RIBs ONLY Launches Second RIB Photography Competition

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
2024 Photography Competition @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

Exciting News: Photography Competition Is On!

Our second photography competition on RIBsONLY.com is launching! We invite you to share your photos. Whether it’s a quick smartphone snap, a drone shot, or a polished professional photo, your contribution is welcome!

View the stunning video of all the winning photos from the inaugural 2023 edition. And here’s the full 2023 article.

How to Enter (Use this File Name Format)

Send your photo(s) to contest@ribsonly.com. You can submit a HEIC (iPhone), jpg or png. Each image should have a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. Any extra info about the photo, your gear … is welcomed by the jury.

It is imperative to create a filename like this to avoid any confusion. Only then, your entry is valid.

Do it like this:
Character of the Category – your full name – title of the image.

Example:
A – Lord Loxley – Fishing at dawn.jpg (or .png)

Contest Time Frame

You can enter from November 1st 2024 until Wednesday, November 20th 2024 at 23:59, Brussels time.

3 Categories for Rigid Inflatable Boats

A. Leisure Use
B. Professional Use of the RIB (like rescue, military, commercial (main income source), customs, police, marine biology)
C. Boat Builder Renderings

New! 4 Photos per Category

This year we give you the opportunity to shine even better. You can now enter 4 photos per category.

Rules for the Photography Competition

If you’re not familiar with our contest feel free to read the rules below prior to participating.

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Highfield Velox 420: A Rotax Jet-Powered Fun RIB

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

>> 2 minutes read time

Discover the Highfield Velox 420

The Highfield 420 Velox is a compact, high-performance Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).

It measures under 14 feet (4,44 m). This boat is uniquely equipped with a jet propulsion system instead of the usual outboard motor.

The Highfield Velox 420 is powered by a BRP Rotax’s ACE 900 engine. It weighs less than 125 pounds (56 kg).

This allows it to achieve a lightweight design with a low center of gravity, enhancing stability.

The jet system is integrated with an aluminum hull.

This allows shallow-water operation in less than a foot of water. It is ideal for maneuvering in tight areas without risking propeller strikes.

This model’s jet propulsion offers a major advantage in responsiveness.

According to the pilot in this video acceleration is quick, with the Highfield Velox 420 reaching plane in about 3.5 seconds, hitting 27 knots (30 mph) in around 6 seconds, and topping out just below 35 knots (40 mph).

This video was published on the Highfield Boats YouTube channel.

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

The specs are listed below the image.

Highfield Velox 420- A Rotax Jet-Powered Fun RIB @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Highfield Velox 420- A Rotax Jet-Powered Fun RIB
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Wind, Waves, Swell: Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate
Wind, Waves, Swell and Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale

>> 4 minutes read time

Beaufort vs Douglas Sea Scale: Application

Before we dive into the scales, first let me point out what the difference is between waves and swell. They’re two distinct types of water movement, each shaped by different forces.

Get in the spirit by visiting my RIBs ONLY YouTube channel, where, guided by this overview, switch your focus on the unique settings and conditions of each action video instead of the RIB.

Waves

  • What They Are: Waves form due to local wind blowing across the water’s surface.
  • Features: These waves tend to be shorter, choppy, and irregular, shifting quickly with changes in wind direction and speed.
    Their size and pattern are directly influenced by the strength of the local wind.
  • Look and Feel: When the wind is strong, waves can become steep with breaking tops, resulting in rough, unpredictable conditions.
  • Lifespan: Waves are temporary and subside once the local wind decreases or stops.

Swell

  • What It Is: Swell is created by winds from distant storms or strong weather systems and can travel over long distances.
  • Features: Swell consists of smooth, evenly spaced waves with longer wavelengths.
    It moves independently of local wind and maintains a steady rhythm.
  • Look and Feel: Unlike the sharpness of waves, swell appears as gentle, rolling waves that don’t break as often and have a more relaxed shape.
  • Lifespan: Swell can persist even when local winds are calm, often traveling for days across the ocean.

Scales Explained: One Doesn’t Exclude the Other

Beaufort Scale

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Pirelli 50 Mansory: A Fusion of Speed, Luxury & Style

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

>> 3 minutes read time

The Impressive Pirelli 50 Mansory

Few RIB brands have a “50” or a 15 meter or bigger in their range. Pirelli has it and it’s designed in collaboration with the Mannerfelt Design Team and built by Tecnorib.

It was debuting at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival. This special edition was customized by Mansory, a German company known for transforming expensive luxury vehicles.

Mansory has elevated the original Pirelli 50 with enhanced details, blending sportiness and luxury.

Spoiler alert: find below the extensive specs.

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Essentials for Safe Boating in Rough Waters

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

>> 1 minute read time

How to Navigate in Rough Waters

Training for the sea requires a strong foundation in both theory and hands-on skills.

Venturing out safely, especially with loved ones, demands a well-rounded and proven knowledge of maritime conditions.

Being at the helm means handling any sea state with confidence and reliability—because the sea isn’t something to take lightly.

You, as a skipper, are responsible for everything and everyone on board. Check beforehand your for instance the safety equipment and the weather forecast. Verify the fuel and radio. Inspect the condition of your RIB and engine.

Ensure alarm signals and the fire extinguisher are ready to use.

It’s only logical to do it every time you go out, whether it’s in rough waters or as calm as a mer d’huile, as the French so beautifully put it.

If you need to know more, check out these articles:

Now, Back to the Rough Waters Video

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MAR.CO E-MOTION 36 Twin 400 V10 Mercury Outboards

Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

>> 1 minute read time

The All White MAR.CO E-Motion 36 Shines

This short 54 seconds video showcases the MAR.CO E-Motion 36 “Deep White” RIB.

The Rigid Inflatable Boat is powered by twin 400 hp V10 Mercury outboards. This footage was shot during a pre-delivery test at the beautiful lake Como, Italy.

The shipyard is located at Via Edison 64, 20835 Muggiò (MB) Italy where they have been building boats since 1974.

They believe it’s possible to achieve the highest levels of safety and comfort without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

And I must say, I really like the design. That”s why I posted many videos of this Italian brand.

This video was published on the mar.co Marine Costruzioni YouTube channel

Specs

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