IBS Boats - Distributors for Quicksilver and Valiant

IBS Boats International, exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Valiant rigid inflatable boats, has announced that larger Vanguard models will have a new two-tone colour scheme, a doubling in length of fabric guarantees and the introduction of new centre consoles.

Valiant Vanguard RIBs using Mehler Haku fabric, from the 520 through to 750, will be supplied with new light grey and blue two-tone colouring. Vanguard RIBs for professional use are also offered in Akron TPE, with its high resistance to abrasion, and the fabric warranty for Akron has been doubled to 10 years.

New centre console versions are being made available for the Vanguard 520, 570, 620, 620 Cruiser, 750 and 750 Cruiser.

Valiant craft are manufactured with a highly industrialised process, guaranteeing greater reliability, with consistent and uniform quality. Through design, planning and development with advanced techniques of CAD/CAM, production of these boats is automated in all of the main production stages. Advanced environmental controls in the manufacturing of the GRP used eliminates vapours and other by-products.

New 10 Year Valiant Fabric Warranty

For 2008 Valiant has Increased their Warranty on Akron PU Fabric to 10 years on Fabric and air holding seams. This Warranty is understood to be the Industries longest Guarantee.

Among a series of upgrades to the Quicksilver Weekend 640 and 750 GRP cruisers are new-generation engines from Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD).

The Quicksilver Weekend 640 is to be fitted with the new 130HP (96kW) diesel from CMD and the new 2.8-litre diesel, rated at 230HP (169kW), will power the top-of-the-range Weekend 750.

They are 16-valve, turbocharged, seawater aftercooled units with a high-pressure common rail fuel system for maximised efficiency. Integrated heat exchanger and exhaust manifold help reduce the overall space required for these four-cylinder diesels, which also feature an advanced electronic control module, enabling SmartCraft compatibility to monitor a series of engine parameters. They are EPA Tier 2, IMO and RCD low-emissions certified.

Upgrades to the Weekend 640 include an additional starboard hatch to improve ventilation and modifications to seating, offering an additional berth. Twin windscreen wipers are standard and an optional separate toilet compartment is available.

An electric windlass and a bow thrusters are now standard on the Weekend 750 models. Also standard on these boats are Bennet trim tabs, Isotherm fridge, twin windscreen wipers, two batteries, outboard engine bracket, hydraulic steering and full instrumentation.

Further Quicksilver Weekend standard offerings include anchor locker, storage lockers, bow roller, galley equipment, cushions, chemical WC, navigation lights and built-in fuel tank with gauge. All three boats are now provided with longer and wider swim ladders.

IBS Boats International, sole UK importer for Valiant RIBs and the Quicksilver range of GRP powerboats is relocating to new premises in North Fambridge, Chelmsford, Essex, to meet future expansion.

Having benefited from continued success over the last 20 years, the company is moving to the 21,500 sq ft facility, which is twice the size of its existing premises and benefits from a waterside location. The move will allow the company to stock a greater range of products and more easily demonstrate products on the water.

The relocation will also assist in the continued expansion of ‘Inflatable Boat Supplies’, an in-house company created by IBS Boats in 1995 to complement the boat division, and which stocks a vast range of spare parts and components for all RIBs and inflatables.

“We have outgrown our existing premises and are very excited about the opportunities the increased space will provide,” says Graham Somers, Managing Director. “Our new site will allow us to stock more models, and enable us to better support our network of dealers for both the Valiant and Quicksilver GRP and Inflatable range throughout the UK and Ireland.”

IBS Boats International, is one of the longest established inflatable and rigid inflatable distribution companies. The company, which has over 20 main dealers in both the UK and Ireland, is the sole distributor for Valiant’s 30 plus strong range of RIBs and was appointed as a distributor for Quicksilver Inflatables and their 16-boat range in 2000; and for the Quicksilver range of GRP boats in 2001.