Ribeye 10.5m
Review by Paul Mahy
Power on
Power is supplied by a Volvo, via a TAMD 73 WJ rated continually for use with
a jet at 430hp. The jet itself is a Kae Me Wa K28 with hydraulic bucket and
steering. All the instrumentation is from Volvo.
On her inaugural day at Torquay we short circuited the queue and managed to get
her out for a little play, something I have looked forward to since I had heard
she had been commissioned. So, off we went for a little meat, mustard and relish!
Handling
As expected the 10.5 handles impeccably, thanks to the good marrying of engine
and jet.
Moving from the quay, she was responsive without being flighty, her length perhaps
helping to do away with a lot of the wandering commonly found with jets at low
speeds.
Once clear of restrictions, we throttled up and found ourselves on the plane
in around five seconds.
Feeling nice and tight on the water, the 10.5 blasted along at 42 knots and,
although Ribeye say she is good for 48 knots, we did have quite a few on board
at the time. In fact, a full load plus a full tank of fuel, of which she
holds a total of 150 gallons. A common problem with many jet craft is
that they tend to fall off the plane in turns due to the change in forces
at the nozzle. However, I'm pleased to report that Leviathan did no such
thing.
Displaying plenty of punch, she banked into the turns gracefully gripping well
and holding her speed.
All the controls are well placed and the passenger seats very comfortable. All
in all a very together package that serves its masters perfectly.
Extras
The extras that Riviera chose to go on their basic RIB are a Simrad
CP 32 GPS, a Ritchie compass, Icom M59 VHF, GME full balance control
stereo, Raytheon 430
loud hailer system and a JCR radar which has yet to work!
Verdict
I have looked forward to this craft from Ribeye for some time and
it really is impressive. Word is abound that it won't be long before
the cabin version is
out of the stable something that I also eagerly await. So, well done Ribeye,
good luck Riviera Watersports and keep watching this space for the latest.
