Working with US Navy is pretty cool

Since 1997, Scuttlebutt strives to provide quality content that is supportive of the sport, which has garnered us an elite group of advertisers. We are super proud that such esteemed companies find Scuttlebutt as a valued platform for promotion, and we are not beyond giving them a shout-out for their significant accomplishments.

RIBCRAFT USA, a leading manufacturer of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), has been a Scuttlebutt client since 2005, and has recently entered the production phase on its five-year IDIQ contract with the United States Navy to build up to 278 7- Meter RIBs worth approximately $80 million, purported to be the largest single contract based on number of boats ever awarded by the United States Navy.

These RIBs will serve as the Ready Service Life Boats on all Navy ships sailing around the world and are an essential component of the fleet. As multi-purpose platforms they serve several secondary missions including anti-terrorism/force protection operations, search & rescue, vessel boarding search & seizure, and maritime interdiction operations.

“We are committed to delivering the most reliable, safe, and exceptional boats to the dedicated men and women serving our country around the world,” said P. Brian Gray, President and Chief Executive Officer of RIBCRAFT, noting how with a full load of 18 sailors, the 7-meter RIB will have a sprint speed of 25 knots.

These boats will be built alongside the U.S. Navy Expeditionary 11-Meter RIB that RIBCRAFT is currently building at its Massachusetts facilities. Together these contracts have a total value of over $120 million, making the company New England’s most significant boat manufacturer.

“RIBCRAFT is well respected as a top builder of the most reliable commercial rigid inflatable boats available,” noted Gray. “We’re extremely proud to have received the largest Navy boat contract ever awarded and are equally proud to be building these boats in Marblehead, MA – a fitting tribute to a town that lays claim to being the birthplace of the US Navy.”

While we have seen RIBCRAFT RIBs used as support and coach boats at clubs and regattas, working with the US Navy is pretty cool too!