Anyone driven the valiant dr490 and ribcraft 4.8?

[Craig H]

Sorry to harp on about choosing my new boat but I do value other opinions!

Has anyone driven both the valiant dr490 and rc4.8? id like to know how they compare in handling. Took the valiant for a test drive today and was very impressed going through waves but supprised at how light and skittish the back end felt at speed, obviously didnt worry the RNLI so maybe im being hyper-sensative!

Any others I should consider at this size?

thanx

[ian parkes]

I had the 490 valiant , didn't have any problems with the back end as you describe but mine had a fairly heavy suzook 70 4stroke . It did like to be trimmed well in to turn sharply and i do remember trying to turn it at speed when i first got it and going very wide .

I think a ribcraft would cost you double the money but it is a higher quality boat . Depends on your needs and pocket . The valiant did us well for 2 years with no problems and held its value well.

[Craig H]

Thanks Ian,

Why do you think the RC is higher quality? The valiant appeared to be very well made and at £4400 is £1500 cheaper than the the RC.

Overall im looking for the best sea keeping i can find under 5m.

[ian parkes]

Both sound pretty cheap . All the decent ribcrafts I saw with up to date engines etc were around 10 grand . The valiant i had was under 6 for a similar year and age .

If you want sea keeping At that price many people here would say find a tidy searider , and having seen my Valiant next to Nos4's searider in the same bit of choppy sea it would be good advice. But going just that bit bigger is probably the answer as i found despite advice in the begining.

[prairie tuber]

What are the details on the tubing materials of these 2 boats?

I know I harp on this often, but tubing material is very important, since retubing costs are very expensive.

[matt h]

comparing the R c to the valiant is like comparing a robin reliant to a Audi A3, ive owned a 4.8 and have been out in the River Severn in the Valiant 490, miles apart,
Ribcraft for me, next boat will be a rc again,

they are all good for their particular purpose, but the RC is built for British Waters !!

[yoyo]

Originally Posted by ian parkes

Both sound pretty cheap . All the decent ribcrafts I saw with up to date engines etc were around 10 grand .

I think that Craig H is after the bare boat only.

[GRAHAM SOMERS]

You can purchase the Valiant with 2 fabric types, Haku (PVC ) 5 year fabric & seam warranty, or Akron ( PU ) with a 10 year fabric & seam warranty. The Industries highest warranty. The Company is owned by Brunswick, the largest Marine Company in the World.They own Mercury, Mariner,Sealine, Boston Whaler, Maxum etc.
According to the RLNI this is the best performing 5M RIB in the world. The person who says it is a 'Reliant Robin ' is talking utter nonsense. The boat is being used by RIB International in the Round Scotland Challenge this August and has been endorsed by their Editor on many occasions.

[Polwart]

Graham, I would agree that to compare the valiant to a reliant robin is probably unfair, and the comparison between an A3 and the Ribcraft is potentially equally as misleading (in fact comparisons to cars is a bit false in general since engines/performance are quite important in both the car and boat - and you can stick whatever engine you want on the boat). If people want to make comparisons then probably best to stick to models that are actually in production, and say how they compare (handling, build quality, value for money, style, reputation, performance, over hyped brand, loyal customer following, etc).

However whilst I think it is reasonable that you (IBS) have a right of response, your response comes across as a bit too much of an advert - I suggest you should, at the very least, clearly state your allegiance on such a post and it might be more appropriate to sign up for a trade membership.

[prairie tuber]

Originally Posted by Polwart

However whilst I think it is reasonable that you (IBS) have a right of response, your response comes across as a bit too much of an advert - I suggest you should, at the very least, clearly state your allegiance on such a post and it might be more appropriate to sign up for a trade membership.

Indeed.