RIBCRAFT Express 32 Cabin Boat Review

The Express 32 is the newest and largest model produced by Ribcraft. The 14-year-old company launched this new boat at the fall boat show last year, as the first cabin boat which will be used only for recreational purposes. This vessel has a homelier feel to it than a traditional RIB which is mainly used for exploring and moving from one point to another.

PERFORMANCE

At the headquarters of Ribcraft in Marblehead, Massachusetts, the Express 32 was taken for a trial ride. The weather was ideal at the time because the remnants of Hurricane Patricia had passed through the Massachusetts Bay the previous day, and left 10 to 15 knots of wind and a steady chop intersected with 4-foot rollers.

The Express 32 is equipped with twin 300-horsepower Mercury Vendos and optional joystick steering that has Skybook dynamic positioning with a maximum speed of 45 knots. According to Ribcraft, in normal and calm conditions, the boat uses 22gph of fuel at a relaxed speed of 30 knots. The ride was calm even though we were the only boat on the water and despite our speed rising above 30 knots; the boat maintained control of the bay using its patented deep-vee hull with 60 degrees deadrise and full-length lifting strokes.

The vessel which weighs 7,000 pounds is very lenient and accepting allowing us to try out all the angles tubes can roll. The pounding was minimal and we were really amazed when there was no spray on the windshield as we moved towards the upper 20-knot range.

CONSTRUCTION

The company slogan at Ribcraft is “professional-grade RIBs”. With this in mind, all Ribcraft’s boats are constructed (commercial and recreational) with the same specifications and principles. A vinylester-infused hull is used with two longitudinal and five transverse stringers. Wood is not used in construction of this boat, like other top RIBs. There is a heavy duty Hypalon tube which consists of seven air chambers. Each chamber has a valve for releasing the air from it and according to Ribcraft, if all the air is released from all the chambers, the vessel will not sink.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Seats can be adjusted to a desired position, and the Express 32 has: an efficient steering wheel, an enclosed cabin with 6 feet 2 inches’ headroom, and a fully enclosed stand-up head made up of a sink, mirror, hanging locker and stowage. The vessel has both heat and air conditioning options for you to choose from; and a drop down option for fiberglass enclosure. The helm is simple and can house a 12-inch Garmin multifunction display and many small gauges. The custom windshield is a wraparound with wipers that have a freshwater wash, with a frame and sliding windows that are very clear and offer visibility at all angles.

The Express 32 can be used in any weather and is very comfortable. It is mostly targeted at families who want to enjoy a calm ride and explore at will. Ribcraft also gives options of customizing the boats to a color, seat option and engine brand of your choice. For a homier experience with your family, you may choose the gallery option which has an arrangement of a propane cooktop, refrigerator, sink and bow thrusters.

Fuel Consumption/Mileage:

Fuel tank capacity: 182 Gallons

LOA: 32’3″
BEAM: 10’3″
DRAFT: 1’11”
DISPL.: 7000 pounds
FUEL: 182 gal.
WATER: 18 gal.
TEST POWER: 2/300-hp