Mark Gardiner started Ribcraft, a business manufacturing rigid inflatable boats, in a barn in 1988. He couldn't find the Rigid Inflatable Boat he wanted, so he built one himself - and the business grew from there.
Today, Ribcraft employs 40 staff at a purpose-built factory in Houndstone Business Park in Yeovil and has gained a reputation as the leading British builder of custom and production RIBs.
Ribcraft is one of the only British manufacturers to design and construct the entire boat 'in-house' at its purpose built factory in Yeovil, Somerset. Each craft is hand-built from the GRP hull and inflatable collar through to the stainless steel fittings, electrical and engine installations. This ensures each RIB is built to the highest standard, with great emphasis placed on the safety, durability and quality of construction.
Ribcraft manufactures hull sizes from 4.2 to 18.0 metres, for commercial or leisure use. The company is keen to accommodate individual requirements and has a flexible approach when dealing with its diverse range of customers from leisure boaters to divers, military and commercial buyers - including the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. Ribcraft has supplied 64 RIBs to be used to support craft during the Olympic & Paralympic Sailing Regattas, all of which will be powered by Suzuki.
Key Staff:
Each RIB is a unique project, and it's up to the customer to decide on how the boat will look with regard to colours, layouts and power options. This exercise is made simple by Ribcraft's dedicated team, who have a wealth of experience in using and constructing rigid inflatables and will assist customers with choosing the right boat for their specific requirements.
In addition, Ribcraft has a full spares back up service which is available online and through its spares and chandlery shop on site. The company also provides a complete hull, tube and engine repair service, enhancing its after sales service for customers.
