There’s hardly a yacht sailing the Caribbean that doesn’t use an inflatable or RIB as a tender. Inflatables are a boat’s workhorse, a floating truck that is used for everything from taking guests to dinner ashore or diving parties out to the reef, shopping trips, running out an anchor, and tug boat duty. Inflatables have evolved over the years from the black Avon Red Crests much loved by cruising boats of the 1980s to the gleaming high-powered RIBs of today. Conditions in the Caribbean are hard on inflatables but Golden Hind Chandleries Ltd., in Road Town, Tortola has come up with a solution.
“We needed to be able to deal directly with the factory and use our extensive knowledge of the requirements of the industry in the harsh climate of the Caribbean to produce a range of boats that would perform in our market and meet our clients expectations,” said Ramiz Abuhaydar, managing director of Golden Hind.
And that’s what the company did by importing quality inflatable boats built to their own specifications. “The dinghies we carry are our line and Limin is our own brand – a bit of island flavor,” said Ramiz.
The boats are made with European Hypalon and valves, and vacuum formed foam core hulls. Golden Hind carry a large range of sizes including 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14-foot open RIBS, and 14, 15 and 18-foot Centre Console RIBS. They also have 19 and 22-foot luxury RIBs and a 25-foot fishing boat. The 22-foot RIB takes a 200hp engine.
“We also carry a range of trailers and outboards for the complete range,” notes Ramiz.
The RIBs come with a 60-month warranty on the Hypalon and a 12-month warranty on the boat itself.
“Golden Hind is able to supply a fully commissioned RIB with either an engine supplied by us or with an engine provided by the customer,” says Ramiz.
He adds, “We also have on-site a technical specialist, with extensive knowledge of boating and experience of the industry, available to assist and advise clients with any problem they may have.”
Established in 1967 by a couple of boating enthusiasts, Golden Hind is one of the oldest marine supply stores in the Caribbean. Golden Hind later merged with Tortola Yacht Services to form a full service boat yard. In the late 1970s TYS and Golden Hind moved to their present location on Wickhams Cay II.
The company recently increased their warehousing by 5,000 square feet to allow them to offer more products from stock. To facilitate growth, Ramiz says they may be looking for larger premises in the future.
For more information, Tel: 1-284 494 7749
Gary E. Brown is the Editorial Director of All At Sea. He is and the author of the thriller/sailing adventure Caribbean High. For more information visit: garyebrown.net
