Our Heritage

The Ballistic RIBs story started in the heart of the south coast of England. The original design concept was the brainchild of Paul Frankowski, an expert British boat builder from Lowestoft. His aim was to create a high-performance boat with a highly predictable ride, capable of a sustained speed of 40 knots, whilst crossing up to a one metre sea with superior load-carrying capability. In the mid 1990’s local entrepreneur Nick Parish bought the rights to the design, and started manufacturing Ballistic RIBS for both leisure and commercial uses.

Over the years to the end of the nineties Parish built a steady number of bespoke craft. In 2002 Parish started to work with Jonny Boys of JBT Marine, one of the worlds leading experts in second-hand Rigid Inflatable Boats. Jonny with his growing team in a new purpose built facility, reworked the manufacturing processes. Design features were improved, creating a RIB that could be built in volume, to satisfy a growing market.

To test the new design and build processes, Jonny entered five Ballistic RIBS into the ultimate endurance challenge, the harsh Trans Agulhas Race. Based off the southern-most tip of South Africa this race claims to be “The Worlds toughest inflatable boat race”. Which is no surprise when you consider that it covers 1000kms from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean in some of the roughest conditions known to man. Jonny was able to confirm both the superiority of these extraordinary boats and also prove his new build processes.

Since then, Jonny and his JBT Marine* team have built on the Ballistic high quality, high performance and load carrying concept. Resulting in a range engineered for unparalleled stability, safety and comfort together with practical, yet attractive design.

Always focused on developing the right products for his customers, Jonny took over the Ballistic design and brand in 2005 to further evolve the brand.

JBT Marine has since expanded with a strong team of friendly and innovative RIB experts and has changed it’s name to become Trafalgar Boat Sales. Always on hand to give advice, our team are dedicated to making sure every customer is looked after from the moment you arrive and throughout your journey as a RIB owner. Committed to innovation, our team are always pushing forwards to improve performance, efficiency and design features. And, never compromising on reliability.

Many Ballistic RIBS can be found all over the world. From the Norwegian Red Cross, Fisheries patrols, police forces and emergency services. Even Richard Branson’s Necker Island retreat in the British Virgin Islands chooses the Ballistic RIB.