its innovative layout on board.

The all new RIB was first revealed at the 2025 Athens Boat Show. This video has been recorded at Boot Düsseldorf 2026.

The stern includes platforms, a reboarding ladder, and a freshwater shower. It also has modular seating that converts into a spacious sunbed. There is storage underneath the sunbed.

At the helm, Carlo highlights adjustable seats, ergonomic controls, and excellent visibility.

Forward, the cabin offers berths, a concealed toilet, and natural light. The bow sunbed is modular and the deck features grab handles and ample storage throughout.


This video was published on The Sea Team YouTube channel.

I’ve posted more videos from this brand. Check them out!

The review videos of The Sea Team are quite thorough so here are more from them.


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