2005 has been a very busy year for all at Redbay Boats. We have launched several new models, and in terms of new boats delivered, we have built 33 this year, over 40% of which were over 8 metres.

The New Stormforce 8.4 Expedition

The new year started with much development work on the New Expedition model, the first of which was delivered in June 2005. The provision of an excellent sea handling RIB, with immense comfort and protection on board, along with a high quality of finish has meant that this has been a very much on demand RIB, with plenty more on order for 2006.

For 2006, we are planning a Canopy/soft-top version, more details can be found on the recent press release, HERE.

Stormforce 11

Our new Demo boat, Corryvreckan was launched in June along with her sister ship Molly James. Corryvreckan was recently re-engined as a trail platform for Yamaha's new impressive ME422 High Output stern drive units. Corryvreckan had a good season, including a trip to St. Kilda, whilst Molly James undertook a Round Ireland Trip in July. November cumulated in the Launch of the much Anticipated Mischief, see below.

P5 License

This year we have been busy with the construction of the first P5 passenger carrying RIB. Mischief, an 11 metre fully decked Cabin RIB, is an exceptional RIB. Full details of the RIB, click here for her progress report and here for her launch.

Ribfisher

November seen the launch of a new model, the 6.1 Fastfisher. Design around the customer's requirements for size and fishing, the RIB was fitted with a 140 hp Suzuki 4-stroke. RIBFISHER featured a GRP cabin at the bow, the first time we fitted one to a 6.1, and it offered volumes of space and protection. However, the aft deck was left open and clear, providing an excellent fishing platform.

Trips

Much a part of being a Redbay owner is in the participation in the annual trips to Scotland. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the kindest this year, and Ardbeg couldn't take place due to the forecast. We hope that next year will be more successful.

Website

Earlier this year, we worked hard to develop and publish our new website, and we hope that it has been well received. We plan to continue to keep the site well updated in 2006, and also develop the exclusive Owner's Section more fully. Any owners with trip reports or photos are encouraged to forward these to us and we will try and upload them to the site.

2006...

2006 is shaping up to be another busy year. We have around 20 RIBs on order already, and have seven RIBs in build at the time of writing. New developments will include the new Stormforce 8.4 Expedition Softtop. We are also remoulding the 11m hull, and we are making alterations to the 11m cabin. There are a few other significant developments in the pipeline, and these will be published on the site in the near future...

Production related, we anticipate having ISO 9001 in place in the first half of the year.

We hope that you have had a great year, and have had a safe and long season. I wish to take this opportunity wish all our customers and website visitors a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tom McLaughlin

Managing Director

Posted: 21 December 2005