History
Graham Jelley, Managing Director of Scorpion RIBs, has been in the boating industry for over 30 years. Having extensively worked on the restoration of Fairey Swordsmen he decided in 1995 to turn his hand to RIBs. However, he found that there were no RIBs on the market that were purpose built, they were all makeovers from powerboats and did not give the comfort and performance that he expected could be achieved.
After several years of extensive market research, rigorous analysis of hulls, powerboats, existing RIBs and lengthy consultations with experts in various marine fields, the legendary Scorpion hull was designed and the first Scorpion RIB was launched deep in the winter of 1995/96.
To test the Scorpion design, the first RIBs were rigorously put through their paces in all weather and conditions. This included not only races, which were invariably short, but also long distance pleasure cruising, even to the Artic. The result has been a specifically designed hull which is the basis of Scorpion’s high performance ride and is still tested rigorously today. Passing the 10th anniversary of Scorpion in 2006, we can ensure that Scorpion No. 200 and beyond will continue to deliver the comfortable, safe, high performance ride that was established all those years ago with Scorpion No. 001
We pride ourselves that many of our first RIB owners have succumbed to the addictive nature of a Scorpion and still own one today. The fantastic feedback from our clients, our commitment to constant research and development and ongoing observations made by all people involved with Scorpion have enabled the company to be the proud market leader.
Historically, the company was formed as South Coast RIBs Limited in March 1996 and traded under the name of Scorpion. As the brand name became a recognized industry standard, the company changed its name to Scorpion RIBs Limited in February 2001. Today, Scorpion is continually leading the way and giving depth and integrity to the rigid inflatable boat market.
"Graham Jelley of Scorpion RIBs is one of those early pioneers who has helped set the standards in style, quality and performance. His boat building skills and quality would be ranked as the 'Lexus' of the sea, if he were building motor cars." Kevin Goulding www.hotribs.com
Production
Design is absolutely paramount at Scorpion and therefore all our mouldings and tubes are hand made on site in Lymington, Hampshire. Each component is tested to ensure that the Scorpion quality is not compromised. All the mouldings are watertight and only stainless steel and upholstery is contracted out. To keep a step ahead of the industry, the deck layout is constantly evolving. The tubes have been streamlined and do not have separate tail cones.
Unlike most of our competitors, are Hypalon tubes are hand cut and made to measure for each model and clients are free to choose their own colour schemes. Our skilled workforce ensure that production remains on site from initial laminating to final sea trials.
Each RIB is highly customized with the latest components, whilst the finished result is always ergonomically designed and carefully balanced to guarantee our fusion of quality and performance.
While each Scorpion is unique and built to each individual customer’s specific requirements, they all give fast, comfortable, dry and smooth rides, the best on the market.
“One of the smoothest and most comfortable rides I have everhad at such speed. All the time I felt wonderfully safe and totally in command.” Michael Howarth - The Yacht Report Issue 53 View timelapse video of a Scorpion build (5mb)
