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Barnet Marine Centre Ltd |
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There are numerous different types of rigid boat or dinghy on the market and this page deals with the selection of what we see as the practical ones. We do not deal with Sailing Dinghies at all so these are not covered in this section. We also see wooden craft as a very specialist (and VERY costly) option and again do not deal with them. Modern plastic moulding techniques offer craft that are unsinkable, virtually indestructible and well suited to leisure boating. Plastic has completely overtaken fibreglass in this area of boating. We also stock open Aluminium craft for more commercial applications, for these craft please contact us. The question and answer format used here should help YOU ask yourself the right questions to determine which craft best suits your needs. If you wish to discuss further the most suited craft for your needs please CONTACT US
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Above: Pioner 8 
Above: The Rivage 230 from Rigiflex with a transom wheel. 
Above:
The Newmatic 360 one of a range of serious rescue craft for the sailing
club or commercial operator. |
What questions do I need to ask myself to help me decide which craft I need? |
How am I going to transport it? Who is going to use it? How many people do I want to carry? Will I row or motor or both? What should it be made of plastic, aluminium of fibreglass. Is it suitable for the water conditions that I will be using it in? Once you have the answers contact us and we can guide you through the choice of craft. |
| Can I motor a very small rigid dinghy and is it stable? | All of these small craft can have a motor fitted to them but you must be sensible and keep within the recommended HP. For more information on choosing a motor please go to the Choosing your Engine page. The stability of the craft is nothing like an inflatable and standing up in 8’ dinghies is precarious. For more information on choosing an inflatable please go to the Choosing your Inflatable page. As you move up to 9-10’ craft the stability increases substantially and capacity goes from 2 persons at 8’ up to 3 persons for a 10’ craft and 4 persons @ 13’. | |
| Can I carry a craft of this sort, can it go on a roof rack or do I need a trailer? | Even in the world of Plastic dinghies there are very differing weights of craft. Craft like the Pioner and the Rigiflex are a lot heavier and though an 8’ might go on the roof rack if you are looking at the larger craft in 10-14’ class then as the weigh up to 100 kgs plus then you may need to consider a trailer. On the smaller craft there will often be the option of a wheel fitted in to the transom of the craft that will assist in dragging it around on dry land. | |
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Above: Pioner 325, steering & a 15 hp Below: Pioner Maxi Sport with a 15 hp. 
Below: The Viking Sport though a basic craft in terms of internal fit out offers a substantial sea going boat that will suit those that are not bothered by speed but need good sea keeping. 
Below: The Rigiflex Cap 400 this a well appointed craft and suited to open sea use. 
Below: The Pioner Multi. This specialist craft has a multitude of uses in leisure and commercial environments. 
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Is this a real craft? Can I go to sea in it, can I water ski with it? Why should I look at this compared to a Dory for instance? | Yes these are real craft and as we said Plastic has really come a long way. It is a better material for performance craft up to 4 m, than fibreglass. Any of these craft with steering and a decent high free board are suited to sea use and once you are up to 15 hp you can use it for towing an inflatable toy. At 30 hp plus water skiing becomes an option. |
| How will it last compared to a fibreglass boat? | Plastic will withstand knocks and bangs considerably better than fibreglass, it will show scratches and scrapes less, it does not fade as much in sunlight. The whole structure is stronger than one made of fibreglass. In short this type of craft will last as well but are often considerably less costly than their fibreglass equivalent to purchase in the first place. | |
| Can this sort of craft be as luxurious or stylish as a more conventional fibre glass boat? | The luxury of a boat is just the fittings that go inside it. Though the construction of these craft lend them selves to harsh environments and tend to be basic in their finish as you can see on the Rigiflex Cap 400 they can also be very stylish as well. | |
| Is this sort of craft suited to very hard use and are there specific commercial craft? | As with all ranges of craft there are some more specialised for various jobs than others. The Pioner Multi with its drop front landing craft design has very specific applications. The Rigiflex Newmatic range are well proven as rescue craft. If you need guidance to a craft that suits your particular work application please contact us. | |
Barnet Marine Centre Ltd
14 West Burrowfield, Welwyn Garden City, Herts - AL7 4TW, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 1707 331 389 Fax: +44 (0) 1707 331 383
E-mail info@ribs.co.uk
