02/06/2009

A very British success story is attracting a wider overseas fan base

A very British success story is attracting a wider overseas fan base
Lymington’s Scorpion RIBs makes moves to secure long-term growth at home and abroad

Scorpion RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), based in Lymington, Hampshire, is a fine example of a British company producing a first class product using British design, British craftsmen and British manufacturing skills. The brand is already recognised for setting all the industry standards producing high-end, bespoke luxury cruising and performance RIBs.  However, a Scorpion RIB was, until now, out of reach of most RIB enthusiasts.

That’s all changing now as a result of the commitment and business acumen being invested by its new owner into the company’s long term growth.  This new confidence combined with a subtle marketing and brand building exercise is helping to shift perception and also starting to attract more overseas buyers whilst also having a positive effect on home market sales.

The company’s order book is full through to October, with a mix of models being built to order ranging from the £200,000 Sting, the exquisite 10 metre cabin RIB, to a brand new and more widely affordable 6.5 metre sporty open RIB starting at £35,000.  Orders for new boats are coming in from as far afield as the Philippines and the Caribbean.

One of the reasons for this increased level of interest at a time when many firms are being forced to close their doors forever or reducing staff levels is that the company’s new owner and hands-on M.D., Patrick Byrne, is a huge supporter and devotee of RIBs and their immense capabilities.

“I knew and trusted the calibre of these boats long before I got involved with the business, having cruised extensively and also done some racing in Scorpions over a number of years. It’s all about making the very best product you can and we’re focusing everything on building and delivering the very best there is. One of my roles is to expand on the excellent brand loyalty that Scorpion already enjoys by introducing our credentials and our boats to a wider public,” states Patrick.

The 6.5m has primarily been launched as Scorpion’s first production model to entice a whole new audience into Scorpion’s embrace. As Patrick Byrne says, “By bringing a 6.5m at £35k into the arena, owning a Scorpion suddenly becomes more affordable and easier to justify.”

Scorpion is producing two versions of the 6.5m; the Classic model package at £35,325 inc. VAT and a Deluxe model priced at £38,750 inc. VAT.

It doesn’t stop there though.  The high-end luxury market is another obvious arena for Scorpion to further expand its business. This brand is a natural fit for superyacht captains who are ‘shopping’ for the best-looking and best-performing tenders and runabouts, and of course there’s the ‘toys for the boys’ angle as well.

Making an impact in all the right places

The Scorpion range delivers on all fronts and its boats will be making an impact in all the right places this summer.  Partnerships are already in place for providing the official press boats supporting the Dubois Cup (6-8 June) http://www.theduboiscup.com and the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta (9-13 June), hosted by the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, http://www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com and Scorpion is also likely to be putting in an appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

To support the more immediate expansion plans as well as gearing itself up for longer-term growth, Scorpion has expanded into Palma, Mallorca offering a sales, service and storage facility for Scorpion RIBs in the Western Mediterranean covering Spain, France, Portugal and Monaco.

Back in the UK, Scorpion has recently increased its workforce by 10% and has moved its tube shop to a much larger but still local industrial unit.

As part of the Government’s Apprenticeship Expansion Programme, Scorpion RIBs has also joined a consortium led by Lymington-based company Berthon to provide an apprenticeship scheme. Patrick Byrne is totally committed to ensuring that the Scorpion brand stands for all the best things about British produced boats. “It’s a change in philosophy for the company to look at the longer term and a commitment to training and we are looking forward to taking on our first local apprentice next month, training him in RIB construction,” he commented.

If you’re in the market for a RIB, Scorpion is exhibiting the new 6.5m and an 8.5m RIB at this year’s Southampton Boat Show from 11-20 September.

Image caption: Scorpion RIBs...taking on the world. Image credit: Mike Jones

10/03/2009

Scorpion encourages more affordable ribbing with launch of 6.5m at RIBEX 8-10 May 2009

To date Scorpion has always built its RIBs to order. As part of its growth plans however, the company is introducing a limited range of standard boats. The first of these is an updated version of the 6.5 metre, a model that was last produced from the Lymington-based yard in 2001. 

According to Patrick Byrne of Scorpion RIBs: “The 6.5m was a very popular boat. We have had many requests for its re–introduction and the originals are in high demand. We are expanding our sales base and introducing a range of products that customers can buy ‘off the shelf’. The 6.5m is a good place to start. This boat is competitively priced and in the past the residual values have held up very well, so it is an ideal Scorpion starter boat …until of course you get drawn into the attractions of long distant ribbing.”

