Novurania Boats

[zip]

I am looking to purchase my first rib.

I am looking for a used 14'.

I have been told that in this size, the Zodiac is the entry level boat, Caribe and Avon would be next, folowed by Novurania, and with the Nautica being the top of the line.

I have looked at some real nice boats, and some really beat up ones too.

I have found a late model Novurania that is in beautiful condition. It is a little pricey, but it appears to have been well taken care of.

I would really appreciate any and all advice regarding this brand and others for a fiirst time used buyer.

thanks.

[codprawn]

Avon has a great name. They have been around for many years and are one of the earliest pioneers of RIBs.

[MtStPipier]

IMHO, most manufacturers marketing to us Yanks seem to market a leisure craft quality. We must be softer than our friends across the pond when it comes to going out in the rough stuff. I wouldn't consider Nautica or Nouvurania tops on my list, but for the guy looking for a tender for his yacht, maybe they are. Depends what kind of conditions you'll be out in.

Even Avon makes several leisure series, so be sure you know what you're looking at. I would add Ribcraft to your list. They usually has some 4.8m for sale on their website. Might be worth giving Adam a call. The difference between their recreational and military spec'd boats is relatively insignificant, other than the gun mounts...

[prairie tuber]

In the 14'-15' RIB range, I'd keep and eye out for a used aluminum hulled Polaris or Zodiac Hurricane. There is a world of difference between the Canadian built Zodiac Hurricanes and the French built leisure grade Zodiacs.

[Tomas]

I was not familiar with Novuranias so I did a search

Note this "cut" from their warranty certificate:


"B What is Covered - Novurania warrants to the original purchaser of a properly registered Novurania inflatable boat that: (a) all seams of the tubes, inflation valves, and the
fabric used in the construction of the tube shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the original date of purchase; (b) the
Hypalon/Neoprene coated fabric of the tube shall be free from deterioration affecting serviceability (i.e. cracking, porosity, but not discoloration, fading or chaffing) for a period
of five (5) years from the original date of purchase;

The obligation of Novurania of America under this Limited Warranty
is limited to repairing or replacing, as Novurania of America may elect at its sole discretion, any parts that prove, in Novurania's sole judgment, to be defective in material or
workmanship within the time periods specified herein. The judgment of Novurania's factory trained experts is final as to the extent of any liability.

Purchaser shall be liable for all labor expenses and any related costs connected to repairing or replacing a warranted part."

1. Compare to 10 year warranty on Avon Tubes.
2. Purchaser shall be liable for all labor and any related costs to repair or replace a warranted part.

If the boat is top of the line, the warranty is middle of the pack, at best.

Would a boat dealer promote a brand where they might have the best profit margin? Does a wild bear crap in the bush? It may be a good boat but not one that I would pay a premium for, over established brands. It is a yacht tender, which is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you have a yacht that needs tending!

[zip]

Thanks for great information everyone. I appreciate the input.

I am sorry that it took me so long to respond. Work has cut in to my personal internet time.

I have looked at the Avon brand as well. Nice boats.

I looked at the Ribcraft too. Unfortunately they do not appear to make a boat under 15 feet.

My primary reason for looking for a 14 foot boat, is that is the maximum length boat that you can park at the dinghy dock at Catalina Island.

Tomas, thanks for the warranty info. Do you think Avon would warranty for a non original owner?

Zip

[Tomas]

Originally Posted by zip

My primary reason for looking for a 14 foot boat, is that is the maximum length boat that you can park at the dinghy dock at Catalina Island.

Ahhhh...rules, rules, rules. You have my sympathy. Once again, the tail wags the dog!

Originally Posted by zip

Tomas, thanks for the warranty info. Do you think Avon would warranty for a non original owner?

Zip

I don't know about that but the fact that they warranty for ten years means they think their tubes will make at least eleven! Mine are ten years and counting, in the tropics and show no sign of giving up. I just thought the warranty on the other unit was a little pissy.

[zip]

Tomas,

Do boats age faster in the tropics?

What do you think of the caribe brand?

Zip

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by zip

I have been told that in this size, the Zodiac is the entry level boat, Caribe and Avon would be next, folowed by Novurania, and with the Nautica being the top of the line.

Interesting... I suppose it depends on what you consider "top of the line". I looked at most of these at the Toronto Boat Show in the spring. Nautica and the like seem nicely put together, but they are loaded with "extras" like cup holders and stereos etc. To me, this stuff is useless and just more stuff to get broken. If those "frills" are important to you, then you might be right.

At the end of the day, the fabric in the tubes and the strength of the hull will determine the longevity of a boat. I have had four Zodiacs over 25 years. Even the first one is still being used, and used often... There are a couple of old "beater" Avons in town that live in the water and one of them must be at least 20 years old (a SIB).

Originally Posted by zip

Tomas, Do boats age faster in the tropics?

I think that both RIBS and people age faster in the tropics. At least people can preserve themselves with cheap rum. I don't believe that there is a similar product for inflatables...

[prairie tuber]

I need my cup holders, stereo, onboard capucccino makers, and other essential creature comforts.