Help buying boat

alizarraga7000 · 05 December 2016, 21:13

Hi guys!

I actually was looking for some help. For the last two years my dad and I have gone fishing with one of his friends. He recently went to live to another state, and we started thinking that it would be fun to have a boat of our own. By the way, we know nothing about boats.

Someone recommended us an INMAR rib, but like I said, we know nothing about boats. They look great, but what do I know about a good or bad boat.

Can anyone tell me anything good or bad about this brand? or any other suggestion?

Boat they showed us: 600R-DR
600R-DR (20'2") Dive / Rescue Series (Rigid Hull) Inflatable Boat w/ Suzuki 115hp

Bigtalljv · 06 December 2016, 15:31

Hi, Welcome!

Where do you live, use the boat, and what's your primary usage going to be? Are you trailering it? any size limitations for storage? There can be lots of options and considerations about what's the best boat. Matching purpose and usage is important.

Jason

ncp · 07 December 2016, 04:24

Buy used before buying that Chinese stuff.

Welcome aboard.

jonp · 07 December 2016, 04:59

I highly recomend going out in any boat before you buy. I often head out in a mates Gemeni which if I didn't already own a zodiac would of put me off ever owning any rib.

I personaly hate wet boats, which my 2014 550 pro is not. Getting all your gear including electronics soaked unless it's it's extremely flat may be fun on the odd summers day but here in Aus where almost every day is a summers day I'm well and truly over wet boats.

Make sure you test a boat on a day with a moderate breeze and bit of chop.

Jon

Limecc · 07 December 2016, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncp

Buy used before buying that Chinese stuff.

Welcome aboard.

Honwave and Excel SIBs are made in China, both of which are very durable and good quality. My Suzuki engine is made in the Philippines or Taiwan I think so blanket statements about China are not applicable anymore. Most manufacturers offshore production so any reputable brand will ensure good quality control. The only exception I can think is Hunter boots (lol)
which start leaking just outside the warranty so fashion conscious suckers go out and buy another pair.

kerny · 07 December 2016, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Honwave and Excel SIBs are made in China, both of which are very durable and good quality. My Suzuki engine is made in the Philippines or Taiwan I think so blanket statements about China are not applicable anymore. Most manufacturers offshore production so any reputable brand will ensure good quality control. The only exception I can think is Hunter boots (lol)
which start leaking just outside the warranty so fashion conscious suckers go out and buy another pair.

I think that a few top brand sibs from China are okay but when it comes to RIBS ....... keep away from the Chinese brands because they are crap... Believe me I know.....

😉

alizarraga7000 · 07 December 2016, 17:17

I agree, china is not a synonym for bad quality anymore

jonp · 07 December 2016, 19:56

[QUOTE=alizarraga7000;736233]I agree, china is not a synonym for bad quality anymore[/QUOTE

Totally agree, Japan was once considered to be the country to stay away from.

Just take a look how the cars made in your own country stack up against the overseas models

Maximus · 07 December 2016, 20:13

[QUOTE=jonp;736237]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alizarraga7000

I agree, china is not a synonym for bad quality anymore[/QUOTE

Totally agree, Japan was once considered to be the country to stay away from.

Just take a look how the cars made in your own country stack up against the overseas models

Kerny and quite a few others on here have had Bad experiences (been burned) with Chinese RiB's so you've been warned!
If you don't value real life experience....work away!

cgoing · 08 December 2016, 02:49

The brand that you mentioned is not well made. Seams are poorly built and material weak compared to something like a valiant or a Zodiac. Just threw two of their soft bottom models in the dumpster as they were completely falling part and not very old. Both owners believed they were buying good quality boats.

Pikey Dave · 08 December 2016, 08:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by alizarraga7000

I agree, china is not a synonym for bad quality anymore

Caveat emptor

Poly · 13 December 2016, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Caveat emptor

That would make a good boat name for the OP...

Pikey Dave · 13 December 2016, 08:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

That would make a good boat name for the OP...

Aye, history repeating itself[emoji849]

jonp · 13 December 2016, 20:06

[QUOTE=Maximus;736238]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonp

Kerny and quite a few others on here have had Bad experiences (been burned) with Chinese RiB's so you've been warned!
If you don't value real life experience....work away!

Agree some crap comes out of China but not all is crap. Now nearly all our boat making manufacturers have transferred their boat building operations to China, the same press moulds and materials are used. The big difference is we no longer need to buy the materials from China to build the boats in this country or need to pay such high labour rates.

This allows more of us to head out in our boats now we're all on the dole!!!!

Top ten ship building companies in the world, where is Great Britain or the US. http://www.marineinsight.com/naval-a...world-in-2012/

Poly · 13 December 2016, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonp

Top ten ship building companies in the world, where is Great Britain or the US. Top 10 Shipbuilding Companies in the World in 2012

How many ribs are welded steel?

Xk59D · 13 December 2016, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

How many ribs are welded steel?

please don't interrupt with common sense, it has no business in the middle of making a point!