HELP: Which Rib??

[yoyo]

Hi Guys, I am new to this ribnet thingy-ma-jig,

Im looking to buy my first (entry level) RIB for family fun around the northwales coast area. I think 4.5m is about the right length, but which make do you experts out there suggest is the best bet for cruising, fishing, ringo etc.. I may be tempted to buy the boat only and fit it out with console, steering, etc over the next few months. The Ribs that I have been looking at are Humber4.5, Ribcraft4.5,Tohatsu14.
BTW any feed back on the Tohatsu 50hp-2stroke triple would be of help, they seem to be priced very reasonably.
We presently have a 3m suzumar inflatable & 9.8hp Tohatsu but the kids are growing fast!!

[mike]

if you give up on ribs I have a 4.0 metre avon sea sport (solid floor)
for £800
if not go for the ribcraft and the tohatsu will be fine , the build quality on the ribcraft is better and important ly so is the hull!


mike

[parm]

Hi there i was in the same position as you - 3 kids growing fast. i have today orderd a adventure 450+ selva 35hp 2 stroke + rollercoaster trailer £5200.
50hp approx £1000 more. 35hp will do for me as it will only be used on river + lough erne + towing tube. Seems a good rib + not expensive and so far everyone that seems to know about selva motors says they are bomb proof?? anyone else wish to comment?

[Red Fox]

If you could go bigger with the engine then I would. I had a zodiac 3.8 inflatable with 25hp on and when the lads grew too big (age14) it was near impossible to get the tube on the plane with more than one in the boat. Now have a Zodiac pro 3, 4.2m with a 40 hp 4 stroke and even with three in the tube pops onto the plane easily. So 35 on a 4.5 might be a struggle in a year or two. I would suggest 40 minimum and 50 if it will take it. You will want more in time and swapping a 3 yr old 35 for a new 50 might cost more than a thousand.

[parm]

i know i would love a 50 or 60hp but the kids will be using the rib and they are 10 12 + 14 so i thought 35hp might be safe + up grade in a couple of years
The 10 + 12 year old are boys + the 12 year old ( who is light) clocked himself on gps at 19 knots in the valiant 250 with merc 5hp - i can only manage 14kts so i rekon 35hp plenty at the moment!!

[Jono Garton]

Hi

Have you looked at the Avon Adventure 4.5m? David at Glassllyn in portmadoc as got one in stock - 01766513545

He will also sell you all the bits if you want to fit it out yourself.

Where in North Wales will you be boating?

[yoyo]

hi, Jono Garton,

We spend much of our time on Anglesey durring the summer months. I did have afternoon down looking around the Cricketh and "port mad dog" area. Your the second person who has now mentioned the Adventurer....

[Jono Garton]

Your welcome to come and try our 560 adventures or just pop in for a cuppa anyway. Were in the Harbour masters building in Pwllheli.