Barnstormer?

[JSP]

I'm coming close to deciding on what RIB to buy. I never rush into anything
Just found a RIB for sale made by Barnstormer. Tried searching the net for more info on the boats or company who make/made them but all I came up with was remote control boats ???

With the risk of offending the owner, here is the advert.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F189554
and on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:B:BCA:GB:1123

Anyone know anything about them?

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by JSP

Anyone know anything about them?

Err, no and that engine is probably 30 years old. Looks like someone has copied either a flatacraft or the early 4.9m Tornado, it could be well made or someone knocked it up in their garage over a weekend.

Look the boating season is about to come to and end. Well worth keeping an eye on e bay and B&O but in two months time when sellers become desperate, so hold tight and don't rush it. A nice 4.7 / 5.4m Avon or small BWM will be along shortly.

By chance here is an original Tornado:

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F192968

Oh and someone needs a new tape measure if this is 4.5 metres

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14


Pete

[Tim M]

That RIB (or one very very similar) has been sold on several times in the last year. It was on ebay last year, in Norfolk. Was quite tempted at the time as it was cheap and close to my parents place.

I wouldn't buy it. You could get a 4m Searider with a half decent engine for not a huge amount more.

[Nasher]

That is actually a Flatactaft Force4 GT with the seats, windscreen etc removed and a jockey dropped in.


Nasher

[JSP]

I've seen it listed 2 or 3 times on ebay. Thanks for that lads.

Pete,
I've been looking at that boat that you think maybe a tornado. Only thing putting me off is the very shallow hull. But it looks a good buy.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by JSP

Pete,
I've been looking at that boat that you think maybe a tornado. Only thing putting me off is the very shallow hull.

You were about to buy an ironing board with tubes I am sure the Hull on that tornado will be much more suitable.

[JSP]

Which one do you mean Chris? The barnstormer or the Ex RNLI training boat?

Cheers

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Oh and someone needs a new tape measure if this is 4.5 metres

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14


Pete

And the RNLI when the transom falls off!

[JSP]

How can you tell that from a photo mate?

Flaming hell! Trying to find the right RIB is 10 times harder than when we where looking for a Motor yacht for my parents to live on! Feels like I'm getting into the same kind of realms as classic car buying.

This RIB on ebay,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14 , what do you think to that. Says it has many patches which doesn't sound good and the engine can stall when idle. The engine doesn't bother me too much as I enjoy messing with them but tubes worry me. Can tubes be patched and still give a good few years of service?


Some one pass me a bottle of Jack D!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by JSP

How can you tell that from a photo mate?

Flaming hell! Trying to find the right RIB is 10 times harder than when we where looking for a Motor yacht for my parents to live on! Feels like I'm getting into the same kind of realms as classic car buying.

This RIB on ebay,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14 , what do you think to that. Says it has many patches which doesn't sound good and the engine can stall when idle. The engine doesn't bother me too much as I enjoy messing with them but tubes worry me. Can tubes be patched and still give a good few years of service?


Some one pass me a bottle of Jack D!

Is that the right link? I meant the second one which is the same one you quoted in reply. (i'd avoid the 1st one as it's got inner tubes!)
Reasons I'd avoid it-
The guy is clueless for a start if he thinks it's a 4.5 metre-It's a 5.4 Searider-rated to max 90hp and 175kg. That motor will be overweight for the boat as well as overpowered. It's ex military so will have been well abused to start with,then used as a dive club boat which probably means even more abuse.