Product Page Title: 

Overview

NEW F-RIB MODELS IN 2021: NEWS 
Production update: Mid February 2021.
We now understand that, as direct result of the combination of both the pandemic and also Brexit, that our "previously advised" dates for new 2021 F-rib model availability have now  slipped back, "probably" by a good few months.
 
This is mainly because all production of all models 2021 F-Ribs is being moved, quite soon, to a new factory. The new 2021 F-Rib models will also have more new features than we expected. There will be four models: the 275, 330, 360 and 460.
Thus it is now "most-likley" that 2021 F-ribs will not be available before mid/late summer 2021. 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR TO JOIN OUR (LONG) F-Rib WAITING LIST - PLEASE CONTACT PENNINE MARINE ON (0044) UK 0113 532 8575 or e-mail us at info@peninemarine.com 
 
 
 
ALL LISTED BELOW = THESE ARE PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OLDER F-RIB 2020 BOATS 
NEW 2021 MODELS WILL BE SIMILAR: HOWEVER "TWEEKED" WITH IMPROVEMENTS
The F-Rib is a very rare idea - a totally new design concept for a boat - which has competely revolutionised portable boating.The unique folding rib - the F-Rib - is one that is now getting a lot of attention from all our customers and showroom visitors. The F-Rib range of unique folding ribs are one product that combines the best of both worlds - performance and portability.
 
The F-Rib folding rib boat can be supplied by ourselves as a boat only - or as a complete boat and outboard engine package.  Our prices quoted below WERE FOR the all-new F-Rib folding rib model range 2020 F-Rib models. Please note that the new 2021 F-Ribs - when they come on vboard will have some minor improvements on the earlier models - with better valves; a minor (but neat) redesign of the joint: change to the transom profile: long keel-guard strip; plastic seats (not timber!) and the two-tone hull colour (white outside with light grey inside).  
 
The Pennine Marine "best for sale" prices are for the F-Rib folding rib "boat only" - including UK VAT. All new F-rib boats come with standard accessories of oars/paddles; pump; 2 no seat benches; bag for boat (bag wraps over boat); owners manual. If you boat is collected from here in Ilkley, we will provide a free demonstration of your new F-Rib boat (and also engine if purchased together.) 
 
OUR 2021 F-Rib BOAT PRICES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY 2021:
 

• F-Rib folding rib model 275 - our price - TBA
• F-Rib folding rib model 330 - our price - TBA
• F-Rib folding rib model 360 - our price - TBA
• F-Rib folding rib model 375 - our price - TBA

 
TO ORDER YOUR NEW F-RIB BOAT AND POSSIBILY A NEW OUTBOARD ENGINE

• Please call us at Ilkley on 0113 532 8575
• E-mail us at info@penninemarine.com

 
All our normal terms and conditions of sale apply to this F-Rib folding rib special offer.  All these F-Rib folding rib prices are 2020 and are quoted here in good old-fashioned Yorkshire pounds. Our F-Rib folding rib prices include UK VAT at 20%. Outboard engines for the F-Rib folding rib can either be purchased together with the boat, or engines can be sold separately.
F-ribs for international export outside of the UK and EU can be exported without VAT: saving 20%. Please contact ourselves by e-mail or phone for international export prices of new F-rib folding ribs.
 
National and international delivery is available on a pallet for these folding F-Ribs. (and before you ask, the F-Rib folding rib is small, but not that small). For delivery of any F-Rib boat and engine package to any UK mainland address, please call us  (please note - engines can be shipped complete and PDI'ed, but with oil supplied to refill on arrival)

The F-Rib folding rib is a totally unique concept. The F-Rib idea is one that is so fundamentally simple and easy to use, that when one first looks at it - then one honestly wonders why nobody had thought of such a simple idea many years ago.The F-Rib folding rib is a good quality, well built small rib - one with a heavy duty and robust rib hull. The F-rib is obviously made of substantial materials throughout. The totally unique feature is that the F-Rib hull simply folds into segments - so that the whole rib boat can be easily carried and even packed into its own bag.
Here the boat is being unrolled from its bag - taking approx. 10 seconds.
 