The Scorpion 6.5m, the smallest model in a stunning range that currently stretches from 7.5m up to 10m, brings the delights of owning and running a Scorpion to a wider, but still a highly discerning audience.  Scorpion has identified that there is a large enough market out of there of potential customers wishing to buy a Scorpion but perhaps finding it difficult to justify purchasing one of the larger models during a recession. 

By producing a smaller, and significantly cheaper production model, Scorpion plans to expand its customer base at a time when some other manufacturers are keeping their heads down. By purchasing a 6.5m Scorpion RIB as opposed to any other marque, the owner immediately climbs onto a higher rung of that aspirational ladder but for a more affordable outlay.

Scorpion is producing two versions of the 6.5m; the Basic model package at £35,325 inc. VAT and a Deluxe model priced at £38,750 inc. VAT.

Included as standard in the basic model/price:

- Famous Scorpion deep-V hull
- 2 x 2-man jockey seats
- New ergonomically designed console which incorporates a forward facing seat
- M84 8”Northstar Chartplotter and VHF Radio
- Suzuki 140hp*  4 cylinder outboard  engine
- SeaStar hydraulic system steering         
- Five chamber Scorpion made, Hypalon tubes in one colour with rubbing strake, and moulded grab handles
- Lopo Navigation lights
- Underdeck built-in fuel tank +/- 160 litres

*Other engine options available Yamaha 150 and Evinrude 130

The Deluxe model incorporates a different seating plan with twin single jockey seats and an aft bench seat. As usual with a Scorpion there will still be the opportunity of a bespoke version by arrangement.

The Basic and Deluxe 6.5m demo models will both be on show and ready to demonstrate for the first time to the press and public at RIBEX in Cowes, Isle of Wight, between 8-10 May.

13/02/2009

There is strength in numbers at Scorpion RIBs

New appointments and a new model launching at RIBEX

Scorpion RIBs is a company world-renowned for producing the highest quality top-end range of custom built rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) at its South Coast, UK, manufacturing site. This year, the company has set itself some new goals that, according to Scorpion’s Patrick Byrne, it firmly intends to reach.

Mr Byrne took over the company back in May 2008 and his plans for Scorpion at that time included helping the business to develop and expand its manufacturing output as well as maximising the sales and marketing potential of the brand. It can safely be said that he is delivering.

During the latter part of 2008 and at the start of this new year, Scorpion’s management team has been implementing some fairly major initiatives in order to maintain a level of stability for its customers and its workforce whilst progressing its way steadily through the current economic downturn.

Patrick Byrne: “Stability and long-term planning are the name of the game right now. Scorpion is a debt-free business and we’re working on longer term objectives in order to weather these unprecedented market conditions.”

Plans are currently well underway for a new Scorpion distribution and service centre in Palma, Mallorca, opening in the Spring as well as a new Scorpion 6.5m RIB that will receive its worldwide debut at RIBEX in May. 

To oversee the all-important sales and marketing of the newly branded business with its fresh and contemporary new look, Patrick Byrne has appointed Stewart Thornley. Byrne has also moved the all-important product design in–house with the appointment of Andrew Griggs. (See attached image of Stewart – left - and Andrew)

Stewart Thornley – Sales & Marketing Manager
Stewart started in the boating industry in 1994 working for Southern Motorboats and MedSale UK, looking after their brokerage section and selling Birchwood Boats and Azimut as well as new Hardy Cruisers. In 1998 he moved to CYS Yacht Sales and looked after the brokerage of the Hatteras and the Carver range of motor yachts.

The Millenium saw Stewart set up his own company, Lymington Marine Sales Ltd and, as a result of selling more and more RIBs, he could see this as a major business opportunity and hence concentrated mainly on RIBs. In 2004 Scorpion approached Stewart to look after the brokerage side of its business and now he has become a key part of the Scorpion management team.  

Andrew Griggs – Product Designer
Andy Griggs has been brought on board as Scorpion’s in-house product designer.  He completed an AMA (Advanced Modern Apprenticeship) with BMW Group (body and pressings division) in Technical Engineering, gaining an NC qualification in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering and an HNC in Mechanical Engineering Design.

