Expedition Engineering · video

What this video covers

A cruising couple replaced their 3.6-meter Highfield RIB with a 2.9-meter carbon fiber Excelsior tender to reduce weight and improve storage capacity.6:41 The previous RIB, powered by a 25-horsepower Yamaha, weighed over 350 pounds with fuel and gear, making it difficult to haul onto the beach or hoist onto the boat following a neck injury.2:05 The new carbon fiber model weighs approximately 150 pounds less and features integrated dry lockers that provide more usable storage space for spearfishing gear and safety equipment than the larger RIB.14:08 While the hard-bottomed tender offers increased stability and repairability, it lacks the inflatable tubes that previously acted as fenders when maneuvering near other vessels.7:58 The crew notes that the rigid hull transmits more impact from choppy waves directly to the rider, requiring more careful navigation in rough conditions.10:37 The Excelsior tender uses a continuous line system for handles, allowing for easy field replacement.12:25

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