OR WATCH THIS FOLDING RIB YOU-TUBE VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zM0uzpzB6w
 
 
Obviously if you live south of the Watford Gap, you will need a passport to visit us here in Yorkshire). Pennine Marine is the main northern England UK dealership for the remarkable F-Rib product. New Ilkley showroom, and knowledgable staff to help. This one photo says it all about the F-rib. Basically the F-Rib folding rib is a rigid hulled inflatable boat (rib) which has a unique hinged system, allowing it to be packed into a small bag. Just look at the photo - and let us be very clear here - we haven't broken it nor misread the instructions for this F-rib. The F-Rib is ideal as a small yacht tender - or as a highly portable family-friendly sports boat - or as a "carry-in-a-bag" fisherman's boat - or a small workboat - or even just a very good small rib
 
We can offer the F-Rib for sale as boat only (a complete rib) and / or a complete rib, engine and even trailer package.

Here in this next photo the F-Rib 330 folding rib  has been almsot fully unrolled:except rthe smallest bow section (the small-ish white triangle)
 
This photo was taken just fifteen seconds after the shot above - showing just how extremely easy and how extremely simple the F-Rib folding rib concept is to use.
 
Now that the F-Rib folding rib hull has been laid out "flat" on the floor, it is time to inflate it.

The unique part about the F-Rib folding rib concept is that it is a rigid boat which folds down into a carry bag (see photo). The F-Rib is light enough to be carried by one or two persons
 
The "folded up" sizes (the dimensions in its carry bag) and the all-important carrying weights of the F-Rib folding rib models are as follows;
 

• The F-RIb 275 folded size  is 90 x 90 x 40 cm. 
• The F-Rib 275 carry weight in it's bag is 36kg

• The F-Rib 330 rib folded size is 105 x 94 x45 cm.
• The F-Rib 330 carry weight in its bag is 43 kg

• The F-Rib 360 rib folded size is 110 x 94 x 45 cm.
• The F-Rib 360 carry weight in its bag is 48 kg

• NOTE: A "NOW DISCONTINUED" 2019/20 MODEL 
• The F-Rib 375 rib folded size is 110 x 105 x 50 cm.
• The F-Rib 375 carry weight in its bag is 54 kg

 
IMPORTANT NOTE: The F-Rib 360 and 375 models are the largest two boat sizes of the F-rib which we recommend for true "car and caravan" portability. Both are very similar weights and sizes  (when inflated and on the water) - however please note that the 375 is slightly bulkier than the 360  "when packed in its bag"
 

• The F-Rib 460 rib folded size is 150 x 110 x 60 cm.
• The F-Rib 460 carry weight in its bag is 72 kg (three people to lift)

 
Please note that these "folded in bag" sizes are now slightly different in 2020 compared with what we previously published in 2019 about the F-Rib. This very minor difference is simply to reflect a couple of very minor changes that have been made to the F-rib model specifications, but also to give a you our customer a "true indication" of the actual "in real life" sizes that can be achieved when you fold down this truely remarkable boat into your car, caravan or yacht locker.
 
Yacht Locker Dimensions = Our important note to all "Tight" Yacht Owners......
As we are sure you have realised yourself by now, many (southern-based) yacht designers usually forget about including any actual (real) space for a yacht's small tender until far too late in the boat's design process.....It's called an oversight: or a dizzy blond moment......therefore, yacht locker dimensions can be, in reality, a "quite tight".
Therefore, "tight yacht owners" should take careful note that, - even thought they look quite-similar when out on the water  - the two mid-range F-rib 330 and F-rib 360 models do pack-down to give very slightly-different folded-up sizes. Therefore, when used as a yacht tender, being "a bit-tighter" the 330 model may well just fit into a "tight" yacht locker slighly better than the "quite-similar" 360 model. (P.S. We are experts at being "quite-tight" up here in Yorkshire = it's a well-known genetic and cultural trait......). 
 

The F-Rib is the truely unique folding rib concept with a solid hull that - believe it or not - just packs down into a carry bag.
 
Having practicality and convience is all very well. But by now you - our very intelligent, perceptive and discerning customer - will be asking yourselves the obvious FAQ - "will this folding rib fall to bits on me?" The simple answer to your obvious question is; "No it will not - the F-Rib folding rib is very well made throughout" . If the F-rib folding rib was not of good quality then we here at Pennine Marine would not be considering selling it to you. The F-rib fiully complies with all UK/ European boat design standards. But now think about it logically - compare the F-rib 275 to the similar sized and best-selling inflatable boat, a Zodiac Cadet Fastroller 275. The Zodiac is only held together - in one piece when out on the water - by air.....
 
