market on the continent

[dnv]

Dear ribnet community

Frequently I do judging, umpiring and safety duties for yacht races. As quiet often the organizers provide crap, I am considering in buying my own rib.

I am located in Northern Germany, and do read this forum for quiet some time. As well as regularly screening the known sources - appolloduck, boatshed, boatsandoutboard, ...

To me it seems that, except the Danish Pro-Safe and some expensive dutch makes, no builders of non-toys exist here. Same goes for the 2nd hand market - nothing available, or I don't know where to look.
Consequently, I have not yet developed a feeling for a reasonable price level.

Do you have advise where to look for a spec as per below?
- Area of operation around Helgoland in German Bight, between there and mainland Germany, and on Stollergrund off Kiel.
- Duties are either umpiring, on the water judging, or rescue. On occasion family cruising on river Elbe west of Hamburg.
- Speed to catch up with, say, Farr 40
- acceleration from low speed to get out of the way of planing yachts (or breaking waves) in heavy seas.
- Capability to tow some dinghies or even J24.
- Size requirements: seating for two crew, plus transporting one rigged dinghi from optimist size up to 505 cross the tubes behind helm. Breadth limitation 2.5m due to German street regulations.
- Range at least some 120nm or 8 to 10hrs at mixed speed profile minimum.
- NO clamps on the tubes
- Navigation lights req'd.
- Trailer required.

Think that's it for the high level spec. Do you have recommendations where to look on the continent?

Thanks in advance

[Tim M]

Ribcraft 585? Although I'm not totally sure you could get a dingy on the back very easily.

[dnv]

Hi Tim M

this rib seems to be an option. I have done it with a 6m Bombard.

However, the question is less what Rib, rather where to look at in terms of dealer, forum, market place and of course manufacturer in general here in Northern Europe. I have found nothing like this - except the mentioned Pro-Safe - sofar. All found are dealers for med-like Ribs, or toys.
Of course I do appreciate recommendations on makes. I know that Ribcraft, Tornado, Halmatic, Osprey, or Delta fit into my spec, but still - where to buy?

regards
dnv

[Tim M]

From my perspective (will be interesting to see what others think) there don't seem to be many decent used ribs out there at the moment. I keep a fairly keen eye boatsandoutboards and theres little in the way of interest at the moment. With finding the right boat I think its just a matter of sitting tight and keeping a lookout. All the websites you mentioned above are good for RIBs, my favourite is boatsandoutboards. You might find you have to travel to get the right boat. I had some blokes from Germany came and buy one off me once!

[Neil Harvey]

there are manufacturers out there in northern europe.
For example, if I recall correctly, Osprey are sold in Holland, plus some others.

[biffer]

parker ribs could sort you out a rib, i think they have strong ties with northern europe, i think you should go for diesel if you want towing and long distance capabilities, mine isn't made by parker but the same format is good for towing and you can drag smaller boats (lazers) up on the back, i have done similar things here in britain with my boat, you dont have to have cabin, head, bunks etc, but it comes in handy

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by biffer

parker ribs could sort you out a rib, i think they have strong ties with northern europe,

I think he is looking for second hand rather than new though, but it might be worth talking to Parker in poland. (www.parkerribs.com).

i think you should go for diesel if you want towing and long distance capabilities,

because petrol boats can't do that? RNLI ILB's seem to manage towing just fine... as do almost all sailing club rescue boats. Diesel might be more ecconomical, and depending where you are opperating more readily available on the dockside, but ultimately range/endurance has as much to do with fuel tank size as the fuel itself.

And if he is looking for something easy to tow on the road he's probably not going to get much deck space for rescue work if he goes inboard diesel.

[Andre]

Originally Posted by dnv

Dear ribnet community

Frequently I do judging, umpiring and safety duties for yacht races. As quiet often the organizers provide crap, I am considering in buying my own rib.

I am located in Northern Germany, and do read this forum for quiet some time. As well as regularly screening the known sources - appolloduck, boatshed, boatsandoutboard, ...

To me it seems that, except the Danish Pro-Safe and some expensive dutch makes, no builders of non-toys exist here. Same goes for the 2nd hand market - nothing available, or I don't know where to look.
Consequently, I have not yet developed a feeling for a reasonable price level.

Do you have advise where to look for a spec as per below?
- Area of operation around Helgoland in German Bight, between there and mainland Germany, and on Stollergrund off Kiel.
- Duties are either umpiring, on the water judging, or rescue. On occasion family cruising on river Elbe west of Hamburg.
- Speed to catch up with, say, Farr 40
- acceleration from low speed to get out of the way of planing yachts (or breaking waves) in heavy seas.
- Capability to tow some dinghies or even J24.
- Size requirements: seating for two crew, plus transporting one rigged dinghi from optimist size up to 505 cross the tubes behind helm. Breadth limitation 2.5m due to German street regulations.
- Range at least some 120nm or 8 to 10hrs at mixed speed profile minimum.
- NO clamps on the tubes
- Navigation lights req'd.
- Trailer required.

Think that's it for the high level spec. Do you have recommendations where to look on the continent?

Thanks in advance

This rib may just be what you are looking for, of course this will depend on your budget
PARKER 900RS - Cummins QSD 350HP - £54,000 + VAT


At the end of April we visited the Island of Helgoland with Seahawk V on route to the UK so my rib knows your waters

[Apherel]

The speed, range, sea worthyness and towing capacity you require will be easily met with a well set up commercial type rib over 5.8 or 6.0 m.

The main issue is the size of rib you need to get a boat onboard. Our yacht club runs a range of ribs from 4-5 to 7.3m. In rescue / recovery situations it is only the 7.3m that has enough room behind the console to get a boat in. They don't fit in the 6.0m boats they way they are set up for us.

Maybe if you could specify a forward console and clear space, there might be enough space in a 6.5 or 6m boat. Worth while checking on the sailing forums what others have managed.

Outboard 4 stroke is the way to go. you need lots of room in the hull with a minimum of obstructions.

Regarding range, it makes a difference if your needs are long range in a small area, where the smaller boats would be OK, or more open waters where the longer the better.

The 7.3m with twin 140s is a superb support boat. There is an ongoing debate about it being overkill for most requirements, and costly to run, but when it is really needed, no-one ever complains.

(Edit: Re read your question and have probably responded more the the replies!)

[dnv]

Originally Posted by Apherel

(Edit: Re read your question and have probably responded more the the replies!)

yepp;-) However, your thoughts confirm my personal experience ref sizec and setup. I used 4m noname to 6m Tornado, with many variations in between and the sie and setup is quiet clear.

Ref my question, compared to the market situation in Northern Europe, you have far more options in UK/Eire.

Thanks