RIBS are the flavour of the era
Off the back of a successful Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Sirocco Marine is working around the clock to follow up leads and deliver boats to new owners.
“At SCIBS, we saw well and truly the demand for RIBS, especially in the larger bracket,” said managing director, Neil Webster.
Sirocco Marine hosted the Australian boat show debut of the Medline 9, the largest in that range.
A versatile day boat, it features two large relaxation areas – a double bow and rear U-shaped lounge aft, convertible to a sundeck space – plus a cabin with enclosed toilet, porthole windows, integrated kitchen, plenty of storage compartments, and bathing platform with deck shower and telescopic boarding ladder for safe and easy access to the water.
Rated for up to 20 people, the Medline 9 offers a myriad of options and accessories to customise your vessel to suit your requirements: diving, fishing, watersports, island hopping and safe family boating.
In the cockpit, a double bench seat with armrests will welcome pilot or co-pilot sitting or standing for driving. Powered by twin 300hp engines, the Medline 9 is capable of 50 knots.
“The market is moving towards using RIBS as a main boat,” Neil observed.
“RIBS are versatile all-rounders, great day boats, tenders, support vessels and primary boats. They’re durable, trailerable, family-friendly, go-anywhere boats that have enormous advantages. When it comes to regional diversity, different states have different stories,” Neil explained.
“In Queensland, the larger models are anti-fouled and kept in the water, in seapens or docks, while the smaller models – under 7 metres – are dry-stacked or stored in garages and sheds.
“In Sydney, RIBS are kept at marinas and waterfront properties because the traffic is a barrier to trailering your RIB around. Whereas in WA, they trailer everything – right up to the largest models at 12-metres.”
SCIBS was the first boat show foray for Sirocco as Australian distributor for the Zodiac brand, and visitors to the show were impressed with the range, quality, service and support.
“The latest models are premium quality and extremely appealing when it comes to features, capacity and performance,” said Neil.
“We were honoured to have Gabriele Ferlazzo, sales director for the Zodiac Nautic Group at the show and he enjoyed SCIBS immensely. It was a great show for us, and Gabriele will now travel around Australia visiting Sirocco Marine dealers to understand our various regional markets and how Australians use their RIBS.”
Zodiac, the pioneer of the RIB for over 125 years, invests millions of Euros in R&D each year and is planning several new models in 2023-24, including a top-secret project as part of the brand’s five-year vision.
“It’s an exciting time for RIBS and for the Zodiac brand,” said Neil.
“Our team of experts are available in all states to work with customers on matching their boating needs to a suitable RIB.”
siroccomarine.com.au
Published in print July-September 2023