The F-Rib folding rib features both a high standard of fibreglass finish and excellent gelcoat quality on the hull. This F-rib build quality is evident throughout the F-Rib folding hull and tubes. All the details throughout the F-Rib folding rib are simple, practical and fit for purpose. Please note there were some very suble modifications to the f-rib hull in 2018, which make it even easier to unfold - and then fold tight when finished. No frilly bits, no attempts to be particuarly fashionable or stylish, but just good, practical and solid boat-building. Throughout we think the F-Rib folding rib is very robust and very well finished -and we have to say frankly better built than many other famous rib brands. The F-Rib folding rib tubes are PVC  however once again the F-Rib tubes are an excellent and robust design and one that looks to be very durable. If you do not believe us, come to Ilkley to see for yourself.
 
The overall concept of the F-Rib folding rib - and also the final finished product - is one that is well thought out and then also well built throughout.
 
The F-ribs light grey hull and tubes look good, whilst still being a nice and practical boating colour. The orange colour feature on the substantial rubbing strake is a nice finshing touch.
 
These F-Ribs were fisrt imported into the UK in 2015. However they have been marketed and sold abroad (on the wrong side of the English Channel) for a few years under the Winboat brand name. Therefore the F-ribs have a good and proven track record of quality and durability.  

The F-Rib folding rib will take any brand of outboard engine, simply clamped to the transom (for all you land-lubbers reading this - that is the flat bit on the back of the boat ).
 
The smaller F-Rib folding rib goes very well with the Torqeedo engines, Indeed F-Rib folding ribs have even colour coordinated the F-Rib tubes with the Torqeedo, so that you have a fetching orange stripe and colour coordinated theme.
 
Performance figures for "achieveable speeds" in an F-rib are as follows
 
F-rib 275 with 6hp outboard engine and one person on board - 14 knots (planing)
F-rib 275 with 6hp outboard engine and two pesons on board - 8 knots
F-rib 275 with 10hp outboard engine and two persons on board - 20 knots (planing)
F-rib 360 with 20hp outboard engine and four adults - 18 knots (planing) 
 
Please note that these F-rib performance figures will vary slightly, depending on variables such as engine brand / propeller: other weight in the boat, sea and wind conditions; what the person driving it had to eat at lunchtine etc (we say this as we are not allowed to call somebody fat these days....so a"heavy lunch"-  nudge, nudge: wink, wink - will reduce a F-ribs top speed)

The recommended sizes of outboard engines, ones we believe are most suitable for the F-Rib folding rib, are as follows;
 

• F-Rib 275 rib - recommended outboard engine size is 6hp
• F-Rib 330 rib - recommended outboard engine size is15hp.
• F-Rib 360 rib - recommended outboard engine size is 20hp
• F-Rib 375 rib - recommended outboard engine size is 20hp
• F-Rib 460 rib - recommended outboard engine size is 20hp

Please note that with the 275 F-Rib this recommendation is for easy of a carrying the lightweiight engine.
 
However on the F-Rib 375 and 460, whilst they will both take a 25hp engine, in practiice this performs barely better than the 20hp, simply becuase the 25hp engine is much heavier than a 20hp outboard. Therefore, for best portability, we recommend the 20hp engine.
 
However the maximum allowed sizes of outboard engines suitable for the F-Rib folding rib are as follows;
 

• F-Rib 275 rib - maximum outboard engine size is 15hp
• F-Rib 330 rib - maximum outboard engine size is15hp.
• F-Rib 360 rib - maximum outboard engine size is 20hp
• F-Rib 375 rib - maximum outboard engine size is 25hp
• F-Rib 460 rib - maximum outboard engine size is 25hp

• F-Rib 275 with Torqeedo Travel 1003 - 4hp electric outboard - very lightweight and portable - highly recommended
• F-Rib 275 rib with 6hp outbiard engine - a typical small yacht tender
• ​F-Rib 275 rib wih 15hp engine (rather small and also rather too quck ...)