Through these achievements, he then realised he wanted a career in a more design-based role but also wanted to maximise his engineering background. He returned to adult education and gained a First Class Hons in BSc Product Design over the course of three years at Bournemouth University. He is delighted to be working with Scorpion and is looking forward furthering his career and building links within the marine leisure market.
 

10/11/2008

Come and see us on Stand D10, Sail, Power & Watersports Show at Earls Court, 26 - 30 November

It is not often that Scorpion RIBs attends boat shows, so this is a great opportunity for visitors to meet the team and take a look around one of these beautifully crafted boats. 
 
Scorpion is exhibiting a twin-engined Scorpion 8.5m RIB that was described by the editor of RIB International Magazine as, “A rigid inflatable that would rank alongside any craft, of any description, anywhere in the world. Attention to detail is superb and the vessel demonstrates a pleasing combination of functionality, ergonomics and aesthetics; three attributes which, when achieved harmoniously, become the ‘holy grail’ sought by all designers.”
 
Scorpion is also the builder of the fabulous Sting, the 10m cabin RIB launched earlier this year of which Motor Boats Monthly commented after testing, “If you won’t settle for anything but the best then you had better start saving for a Sting.”

The Sting is built on the famous Scorpion Hull, which has an outstanding record in racing and endurance travel, and explains why private owners in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Powerboat Race chose a Scorpion over any other vessel.  No less than seven Scorpions were entered and everyone completed the tough course, including the only all-female team, in a Sting racing as Team Scorpion-Dubois. If you want a boat that really can take you anywhere in safety and comfort, have a look at our Scorpion Stand D10.   The Team Scorpion-Dubois Sting is also at the Show, exhibited separately as part of the Round Britain Offshore Powerboat Race display.

10/09/2008

‘Try-a-Scorpion’ at the Southampton Boat Show

Scorpion owner and rib charter company Rib-it.com has been commissioned by National Boat Shows to offer Southampton Boat Show visitors the opportunity to discover the thrill of ribbing as part of their free ‘Try-a-boat’ feature.

And what better choice than a Scorpion to show the world what boating is about!

Rib-it com’s Simon Nuding and his one-year old 8.5m yellow Scorpion ‘Rib-it’ will be in the Show Marina for the duration of the international event, starting on Friday, September 12th.

With a 250hp Suzuki outboard behind her Rib-it, like all Scorpions, associates speed with safety and comfort, making her an ideal vessel to entice new comers to the world of ribbing. Simon will be initiating all takers by means of a short blast out on Southampton Water – the feature is run on a first come first serve basis out of stand B85 in the Arena.

Scorpion Ribs Limited’s new owner Patrick Byrne,  is confident this will be a major feature of the show.
‘As every owner will tell you, to try a Scorpion is to love it. The value of a Scorpion is its performance on the water, an experience that is normally restricted to ownership, this is a great opportunity to try the 8.5m, a popular model in our range.”’ says Patrick.

Rib-it.com has been in the rib charter business for over 5 years and operates Scorpions only.  Having recently received their RYA accreditation, Rib-it.com’s services now range from RYA powerboat training - primarily using their ever-popular 6.5m Scorpion - to skippered and bareboat rib charter. With his extensive teaching experience, we know MD Simon Nuding is the right man to show aspiring boat owners how a Scorpion can combine fun, space and luxury all in one.

For more information, visit
www.rib-it.com
www.southamptonboatshow.com

10/09/2008

SCORPION STING ROSY B CONQUERS ITS CLASS IN COWES-TORQUAY-COWES BATTLE

The Scorpion 10m Sting Rosy B scored an impressive 10th place overall, racing in and winning its class (Cruiser Class 1) averaging 51.66 knots over the 182 mile course. 
Mike Deacon in Hot Lemon came 8th overall and 2nd in Class 3.

The summer-long offshore powerboat racing battle for supremacy in the Historic Class between Team 747 and Gee, which started on the Round Britain race, swung in favour of Jonathan Napier this weekend when his Fairey Spearfish pipped its biggest rival by one second after 182 nautical miles and over 5 hours of racing along the South Coast on Saturday.
 
The 2008 Cowes Classic reverted to its more traditional format with a full Cowes-Torquay-Cowes course run in almost perfect sea conditions and good visibility and it was over this demanding stretch of water that Team 747 and her bigger rival, Gee, slugged it out.
 
