For most boat owners, buying the same brand twice is a vote of confidence. For Kerry-based offshore boating enthusiast Adam Brennan, the figure is six.
In a recent interview with Powerboat & RIB magazine, Brennan explained why his family has remained loyal to the Cushendall-built Redbay marque for more than a decade, citing the demands of Atlantic boating and a preference for seaworthiness over comfort features.
The latest boat in the Brennan fleet is a Redbay Stormforce 850 powered by a Suzuki DF350 outboard.
According to Brennan, six Redbay boats have passed through the family over the past 14 years, ranging from a Redbay 6.1 to the current 8.5-metre model.
The family are no strangers to ambitious offshore cruising. Previous voyages have included a circumnavigation of Scotland and extensive cruising around Ireland's Atlantic seaboard.
Speaking to Powerboat & RIB, Brennan said his priorities were shaped by operating in exposed waters.
"On the Atlantic coast of Ireland, conditions can change quickly," he said, adding that he values "a high bow and a solid hull" over features such as "cupholders and sunpads".
The comments will resonate with many Irish RIB owners who regularly operate in open-water conditions along the west and south-west coasts.
The story also highlights the continuing reputation of Redbay Boats, the County Antrim builder whose craft have developed a strong following among offshore enthusiasts in Ireland and the UK.
Afloat previously reported on the Brennan family's larger Redbay projects, including the custom-built Redbay 1150 Dromquinna developed by Adam and his father John Brennan.
The latest Stormforce 850 continues that long association and serves as another endorsement of a boatbuilder whose designs were conceived for the often demanding conditions of the North Channel and Atlantic approaches.
Read more in Powerboat & RIB magazine here