• F-Rib 330 rib with 6hp outboard engine = 
• F-Rib 330 rib with 9.9hp outbioard engine = Ok: but try the 15hp (not much more expensive)
• ​F-Rib 330 rib with 15hp outboard engine =  (family sized boat with great performance)

• F-Rib 360 rib with 6 hp engine = rather too underpowered 
• F-Rib 360 rib with 9.9 hp engine = 
• ​F-Rib 360 rib with 15 hp engine = 
• F-Rib 360 rib with  20hp engine = (great high performance family boat)

• F-Rib 375 rib with 9.9 hp  engine = Ok
• ​F-Rib 375 rib with  15 hp engine = goog
• F-Rib 375 rib with 20 hp engine = fantastic  

• F-Rib 460 rib with 9.9 hp engine = 
• ​F-Rib 460 rib with 15 hp engine = 
• F-RIb 460 rib with 20 hp engine = 

 
All F-Rib sale prices include UK/EU VAT at 20%.
 
WHEN PURCHASED TOGETHER AN F-RIB BOAT AND AN OUTBOARD ENGINE INCLUDES;
The new F-rib boat price includes all the standard F-Rib boat accessories (please see below). The engine includes all standard manufacturers accessories - with a separate fuel tank and line supplied on all engines of 9.9hp and larger. Please see this website for full technical details of all our  outboard engines. We are the largest outboard engine dealership in Northern England, so your new outboard engine is prepared ready to use. We will fully PDI the engine to the manufacturers quality standards. These prices on the website assume collection of your new F-Rib and outboard engine package from us here in Ilkley. We can however deliver a complete f-rib and outboard engine: you just let us knwo where you want it sent.... .
 
We will demonstrate both the F-Rib boat and the engine to you here in our Ilkley, so a full complementary safety demonstration. This can include "hands-on" running on the engine in our test tank.
 
Therefore the F-rib boat and engine package includes eveything you need to get out on the water (except for level 2 powerboat training and boat insurance) However you may want to add some optional accesories....

Anybody who has ever owned a yacht knows that - if the yacht designer has forgotten one thing it is always - where do I store the tender?
 
The F-Rib is great as a small yacht tender - simply because the F-Rib solves that problem very nicely. The F-Rib sits into almost any locker or lazarette or cubbyhole on a modern yacht. The F-Rib is however (smaller models) light enough to easily lift in and out or a space and still light eniugh to lift into the water or onto a bathing platform. As we have shown about, the f-Fib inflates quickly and aesily. Once in the water, the F-Rib gves a stunning performance, as ne would expect from a true rib hull..
 
However the F-rib "unique folding rib" can also be fitted with the (optional) davit lifting points: suvj as to allow any F-rib to be hung from davits. In these cases, the F-rib (any model) would just be conventionally hung "opened up" on your own "big boats" davits.
 
As you can see, this yacht owner has actually named his yacht after the principle behind the F-Rib's overall design concept - "PURE ELEGANCE"
 
Fior thise of you who have yachts based well to the south of us, in the Med, please note that the material used on the F-Rib is "Mirasol", a type of PVC with ultra-violit inhibitors in it. However, for long term F-Rib storage outdoors in sunny climates, for example one kept on davits, we recommed either F-Rib tube covers (called CHAPS) or an overall cover, called a boat cover. Both are available from us here at Pennine Marine.

One of the more unusual uses of the F-Rib is as workboat.
 
The F-Rib's high speed, great rigidity and solid deck/hull make it far more robust than a conventional inflatable boat - factors which are especially important when operating in a tough marine working environment 
 
The F-Rib shown here in southern England - no wonder our test dummy is looking so miserable. I could describe him as being bit under the weather!

This is a new 2019 specification 330 model F-Rib; which we have  literally taken straight out of the box.This photo being a folding F-rib 330 in our yard on a rare sunny day in Feb 2019  (it was postively tropical for that time of year in Yorkshire).
 
The 2019 specification F-rib has a number of good features on it incorporated new this year and is extremely well made;

• Better air valves, with extra (adjacent) safety valves
• The outer hull colour is white, with the inner hull colour a light grey
• The design of the folding hull has been slightly amended, thus making it a lot easier to fold and unfold
• The transom has been simplified, with a smaller lip
• The  hull now has a really neat and narrow keel-strip, protecting the V-edge of the hull (the grey line in this photo)
• Seats are now a great plastic design - (not wood)

Time for bed
 
An F-Rib snuggled up nicely in the back of a normal 4X4.