Nuova Jolly : King Ribs
6m & 6.7m
By: Kevin Goulding
For many years Italy has supported a large Rib manufacturing base, just
visit the Genoa boat show to see the demands of the Mediterranean and
Adriatic sports boat market.
Although enjoying a much greater abundance of sunshine than that seen in the
UK, the challenges of the seas can be just as formidable as those around Britain,
contrary to popular belief . Hence continental Ribs share the same safety pedigree
by utilising large inherent buoyancy tubes and high power to weight ratio rigs
that are the hallmark of the craft.
King Luxury Ribs are the latest branding from Nuova Jolly, a renowned Italian
manufacturer based in Milan. The company first started to manufacture inflatable
boats in 1969 and supply to commercial, military and leisure market sectors.
Their products have been available in most European countries since that
time and are also supplied to the US luxury leisure market under the Extreme
Inflatables branding.
Polymarine Ltd, based in North Wales is the sole UK / Ireland importer of King
Ribs.
Two recently imported models, a 6.0m (115hp) and a 6.7m (140hp), both fitted
with fourstroke Suzuki’s awaited review on the pontoon.
First impressions were very favourable with comforting fat hyperlon 600cm diameter
tubes constructed in five compartments; an attractive marine blue upholstery,
fully moulded deck, lockers with
seating and lounge areas remarkable for the size of Rib. Obviously the
generous 2.54m beam helped pack a lot of features in what are normally
quite narrow Ribs at these sizes.
Indeed this extra width certainly made for a lot of boat which carried a whole
host of traditional extras, which are provided as standard equipment on these
imported models.
Both models share the same transom engine well and bow mouldings which is a real
bonus for the 6.0m model, making it look an excellently well presented, value
for money package.These mouldings provide deep locker space and the stern locker
under the rear seats has got to be seen to be believed. Not only suitable for
wakeboards, skis, picnics etc, it would even cope with the proverbial kitchen
sink!
Finished in light grey tubes and white hull, with contrasting blue cushions,
the King Rib looks very smart.
Steering is provided from a centre upright console with a double folding ‘A’ frame,
lights and horn as standard on these models, making it an exceptional package.
These features alone should, without doubt, encourage other manufacturers to
consider putting together production packages which don’t require a host
of extras before the craft can be used seriously. Stainless steel fittings are
used throughout but a possible addition, as a preference, would be a pair of
stern cleats rather than using the ‘A’ frame for tying off.
On the water both models handled well and provided a very comfortable and perfectly
dry ride, even when crossing the tidal bar at the harbour entrance to Conway
Marina. The 6.7m was fitted with hydraulic steering which would also have been
my preferred choice for the 6.0m, this using traditional cable which, when going
on to full lock at a good speed, required a little more effort when turning to
port.
Both the hulls easily achieved low planing speeds and provided a very soft ride
at higher speeds. A very common continental design is to have seating, lockers,
fuel and steering at the stern, and King Ribs adopt this concept. This provides
for a large open area in the middle of the boat, ideal for entertaining,
eating and sunbathing. As a consequence this has an effect in very
adverse weather when more weight forward is desirable. This can easily be addressed
however by simple weight distribution in to the huge forward lockers
or simply just throttle back a little.
The King Ribs at this size are rated to EEC Recreational Craft Directive Cat
B, which means: “Designed for offshore voyages where conditions up to and
including wind force F8 and significant wave heights up to and including 4m may
be experienced”. In this event, buyers of any Rib should be wise enough
to be in the marina bar, G&T in hand, watching the RNLI Atlantic 75’s
going out to a rescue.
Overall, a very well finished and comprehensive luxury family sports rib that
will deliver top performance with safety, and a serious contender on the UK leisure
market.
Standard Features
Self draining deck with safety valves, Console with stainless steel handle, Plexiglas
console windshield, steering system, wheel, 2 storage compartments inside the
console, console teak doors, teak instrument panels, stern compartment with gas
suspension door, removable stern sundeck with cushions, fibreglass front bow
with cleats and anchor weigh, anchor compartment, bow compartment, side bow compartment,
removable bow sundeck, 2 stainless steel stern handles, stern folding ladder
with teak platform and handle, 3 stainless steel rings, paddles, inflator,
repair kit, high density cushions.
*KING 600: Console with double seats
*KING 670: Double driver seat, hydraulics steering, console
with double seat, 300 lt. stainless steel fuel tank (not installed)
*KING 750: Double driver seat, hydraulics steering, console
with double seat, 400 lt. stainless steel fuel tank (not installed),
electric air pump.
