4:16 AM Tue 26 May 2009 GMT
At the Ribex 2009, the international boat show dedicated to rigid inflatable boats (Cowes, UK, May 8 until May 10) eXtreme ribs introduced the latest innovation in rib design: the eXtreme 30 - lighter, stronger, more efficient and with market leading performance. The eXtreme rib is entirely constructed of prepreg carbon fibre using state of the art Formula 1 autoclave technology.
eXtreme ribs is a joint venture between Marstr?m Composites and TornadoSport. It combines the 30-year technical knowledge of the Swedish manufacturer of carbon fibre products, and the commercial expertise of the Dutch company in the marine industry.
The eXtreme rib is a true innovation in rib construction. The hull is manufactured from four millimetre solid carbon fibre, in strength the equivalent of six millimetres of steel, but at only a fraction of the weight. The hull and other components of the eXtreme rib are constructed out of prepreg carbon using autoclave technology for the best carbon-epoxy ratio: very light, yet extremely strong.
In the yacht haven of sunny Cowes, hundreds of people came to visit the sold out Ribex 2009 and could see for themselves what the eXtreme rib has to offer. Many people took interest in this innovative carbon boat. 'This boat brings the rib production to a whole new level!' was a frequently heard comment, referring to the carbon detailing and fuel efficiency (only 30 litres/hour at 30 knots of speed).
 | eXtreme 30 detail - Introduction eXtreme rib - Sander Van der Borch |
As Herbert Dercksen, CEO of eXtreme ribs confirms: 'The eXtreme rib is lighter, stronger, has need of less horsepower and still performs at a higher level than customary in the rib market. We are confident to challenge every manufacturer in the 30 and 40 feet range on strength-to-weight ratio and overall performance.'
The very specific prepreg carbon fibre construction of the eXtreme rib gives it the best strength-to-weight ratio and additionally, extra lift. It pushes the water away from the hull, lifting the boat out of the water. The eXtreme rib, due to its low weight, can be transported much easier than a standard rib. At nearly half the weight of an average polyester rib, a fully fitted 30 feet eXtreme rib, is the ultimate tender. The all up boat weight of the eXtreme rib is less than 900 kg.
But the eXtreme rib is not only about weight and construction. Fitted with a rubber tube, Ullman seatings, an inboard Volvo Penta engine, a Garmin navigation panel with integrated motor management system, fly-by-wire gas throttle, GPS, VHF radio, Hella LED high-beam headlights, navigation lights, integrated rubber bow protector, mooring ropes, hoisting strops, a trailer, console cover and toolbox the eXtreme rib is nothing less than a turnkey product.
 | eXtreme 30 detail 2 - Introduction eXtreme rib - Sander Van der Borch |
by PR agency Miles
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Sellicks Hill, SA
