CN Diffusion takes over distribution of XS Ribs
The company CN Diffusion is the new importer in France of the British motorboat brand XS Ribs. The company, already the head of several Bénéteau dealerships in South Finistère and also representing Zodiac and Bombard, took over distribution of this new range of RIBs at the beginning of 2021, but started its main marketing efforts at the Grand Pavois 2021 boat show.
"We received the first boats in July. They are 100% customizable boats" explains the distributor.
High-end boats made in the UK
The XS Ribs shipyard specializes in the manufacture of semi-custom RIB boats. Based in Yorkshire, it was formed from the BMC company, which has been active in the boating industry since the 1970s. Since the 2000s, it has built a range of boats with fiberglass hulls and deep-V hulls, from 3.6 m to 9.90 m in length. Each length is available for different uses, such as leisure, fishing, or for sailing schools, with a variety of options. The customer can also request changes to the width of the boat or other characteristics related to his or her mode of navigation. "The company operates without stock, on demand. There is an 18-week lead time for manufacturing. The boat is then sent to the dealer for engine assembly before delivery to the end customer," says the salesman in charge of XS Ribs at CN Diffusion.
A complementary offer
For CN Diffusion, this is an interesting addition to its lineup, after it stopped selling Humber boats. "It's aimed at experienced boaters, especially fishermen. It's a good complement to the RIB brands we already distribute, Zodiac and Bombard," says CN Diffusion. Initially, the Breton distributor intends to sell directly before considering the creation of a network. "It remains a small shipyard that builds about 100 boats a year and France is far from being their only market."
