Choosing new boat

[Stig]

Hi everyone,

I've done searches on the forum to try and find out what people think about some boats I'm looking at getting. Found some info but still not decided.

I'm looking at a 585 ribcraft with a 130 honda, a 6 m humber destroyer with a 150 optimax or a 6.5m humber destroyer with a 90 optimax. Opinions please and sorry if this is same old, same old to you. I'm only a young fella about to blow all his money so kinda nervous.

Thanks

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Stig

Hi everyone,

I've done searches on the forum to try and find out what people think about some boats I'm looking at getting. Found some info but still not decided.

I'm looking at a 585 ribcraft with a 130 honda, a 6 m humber destroyer with a 150 optimax or a 6.5m humber destroyer with a 90 optimax. Opinions please and sorry if this is same old, same old to you. I'm only a young fella about to blow all his money so kinda nervous.

Thanks

The only one of those I would be dubious about is the 6.5m Destroyer and thats only because I think it would be underpowered.

I have no experience of owning either boat but I have heard good things about both from various people with more experience than me.

Ribcraft do have a very good rep for quality moreso than Humber I believe.

I think I would personally go for the Humber as with that engine on the back would make it a really fun boat !

Chris

[Hightower]

First..Welcome to RIBnet!

Hulls:

Humbers and RIBcraft are both good hulls, so providing the hulls and tubes are sound then they get a thumbs up from me.

The size of the RIB is largly up to you. 5.85, 6.0 or 6.5? The larger is going to be generaly more seaworthy than the smaller ones, but for a given horspower will be slower and less economical than the smaller ones, so as I said....It depends on your application on what size you go for.

Engines:

The Honda is a fairly good engine but does suffer from cracked powerheads I believe (around the valves). Is also a little long in the tooth by todays engine choices, is heavy and I think it produces less than the stated 130 horses.

The 90/150 Opti is a cool engine and people on here love em. Check the service history on older ones, but one from say 2003 should give you many problems, just check all the stamps in the book. Don't forget that Optis are 2 stroke oil burners, but can be very economical with fuel.

As for the packages:

The RIBcraft with the Honda should be a fairly good match if a little stern heavy. A sea trial would be needed to see what she handled like. Provided the engine has a full service history, there's no reason why you should have a happy partnership with this one, should be economical too.

6m Humber with Opti 150, is going to be your highest performer as far as top speed and acceleration is concerned. Good match I would say.

The Humber 6.5m with 90 Opti. Good Hull, should safely see you though the rough stuff and get you home. With a 90 on the back! Humm, sell it and get a 150! Would be the best hull if you're looking at offshore cruising, but the lack of performance with the 90 wil mean you're pushing max revs all the time and costing yourself an arm and a leg in the amber go go juice.

Your choice?

I'm sure there'll be other opinions that will just as much confuse you

Good luck!

[Stig]

Thanks guys,

The Honda is about 5 years old but with only about 120 hours, I presume that this should mean that it's going to be okay for a while? The optis are new or nearly new. I want to use the boat for cruising, what I thouhgt was good about the ribcraft is that is has seating for 4 and a nice double console. The humbers only have a single jockey for the driver and less seats.

[matt h]

Ribcraft Ribcraft Ribcraft!! Build quality and everything else about them is superb, 585 is on my shopping list as next boat!!

[Cypman]

Hi Stig
Ribcraft and Humber are great hulls so your choice is probably going to be made on engines,seating etc,etc. From your descriptions I guess you are looking on Apollo Duck Ireland. Before you make your decision I would be tempted to look at Boats and Outboards For Sale , Apollo Duck UK and some of the other sites, there are a lot of similar boats currently available and you may find something better for your circa £17k !!!

[Paul Beaurain]

Hello Stig
We had a Humber Ocean Pro 6.3m with Suzuki 115. but wished it was 140!
In big seas we would be on full throttle trying to climb some waves.
Build quality, electrics in particular were not very clever on my boat.

Tell us all when yiou do buy and then - see you on the water
Paul

[Stig]

I had a feeling that the 90 might be a bit underpowered. I'll also have a look on those other sites see what else I can find

[BassBoy]

Have to agree with Matt on the Ribcraft. Just be grateful you don't have to go through the pain of buying a new one!

[Maximus]

Hi Stig,
you asked,Ribcraft all the way mate! suprerior in my view,build quality
materials,handleing,not to mention re sale value.I dont know which part of the country you hail from but the guys at Yeovil are very helpfull and friendly,
gave me the guided tour,and I wasnt even buying my Ribcraft from them!
All the best whatever you get!!