Call +44 (0) 845 652 4252 to arrange your RIBshare™ demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIBshare?
What does RIBshare include?
Does a RIBshare member have to be an individual?
How do I book my boat?
What qualifications do I need to become a RIBshare customer?
Why is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification not sufficient for RIBshare?
What if I already hold an RYA Intermediate certificate? Do I get a discount?
How much does RIBshare cost?
How do I pay for fuel?
How does RIBshare compare with charter or outright ownership?
What is the duration of the RIBshare agreement?
Why have you chosen Cobra RIBs?
What about pollution and the marine environment?
Can I use my RIB away from its home marina?
What if I damage the boat?
What if the boat breaks down at sea?

What is RIBshare?
RIBshare offers a highly cost-effective and convenient way to have use of a high performance, luxury powerboat. You will receive a guaranteed minimum of 6 days per month, over a 10 month operational season.

The arrive-and-drive operation means that once you have booked your boat through our online booking system and that booking has been confirmed by us, you can be assured that, on the day, you will have a fully fuelled and equipped boat, with all safety equipment and boating clothing ready and waiting on the pontoon. top

What does RIBshare include?
RIBshare includes your use of a Cobra 755 RIB for 6 days per month over a 10 month operating period. The boat is insured, serviced, maintained and equipped for you to be able to book through our online booking system on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition, all home marina fees are covered, wet weather clothing and safety equipment are provided. We will also train one nominated person to RYA Powerboat Intermediate Level. top

Does a RIBshare member have to be an individual?
No. A RIBshare member may be an individual, a number of family members, a group of friends or a business. Indeed with a capacity for 8 people on each Cobra, it represents a great way for a group of like-minded people to spread the cost of boat use.

Each group will be required to nominate a principal skipper. However, we can train extra nominated skippers for an additional charge. top

How do I book my boat?
Our advanced online booking system makes booking your boat a quick and easy process. In addition to booking your boating days, you can request clothing, check the tides and weather forecast. You can even ask for a picnic on board! top

What qualifications do I need to become a RIBshare customer?
Our minimum requirement is for an RYA Intermediate Certificate, with a GMDSS / VHF Radio licence. top

Why is the RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification not sufficient for RIBshare?
The Cobra 755 is probably a bigger and faster boat than you will have trained on. Therefore, by ensuring our RIBshare customers are trained to at least RYA Intermediate level, we know that you will have had more time handling a boat with an instructor. You will also have an awareness of the navigation and pilotage skills required to operate the boat with both greater safety and greater enjoyment. top

What if I already hold an RYA Intermediate certificate? Do I get a discount?
We do not offer any reduction in the monthly cost for anyone who has an RYA Intermediate certificate, but you could opt to be trained to Advanced level, or nominate another person to train to Intermediate level. top

How much does RIBshare cost?
There is a membership fee which is payable when the RIBshare agreement is signed. This is followed by 24 monthly payments of £495 (RIBshare Platinum) or £275 (RIBshare Gold). The only additional cost is the fuel you use each day and any fees/costs incurred at other marinas you may visit. top

How do I pay for fuel?
Fuel will be billed through PayPal or retained credit card details and you will receive a monthly statement of fuel usage. Fuel bills will need to be paid before bookings in the subsequent month will be approved. top

How does RIBshare compare with charter or outright ownership?
The cost to charter a boat of the quality and performance of our Cobra RIBs would be about £450+VAT per day! When you take into account the cost of purchase/finance, depreciation, servicing and storage etc, the cost of outright ownership would be in the region of £1500 per month, whether or not you use the boat! top

What is the duration of the RIBshare agreement?
There is a minimum 24-month commitment from each person on each boat. Thereafter RIBshare members will be invited to rejoin on an annual basis. top

Why have you chosen Cobra RIBs?
Cobra are Europe’s leading rough water luxury RIBs, well proven in both leisure and commercial settings. The Cobra Nautique 755 is a custom-made, British-built boat, with great deck layouts, extensive storage and very high build quality. top

What about pollution and the marine environment?
We are very sensitive to the importance of minimising our impact on the environment both on the shore and at sea. On shore we are committed to low energy consumption, recycling and our shore-based support vehicles which run on locally produced bio-diesel. At sea we have chosen 4-stroke outboards with high fuel efficiency, low noise and low emissions. We are also sensitive to the areas of special scientific interest and nature reserves in our areas of operation. top

Can I use my RIB away from its home marina?
Yes. Subject to booking approval and providing use is in accordance with the MCCA Coding on the boat, you may use the boat in another location. However, you will be responsible for any launching or marina fees. We can deliver/collect the boat for you by road or sea, subject to a delivery charge. top

What if I damage the boat?
The first thing is to tell us what damage has occurred at the earliest opportunity in order that we can make arrangements for repair and ensure that you and the other RIBshare members will have access to the boat again as soon as possible.

Should we be required to make an insurance claim, you will be liable for the excess of any claim. top

What if the boat breaks down at sea?
Our boats are fully and regularly serviced and through the on-board tracking system we will know where your boat is at any time. However, in the highly unlikely event of a breakdown, the nominated skipper should anchor in as safe a position as possible and ensure that all crew are warm, comfortable and wearing lifejackets. The skipper should then telephone the shore based team who will arrange to recover you and your passengers liaising with the Coastguard if necessary.

Should we consider it more appropriate to go a safe haven which is not the home marina of the boat, we will arrange road transport back to the home marina for you and your guests.

In the event of there being any danger to life at the time of breakdown, we would expect you to follow your RYA training and call for assistance through the on-board VHF radio, or by use of the flares. top