Deep-V ribs - manufacturer comparisons?

[steve-ribnet]

Hi All,
I'm researching into what deep-V RIBs are available from different manufacturers, at 5.5m or thereabouts, and would love to hear your experiences.

I'm sure everyone has their pet favourite RIB manufacturers - I'm a Tornado/Humber man, but haven't a clue about what the competitors have to offer in deep-v RIBs that can make headway in high seas without slamming (like an Avon;-), keeping a (relatively) dry ride, perhaps at the expense of stationary stability. The rib would be for diving - 6 divers or so, running heavily loaded on long runs in 'lively' seas, powered by 100-115hp outboard.


How's about a little "Complete this list" of comparable RIBs? The ones I'm familiar are already filled in, with what I currently consider to have the most desirable attributes at the top. The more common manufacturers I have come across in second hand sales are left for you to complete if you could please. Additions, corrections and justifications of your choices appreciated!

Delta: Dash-5.5
Humber: Destroyer
Tornado 5.5
XS-RIBS: ?
Ribcraft: ?
Ribeye: ?
Rib-Tec: ?
Northcraft: ?
Zodiac: ?
Valiant: ?
BMW: ?
Avon: ?
any others? ??

thanks all, looking forward to see what you all have to say

cheers

steve

[GordyP]

Halmatic. Either an Arctic 22,24 or 28 with outboards (for performance and fun)or the Pacific with the inboard diesel.

Very deep V hull, good second hand examples can be found.

My Arctic 22 came with twin 115's which would push her along at 42 knots fully loaded with divers and kit, she would cruise with reasonable economy at 30 knots.

[Mr Flibble]

I've seen Gordy's boat in the marina, very nice. Tried crowbarring off the Etecs but they wouldn't budge.

I'm very impressed with the Humber Ocean Pro 5.5m. Nice dry ride, good handling. I manage about 50mph 3 up with the 115 tldi, about 33mph 4 up and a shed load of twinsets.

My old club had a Narwhal which was also nice.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by steve-ribnet

at 5.5m or thereabouts

Originally Posted by GordyP

Arctic 22,24 or 28

Over spec?

[GeoffChopper]

what degree would a rib become classed 'deep'? greater than 22?

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Channel might be right, brilliant though the halmatics are, possible overkill for what the op wants.

Something to consider re Humber. Destroyer and Ocean Pro are two different hulls. Both have a high sheer bow to help stop stuffing in a following sea. The latter has chines/spray rails that help lift the boat on to the plane more quickly and also make the boat sit higher in the water under way when loaded with kit. Something to consider if you are putting divers and gear on. As it's more complex a hull, it is obviously more expensive though. Attaque is the former version i believe of the Ocean pro and v similar but sometimes without such a high sheer bow. Assault is just poo for what you need. Destroyer and OP are available with different beams.

My tuppence worth.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by steve-ribnet

[B]any others?

Only the very best of that size, the Osprey Vipermax 5.8m.

[GordyP]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

Over spec?

Yep.

The 22 will take 8 divers who are diving single cylinders, with 6 divers who are taking extra cylinders or on twinsets with stages the boat is pretty much full. Doing longer distance stuff, especially offshore I would be thinking of something about 6.5m to take the kit and ride comfortably with the extra weight.

Just my 2p.

[martini]

Originally Posted by steve-ribnet

BMW: ?

Not familiar with these but I'm guessing they lack directional stability at the stern

Originally Posted by Mollers

Only the very best of that size, the Osprey Vipermax 5.8m.

Originally Posted by steve-ribnet

...without slamming (like an Osprey;-),

[Viper]

Although a llittle under 5.5 my 'aged' my Osprey Viper 525 will easily cope with 6 divers and kit, and really comes into its own being a 'big small boat' when it gets lively.

Because of the internal width between sponsons there is plenty of space for kitting up, it is actually 7in wider than my 7m+ atlantic.

Not sure how the new vipermax matches up though.