buying a small rib, light enough for pulling with my car.

[Glaerox]

Hello ribbers,

2 Years ago I bought a 310 sib with a 5HP suzuki. A great boat, good for lots of fun! But now with more experience I want to go bigger and faster. But there a 3 limitations.

1. Budget. (about 6000 euro, 5500 Pound)

2. Space. (max 4M rib)

3. Car (Fiat Panda 1.2 60HP, Pulls max 800KG (1750LB)

Do you think there would be a Rib that fould fit my expectations? am thinking to fit it with a 15-25HP engine. I want a seat on it where 2 people could sit side to side. Not a jockey seat so you have sit behind the other.

Could you give me some advice?

With kind greatings, Bastiaan

[chewy]

SR4 with dutch retro porn seats, you'll easily get one for that money although the engine will be bigger than what you want.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F210313

[Glaerox]

thanks for the quick reply!

I forgot to mention that I like to buy the boat brand new


I like the grand Silver line s370L a lot, but i dont know the price

[chewy]

Bam Bam on here is selling his Zodiac, its not brand new but does look it, might be worth a pm?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Glaerox

3. Car (Fiat Panda 1.2 60HP, Pulls max 80KG (175LB)

[Glaerox]

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Glaerox

3. Car (Fiat Panda 1.2 60HP, Pulls max 800KG (1750LB)

I used to own a Panda, and 800 kg behind one is a scary thought (even a newer presumably heavier one!). It would need to be a braked trailer - without brakes you'll be much more constrained. Braked trailer is going to add expense (and some weight to the package which then detracts from the boat options). It also adds an extra maintenance headache.

In terms of can it be done? then with a little compromise it might be possible... I suspect you'll struggle to get a "reputable"* brand of RIB, Engine and trailer that meets all your requirements exactly (including new within the budget) and gives you a reasonably fast package. The real question you need to ask is whether you can really hope to safely, comfortably and reliably tow 800 kg behind a 1.2L panda. I wouldn't.

However, don't be dispirited because you can get a boat that will meet your spec and may be nowhere near the upper weight limit you suggest. My boat is not technically a RIB (and so may be a little lighter?) but I am familiar with the numbers involved so I'll use it as an example:

3.9m boat .... 120 kg
'console' .... ~ 30 kg
20 HP 2str engine .... 48 kg (You can't get these new now)
Battery etc .... ~15 kg (You could live without)
Fuel .... ~ 30 kg
Anchor, and other "equipment" .... 15 kg

Trailer .... ~150 kg [IIRC] (this is for an UNbraked, bunk trailer)

So a total package weight of around 400-450 kg. And with a new price that is within your budget. If I was towing this behind a Panda I would probably still want a braked trailer even if it does manage to scrape through the technical unbraked limit.


* That is not to suggest that any boat which does meet the spec completely is not a good boat, or of reasonable quality - rather that the "big brands" in boats, engines and trailers attract a bit of a premium which may or may not be justified!

[GerryP]

I have a 3.8m RIB with a 30HP 4st engine on the back. Trailer is unbraked. Consule and 2 man jockey seat, plus all usual bits and pieces make the weight up. I also have a 1000cc Vauxhaul Corsa.
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I have pulled the RIB short distances with the Corsa no problems.
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The problem you may get is launching and recovery. Most slips are covered in sand, alge & wet (or all three!). I guess your Panda is front wheel drive (?). The problem is the launch/recovery.
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I use my wifes car (!!!) to put the boat in the water, 2000cc diesel, no issues.
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And yes she does know!.
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Good luck, let us know what you get, and how you get on with the Panda.

[Glaerox]

thanks for the info!

the trailer have to got brakes, im willing to pay more when it comes to safety. Im not planning to get a boat exactly at 800KG. I think the weight like you mention is exactley what i got in mind, only the trailer would be a bit heavier with brakes, and the engine would be a bit heavier, cause I really dont want a 2T (fuel costs, smell, polution and oil). Some of the gear I can transport in the car (like gasoline and equipment).

I own a new type of panda, bigger tires and 3cm shorter springs for better road handling. Could probably make it a 70hp car with some chiptuning.

[chewy]

Feck me, 70hp after some tuning.
Buy the SR4 and a decent tow car and have some money left over for some cakes.