Found an interesting RIB for sale

[jlanng]

As you may have seen from my previous threads, I'm looking for a RIB around the 6m mark.

This one caught my eye:
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F37516/

It's a Gemini Waverider 6m fitted with a 150hp Optimax motor.

Just spoke to the guy. It's belongs to his powerboat school - Tiger Bay Training in Cardiff Bay. Wonder if he posts on here?!

There are 700 hours on the engine, which seems like quite a lot, but if it's well maintained I guess it shouldn't be an issue. When do these motors generally need an overhaul?

The trailer is unbraked. Seeing as I'll be towing it with a saloon car, would that be need addressing?

All input / comments gratefully received

[geoff]

Boat looks very interesting. My guess is that they are selling it with an American Trailer which are usually use bunks and not rollers and are not braked. They are very tough, last forever and illegal for loads over 750kg in this country, hence very cheap. The combined weight of the boat and trailer will be around 1.5 tonnes so you should factor buying a braked trailer (approx £2,000). Having said that, I pulled a 5.5m RIB on an unbraked trailer for 2 years with a Disco and my brother then had it behind a Volvo Estate and never a problem.

[Richard B]

Sounds like one go for, but only with eyes wide open!

Some US operators of Optimax engines have posted problems with engines that have covered 900-1200 hours - so you could hit similar problems in a couple of years.

Bear in mind that as well as as the engine, the boat itself could be well worn after 700 hours of training courses. As long as the tubes are in decent condition and the hull and fittings are also in good condition you're probably onto a decent buy. Gemini appear to build their boats very well.

If it's been used for RYA PB1/2/advanced, the gearbox will have been crunched in and out of fwd/reverse thousands of times practising manouevres, so perhaps find out if the gearbox has ever been replaced?

It might be worth finding out where the motor's been serviced and talk to them? Also speak to the Gemini importers and find out the RRP for a new one?

Probably the key question is "If the engine went pop, could I re-engine and still have a reasonable buy?" I reckon that at £11750 the answer could be yes.

As for the trailer, if the all-up weight of the boat on the trailer exceeds 750kg, you will need a braked trailer to use it legally on the road, irrespective of what vehicle you use to tow.

Good luck!

[jackeen]

Hi there,
What I would say about the 6 mtr is that its very broad and the hull is not a standard V. the outer edges of the hull near the tubes turn down kinda like out riggers.

It gives it a stable ride especiaslly at rest and I understand can slam abit and not the fastest hull around. Its completly different that the other Gemini range.

All IMHO

Paul

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by jackeen

the outer edges of the hull near the tubes turn down kinda like out riggers...

d'you mean it's got a reverse chine?

[jackeen]

Don't know the tech name for it. Could be or it could ber called a bowl of soup for all I know.

its strange though. I think theres a pic on the SA website 9 or used to be)

Paul

[Pete7]

Wonder if this is one of the ex rib charter fleet ? Rogue Waiv would be able to confirm it, but there was a fleet of 6 Gemini's in the Solent as matched charter boats. It didn't make the kind of money expected so the boats were sold off. The charter boat fleet had the console at the back but someone might have moved it all around. If it is then it might be a good buy, same with a school boat, at least it might have been maintained properly.

One of them had an accident and ended up in a car park at Hamble Point Marina having cleared the bank and fence. Legend has it the engine was still running when the car park attendant found it , hull undamaged says something for them although not sure I would want that one.

Boat, engine and trailer are going to weigh over 750 kgs so you will need brakes, would be worth checking who manufactured it and then ask them how much a 1300 kg axle is.

Pete

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by jackeen

Don't know...its strange though. I think theres a pic on the SA website 9 or used to be)

Paul

Is this the one you mean?

[The Jackeens]

thats the baby Richard

[Rogue Wave]

It's not a clipper boat. They was set up with the console at the rear

Looking at the Opti it doesn't look like a Saltwater so I don't think that's the engine from it either and it looks like a fairly good deal to me (especially if Tiger Bay woz the original owner) 1000 hours I think is the overhaul point. points to llok out for on an Opti is failing compressors, solenoids and starters. so if he's had any of these replaced that's good for you. Also be aware that it wasn't uncommon for these engines to have new ECU's which reset the hours. so ask if that has happened. They are great engines by the way

The boat would be known to Storm or Stormy from this forum send em an email and ask em what's what