First time buyer

[BobPortugal]

I'm a first time buyer of a rib. Think I need something like 4 metres and am currently focusing on Valiant, budget is around £5,000.

The rib's to be used in a bay and a lagoon close by (10 mins) from where we live and on rivers here in Portugal. We'd like for example to do camping trips on the river Douro up in Porto about a three hour drive. We'd like the rib to be capable of taking 4 people with camping gear etc.

I'd very much appreciate advice on:

(1) Engine power required?
(2) Is Valiant a good choice?
(3) What to look out for on the rib inspection wise?

Any help greatly appreciated.

cheers
Bob

[BobPortugal]

I'd really like your help. What do you think of this Valiant, about £4,200 is it a good deal? Hard to tell here. Do you think it's possible to ski with this setup? 25 hp Suzuki.

thanks

Bob

[Downhilldai]

That Soozook is late '80s. Is the boat a similar age and on original pvc toobs?
Ideally, you'd need 40-50hp to ski with that RIB - 25hp would be only really be ok for pottering about.

[Locozodiac]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

That Soozook is late '80s. Is the boat a similar age and on original pvc toobs?
Ideally, you'd need 40-50hp to ski with that RIB - 25hp would be only really be ok for pottering about.

Already having the engine, see if you can update the Suz 25 to 30 HP, look for the parts to change and their cost, will perform better than a 25 but definitely not for skiing either.

Happy Ribbing

[BobPortugal]

Thanks Downhilldai. The adv doesn't mention year of boat. So I need to look for one with 50 hp or so to ski.

cheers

Bob

[BobPortugal]

Thanks Locozodiac.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by BobPortugal

Thanks Downhilldai. The adv doesn't mention year of boat. So I need to look for one with 50 hp or so to ski.

cheers

Bob

Yep - or if it's cheap enough, you could change the motor for a 50