Can anyone comment on this rib?

[BigFella]

Hi, I have searched the forum and found many conflicting views on both Zodiac Pro Ribs and twin engines, so now I am even more confused than ever... lol.

Does anyone have any comments (Useful or otherwise I Guess ) on this rib which is for sale:

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/ZndvODU1..._OPEN_650.html

More info here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RIB-Zodiac-Pro...QQcmdZViewItem

Bearing in mind that I am looking for something for cruising in the Solent mainly but with a turn of speed when needed (alright then when a certain lady isn't onboard)..but also something that doesn't look too commercial in order to keep that very same person happy..

As you can see it was on ebay for a while and didn't sell so I guess the guy may be willing to do a deal... then again possibly not if he is reading this... lol

Best

Keith

[Chris]

Firstly the two engines add up to more than the boat is rated for that might cause you insurance problems.

Secondly and more importantly is the weight of those two engines together may exceed the maximum transom weight and there is someone on here who has just experienced this problem on a smaller Zodiac where the transom cracked and the manufaturer were not much help due to the weight issue.

Thirdly is one of the engines Contrarotating?, if not how does this affect the handling (I am not an expert on twin installations however I believe its a good idea to have this)

However if all this is not a problem it seems like a good price for all that you are getting.

I would certainly want to give it a really good sea trial before handing over the cash.

[codprawn]

I would like to know why one engine is mounted about 2" higher than the other - very strange unless it's to overcome torque which would be a strange way of doing it.

I suspect the boat is a pig to drive with all that weight hanging off the back. the engines are also crammed in very close together.

Take someone who knows about RIBs and engines and if everything is fine buy it - take off the engines and flog them - then stick a 150 on it. Maybe just sell 1 engine first and see how it goes with a single 90 - it may perform better than that dodgy setup!!!

[nikster]

codders put your glasses on they are the same height - the rh is not fully trimmed in... but agree with everything else.. :-)

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by nikster

codders put your glasses on they are the same height - the rh is not fully trimmed in... but agree with everything else.. :-)

I don't know about that - even the shot of them running at speed is the same!!!

[prairie tuber]

As much as I like to contradict Codders simply to get a reaction from him ( ), he is correct that the 2 outboards are mounted at different heights. In all of the ebay pictures (taken from various angles) the starboard outboard is noticeably higher than the port side OB. Also a quick look at the 2 props shows that they are not counter rotating props.

[BigFella]

Hi, thanks everyone for your comments, I have to say that I had noticed something funny about the engine heights but wasn't sure (and I know very little )the owner sent me a load more pictures tonight and to be honest some of them have put me off so I will continue my search..

Acually in some ways the 'hunt' for the right boat is actually part of the fun I think... although it would be better to be out on the water, I am not taking any rash decisions and don't want to part with my hard-earned for the 'wrong' boat.

Thanks again

[Richard B]

Have you been out on many to try?

[BigFella]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Have you been out on many to try

I haven't test-driven any whilst I have been looking, but I have spent reasonable amounts of time on an Ocean Cabin Rib which I think is around 8.5 and is Inboard Diesel. I have also used A Solent 750 with an old 200 2 stroke (Very thirsty), Avon 620 with new 4 stroke Suzuki, Ribtec 585 can't remember what that had on the back and a Ribeye (which seemed to be a fairly 'rough' ride)

That's pretty much it I think. I guess I would rate the ride of the Ocean as the smoothest in my experience from these four, but I was quite impressed with the finish of the Avon. The Ribtec certainly gave a good ride also. I thought the Solent was a litle 'wet' but it was particular bad conditions in Solent Chop into a 5/6 headwind so I guess a little 'spray was to be expected.

I have to admit it is hard to judge one rib against another unless it is under the same conditions..

[genoa]

Originally Posted by BigFella

and a Ribeye (which seemed to be a fairly 'rough' ride)

I have to admit it is hard to judge one rib against another unless it is under the same conditions..

By aware also, that there are 2 very different Ribeyes! The Sport range are hypalon and quite heavy making a good touring boat, whereas the Playtimes are plastic and light making them a good fun boat, but not one you'd want out in a big sea, necessarily (more med than S.Coast!!)

I agree about rating in different conditions, and I'd go back to the point about how many of the boat are around. If there are plenty then resale is easier. A boat that doesn't have a big following will make the resale difficult.
You won't get it right first time, unless you spend the summer in and out of as many boats as you can find.