With a fleet approaching 40 boats, it was always going to be the greyhounds that caught the eye and Italian maestro, Fabio Buzzi, designed and built the first four boats home. Buzzi, driving his Red FPT raced away to the overall victory at an average of 91mph, from Mario Invernizzi in Silicon Fire, Andy Macateer in Venturer and Drew Langdon in Silverline, powered respectively by Fiat, Isotta Fraschini, Seatek and Cummins Mercruiser.
 
With Cummins doing well at the front of the fleet, it was the two Cummins Mercruiser powered Historic Class boats that brought up the rear, but both classics were shaded by the only other entrant in the class, T.F.O., the 25ft. Shead design driven by the Williams-Hawkes brothers from Exmouth, which came home almost one hour ahead to take the Thunderbolt Trophy.
 
Team 747’s average of 37.86mph was enough to take second place for Jonathan Napier, Andy Fielding and Fred Kemp and with it, the Lombard North Central Concours d’Elegance trophy.

02/06/2008

ALL WOMEN CREW TO RACE AROUND BRITAIN TEAM SCORPION-DUBOIS ENTERS 2008 ROUND BRITAIN OFFSHORE POWERBOAT RACE IN SUPPORT OF CHARITY

Lymington, UK: Team Scorpion-Dubois is delighted to announce the entry of an all-girl crew in this much anticipated revival of the world's toughest offshore powerboat race.

Starting from Portsmouth, home of Britain's Royal Navy, on Midsummer's Day, June 21st, a fleet of 50 high powered vessels will spear westward to commence a eight leg, ten day charge around the coast of Britain.

The all girl crew will be competing in a 10 metre Scorpion Sting - built in Lymington. 

Team Scorpion-Dubois will be supporting CLIC Sargent, the UK based charity that cares for children and young people suffering from cancer and their families.


Introducing Team Scorpion-Dubois

Sarah Fraser - Driver: Trained as a Naval Architect. Currently working in the Superyacht industry. Holds a Yachtmaster Offshore Power and Sail qualification.

Miranda Knowles - Navigator:  Experienced yachtswoman. Has completed six transatlantic crossings.


Scorpion and the Sting

Team Scorpion-Dubois is competing in the new Scorpion Sting, a stunning £200,000, 10 metre RIB that has just been launched to much acclaim.  Built in Lymington, Hampshire (also the team’s home town) by the current holders of the Round Britain, Round Great Britain and London to Monte Carlo records, the Sting should be the perfect choice to undertake such a gruelling endurance race.

This British designed and built RIB has twin inboard Yanmar 6LP-STZE 315 HP diesel engines on Bravo 1 stern drive legs that will propel her at 50 knots over a highly creditable, 500 mile range.  Patrick Byrne of Scorpion RIBs said, “Scorpion RIBs have a proven track record for quality and long distance running and we hope the Sting will deliver for the team. We wish Sarah and Miranda a safe and enjoyable race and would like to thank Dubois Naval Architects, without whose support this would not have been possible.”

Dubois

Dubois Naval Architects is one of the world's foremost Yacht Design companies. Formed in Lymington over 30 years ago, Dubois is delighted to be supporting Sarah and Miranda in the challenge that they have so creatively and so bravely taken on.  In so doing they are not only drawing attention to the universal nature of marine competition, for both men and women, but also supporting an extremely worthwhile charity.

More information can be found on the following websites:

http://www.roundbritainrace.co.uk
http://www.scorpionribs.com
http://www.duboisyachts.com
http://clicsargent.org.uk

08/04/2008

THE STING IS OUT AND SHE’S A BEAUTY! - Scorpion’s new Sting 10 metre sports cruiser is launched

The British designed and built Scorpion Sting 10 metre Sports Cruiser has been launched amidst great excitement and pride from the team who produced her in Lymington, Hampshire, UK. With the launch of the Sting, the team at Scorpion is providing a host of innovations to some key systems thereby adding extra durability, security and comfort to a long list of state-of-the-art components during the building of its 10 metre cruising RIBs.
 
The Sting will satisfy and encourage the thrill seeker whilst providing comfortable and safe cruising. This is a superb looking boat with graceful lines complimenting the weighted and proportioned deep-V shaped hull to guarantee that she absolutely flies.

- The Sting is a British made Sports Cruiser with an unsurpassed design and build pedigree from the Scorpion stable.
 

- The Sting is created by a highly dedicated workforce adopting world-class RIB building standards.
 

- The Sting is the perfect partner for both family cruising and offshore racing requirements, offering superb handling, performance and reliability.
 

