Humber Ribs 8.5 Ocean
Pro
Review by Paul Mahy
Space Man
With the central aft space taken up by engine there are two bailers port and
starboard. A high interior deck on these craft makes maximum use of the internal
space and thanks to a generous beam there is plenty of room to walk around
inside them. Both craft have D-section fendering along the vulnerable tube
areas, as well as a double vertical section to protect the nose.
Safety lines are positioned along the straight sections.
These RIBs drive well, the outboard version livelier than the diesel
naturally but both were nimble and gripped well. My
favourite was the diesel possibly because of the extra weight and economy,
but the outboard version was an exciting drive.
Both craft get up out of the hole well, the outboard rig seeming almost instant
Being equipped with twin ram hydraulic steering makes light work of the handling
of these craft and they possess an encouraging balance between heel and speed
when turning.
Downside dealt with
During the test I did express a couple of points of criticism about the RIBs.
But, I'd only confirmed what Humber already new and had planned to change.
The first was the windscreen and surrounding steel rail. Seated or standing,
I felt that if either craft twitched
or bucked sharply, I'd receive the fall impact of the afore mentioned.
In addition to which, both the craft have a very high sheer to the bow and I
found that my vision was hindered.
Like I said, Humber were already aware of this and right after their exhibiting
at RIBEX, the diesel 8.5 was altered and took part in the Round-Scotland cruise,
which was a great trial for hen She is reported to have handled well and achieved
impressive results. On completion of the event Humber redesigned the driver and
navigator positions. Raising the seating positions has nipped the
visibility problems in the bud, while with a re-shuffle of the screen
and rail Humber assure me that there is no longer a danger.
Hull Design
The hull is muti-chined. This is not only to achieve a quick planing attitude,
but also to resist sitting down when carrying a full load through a large sea.
I am also informed that these are an exceptionally dry craft, but I cannot confirm
or deny this as the weather was more suited to a day in the Med' than the Solent
on our test day.
With high build quality and in house production, Humber are extremely proud of
their achievements. These are well turned out craft with a lot of experience
behind them relating to all aspects of the RIB world.
So if you fancy a look at these or any other of Humber's products, give them
a call and they will be only too happy to help.
