Closest SIB to a RIB

[Lordy]

Hello again!

Just reading all the excellent advice given to Hawk Eye about SIBs and wondered if anyone had a view on the closest SIB to a RIB?

I may need a SIB as a tender to a RIB - long story to do with mooring and tides - and can obviously see the benefits of a rigid hull to an inflatable hull.

But if you HAD to buy a SIB, which one has the closest keel to a RIB but offers the convenience (and storage cost savings) that a SIB does? And would an air floor compromise that rigidity?

Ian (Parkes) - from what I saw at London Boat Show, your Honwave vote seems reliable. Any other votes?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Lordy

Hello again!
And would an air floor compromise that rigidity?

Yes.

Most emphatically yes. A high pressure keel section will give you a reasonable shallow V hull form but it will only cope if it is braced against something solid, ie a good interlocking floor.

There are plenty of good options, but as with a RIB you need to balance cost, engine scope, build quality (and ease of folding) against your own needs.

[Lordy]

Thanks Malthouse - that's an emphatic response!

I was hoping to get away with something big and light, but they don't seem to exist.

Your Quicksilvers seem to get continually good votes...may have to come and visit you soon!!

Cheers!

Originally Posted by malthouse

Yes.

Most emphatically yes. A high pressure keel section will give you a reasonable shallow V hull form but it will only cope if it is braced against something solid, ie a good interlocking floor.

There are plenty of good options, but as with a RIB you need to balance cost, engine scope, build quality (and ease of folding) against your own needs.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Lordy

Your Quicksilvers seem to get continually good votes.

Cheers indeed

There are cheaper boats, faster ones too. But I like 'em!

[PacificNWrib]

What about a Zodiac Zoom SR? It folds down to the size of the wind surf board. You have a hard bottom/keel and yet it compacts to a smaller size.

[samt]

I would choose the bombard aerotechs (spelling?) where the floor provides the V-shape.

I always found the seperate inflatable keel tended to move under the floor.

However my favourite was an oldish sib, with a plywood floor, and wooden keel. I found this to perform the best. Wish I'd never sold it for an air-deck!

[prairie tuber]

I realize I am biased, but I haven't seen any other SIB come anywhere close to this for build quality or ride in rough conditions.

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....ht=extreme+sib

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23277

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Lordy

Hello again!


I may need a SIB as a tender to a RIB - long story to do with mooring and tides - and can obviously see the benefits of a rigid hull to an inflatable hull.

If we're still talking Salcombe here why not just get a harbour taxi for the amount of time you'll be there for? They pick up from the slipway or whitestrands in the middle of town.

[Lordy]

Hello again Cookee!
Yes, Salcombe it is, but I read somewhere on this forum that getting the taxi during regatta weeks is like waiting for a night bus. And we're there during regatta weeks.
And that's the story I'll be sticking to with Mrs Lordy to have any hope of getting a little SIB of some sort, which I'd still very much like!

Originally Posted by Cookee

If we're still talking Salcombe here why not just get a harbour taxi for the amount of time you'll be there for? They pick up from the slipway or whitestrands in the middle of town.