- The Sting is serious yet fun, stylish yet practical and is powerful yet comfortable.
 

- The Sting satisfies the needs of the luxury RIB owner and includes all the practical touches required.
 

- The Sting is pure thoroughbred, so get ready for the ride of your life.

From Monday 7th April, Scorpion RIBs is making the Sting available to potential buyers for demonstration.
To book your place and for more information, please contact Joy Rickman on Tel: +44 (0) 1590 677080 or email: sales@scorpionribs.com

We’re linking to their Rib-Racers website too ‘cos we think it’s great!

They took delivery of their new 8.5 metre Scorpion on Saturday 29th March. As Gavin Howe wrote: “Weather couldn't have been worse, but boat seems fine and we are now spending some time getting to know the boat and running the engine in - a Mercury 300XS. We are doing the Round Britain Race in June so the expensive Ullman seats might be necessary!”

He continues...
After what seemed like a long wait, Black Gold was launched yesterday in Lymington. Launching a Rib is a bit of an overstatement, particularly as Scorpion had spent previous days doing propeller tests. After four different props, then ended up with a 19 inch Revolution 4 bladed propeller which is very popular for Scorpions. By the time we "launched" the engine had done 6.5 hours running - 2.5 hours in the race engine factory. This means that we are virtually through the official running in process where the engine automatically gives itself a double oil dose. It still probably needs 20 hours in order to get to its full potential.

Scorpion had the boat ready to go and after a talk through the basic systems, we went on a trip out into the Solent with Ben from Scorpion - Ben manages the fit out and has also benefited from a week at Mercury's US facility. No problems at all, but given the Solent was "boiling" and the rain was heavy it wasn't a great time to do a serious evaluation of the boat. What we did learn is that our glass screen dashboard will take a little learning and the Mercury "System View" with its 200 page manual looks very clear but we were struggling to find the page with the relevant information - like engine revs for example! We now know how to do this and have discovered that it can provide us with many things that we didn't know we needed including an engine running history showing time at different rev levels!

One thing that struck Paul and me was how much this boat is an improvement on our previous Scorpion. Of course the boat in the water is very similar albeit a metre longer, but every locker, every fitting seemed better - a great example of continuous improvement of what was already a first class Rib.

After the official hand over, we took the boat down the Solent to Cowes using the lee of the Island to provide shelter from the gusts which we couldn't measure but which were forecast as up to F9. A few things came to light: the trim tab controls are the other way round which makes them counter intuitive for me. The sexy "Zero Effort" engine controls feel good but the throttle control couldn't be left as it cut back when you hit wave - maybe you need to keep your hand on the throttle! You also need to be careful that you don't change gear with the throttle open which of course you can't do with a single lever control.

Net, net the boat didn't give us one anxious moment in quite extreme Solent conditions and the Ullman seats which I'd selected without trying them, appeared to be very good as you didn't need to brace yourself for the hard landings. We have now drawn the position of our feet and will fit footstraps to ensure that we don't fall off sideways as well and always have a firm footing.

A lot to think about and a lot of manuals to read. We went home happy after day one and look forward to tomorrow's run when we will put some more hours on the engine.
Their site for the race is www.rib-racers.com

13/03/2008

IT’S ALL IN A DAY’S WORK...EVEN IN THE ROUGHEST WEATHER!

The worst winter storms of the year didn’t stop the launch of a fabulous new Scorpion 9.75m RIB going ahead for its enthusiastic Dutch owner who lives in Belgium.
This is the highest spec open RIB delivered to date by Graham Jelley’s master craftsmen at Scorpion’s Lymington factory.
 
Powered by a Volvo D6 370 inboard engine, let’s just take a peek at some of the fixtures and fittings that ensured this boat was shrouded in secrecy whilst in-build::

- Flexi teek flooring
- 2 double custom made sports bolster seats with electrically powered seat bases
- Pacific console with foot well to suit customer
- Leather covered stainless steel handles on rear of bolsters
- Engine box integrated with full width aft seat complete with bathing platform
- Stainless steel A frame with watersports fittings, mooring cleats, VHF and GPS as well as fishing sockets
- Latest Raymarine radar on T Top Bimini complete with camera facing aft
- Sony audio system with 6 speakers
- Hydraulic power steering via leather covered stylish Italian steering wheel
- White upholstery with Alpine blue tubes complete with de rigeur orange stripe on rubbing strake (a little touch of Dutch)