offshore Fishing

[57guy]

My wife and I cruise the Bahamas on a 55 ft Fleming MY. We have a 12 ft Rib that sets on the Fleming. Its OK to run to shore, town,etc. We always seem to get wet and it will not go very fast.
I've been looking for a 23-25 ft fiberglass boat to tow behind our big boat. We like to dive , fish and explore all the islands.

I'm told, that one of the problem of towing a boat is, it banging into the tow boat and maring up the finish on the big boat.
We just got back from the Exuma Islands and one of the mariners had a Protector RIB with twin 250 Hp motors on it. I was impressed with the speed and handling.

After riding in their RIB, I started thinking that, this is what I should tow.
I could buy a 23-25 ft with T-top, rod holders, etc and it would be the ticket. I wouldn't have to worry about bumpers, etc

Has anyone did any serious offshore fishing in a RIB?
Can you put anti-foul paint on the bottom (it will be setting in saltwater 4-6 months)?
Whats the best brand and model for my application?
Thanks for your input.
Glenn

[ribfan]

Hi,

Welcome to Ribnet. There are a number of good ribs you can safely go offshore with. I would suggest you contact Ribcraft. They make a wide range of sizes and all are customed to your needs. They are USA made, in Massachusetts. I worked with Adam Moore when i purchased mine and can recommend him highly. You can take a look @ http://www.ribcraftusa.com.

Good Luck

Bill

[enwulff]

A 22'-25" Rib is a good option for a fishing boat, though the T-top can get in the way a bit. I have done some fishing off my RIBs, and the nice thing about RIBs is that they have a low freeboard and they don't pitch and roll as much in chop and waves. If the seas are ruff or turn ruff, you will be glad you have a RIB as the won't sink if you take a few waves over the bow or stern in heavy seas. Unless you are getting seperate two seperate fuel tanks installed in the boat, I would recomend a singe engine 250hp Etec or Yamaha 4 stroke as they are very reliable and put out plenty of power. Most times when an engine quits its because you have a fuel issue. Twin engines are great for manuvering, but unless you have the ability to switch tanks running two engines of the same fuel tank doesn't give you much more safety.

The only drawback to RIBs are the fact that those pecky hooks and gaffs for hauling fish can puncture the tubes. The military and police and using foam filled tubes as they give the same boyancy as the air filled ones but they are a lot heavier. I was realing in a shark I caught off of Key West and when it was about 10 feet off the boat, I thought it wasn't a good idea to land it, so I cut it loose before it chomped on the tube.

As far as my recomendations go, RIBcraft is a good choice as well as the protector. I would also consider Nautica as they make a really nice 24 and 25' widebody rib which has a wider beam which makes fishing great if you go with the small t-top. I have a guy there I can connect you with if you send me your contact info to rib4charter@yahoo.com

[57guy]

The reason I want a T-top is , It gets really hot down here in the Bahamas and I need a place to hold big rods and reels.
Has anyone seen one with out riggers installed

Glenn

[PacificNWrib]

Glenn,

Welcome to RIB.net! My RIB is much, much smaller and I do not hesitate fishing with it. Even with a prickly sided sturgeon on the line.

Here are some ideas for you. I was in Cabo in December fishing for Marlin and Mahi Mahi and there were a couple of RIBs out there fishing with us. I was on a 32 foot charter and the ones I saw where around the 19 foot range. They had no problem handling the warm swells off of the Baja peninsula.


John

[57guy]

WOW!!
I like all of them. The one at the top even has out riggers on it. Do you know the make?
Glenn

[Andy JC]

Originally Posted by 57guy

My wife and I cruise the Bahamas

Not in the slightest bit jealous

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Andy JC

Not in the slightest bit jealous

Thinking the same thing - good job Mr57 didn't come on here looking for sympathy - I think most of us would find it a little tough! Good luck in the search for a RIB!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Cookee

Thinking the same thing - good job Mr57 didn't come on here looking for sympathy - I think most of us would find it a little tough! Good luck in the search for a RIB!

Yes-good luck in your search Mr57

I'd have far more sympathy however if a free holiday was on offer

[enwulff]

The outriggers and rod holders can all be all custom made to fit your t-top style. My suggestion is that when you find the boat builder, you work with him to customize a rod and outrigger set that suits you best.