Humber ocean pro 6.3 or 7m diesel inboard

[Paul]

I am about to purchase a larger RIB and have narrowed it down to a Humber Ocean Rro 6.3 or 7m with a 160hp Volvo Penta diesel inboard. There is only £2000 difference in the price between the boats. It will be used on the north east coast (Tynemouth northwards/southwards) but would also like to tow it to the west coast of Scotland frequently where we would like to do extended cruises including offshore passages (eg Outer Hebrides). On most occasions there will only be 3-4 people in the boat. I am a bit worried that the 7m would be difficult to tow because of its width(2.6m). Would we be losing much in the way of offshore capability/sea keeping by opting for the 6.3m. In addition what is it like launching such boats with two wheel drive car (towing capacity 1800kg.) Any other comments would be welcomed.

[Rogue Wave]

your cruising area seems to be the North Sea/Atlantic the wave patterns are quite large if I remember correctly. I'd go with the 7 as you will find a deal of difference between a 6.3 and a 7. I imagine however their is a big difference in the weight (can you supply figures) which might effect you tow car. You can tow OK with the car but it will be awkward on the slipway.

Does any of the other three in the boat have a 4be4

How does the weight difference affect performance as both boats have the same plant

[qcamel]

I would not worry about the extra length when it comes to towing, as far as the width goes I have no problems with my boat although the roads North of Glasgow around Loch Lomond seem too narrow, however you can always let the tubes down for the trip. The only worry is weight and that comes down to the power of the car and I bet there is not much between the two boats. Derwenthaugh up here has a tractor that they will help you launch with, Sunderland Marina slip is pretty good, not too steep or slimy and the lunatic up at Beadnel will launch for you, a good few places on the West Coast do too. Given the choice I would go with the 7 metres everyday.

If you would like to meet up and go on a couple of running in trips with some company then please let me know, would love to come out with my boat..

Ollie

[qcamel]

Have you seen this?? http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F87239/

[Paul]

Thanks for the prompt replys. There is about 100kg differance in weights between the boats. Would love to meet up and do a north east cruise. Who is the lunatic at Beadnall?

[qcamel]

There is a guy who drives a tractor and launches boats across the beach at Beadnel from the car park there, keeps the trailers on the beach and stands by on the radio waiting for you to return. However is a close relative of the Schumacher borthers judging by the speed he drives. Hold on tight is the best advice I can give......

Ollie

[xpertski]

hello, you should be fine with the towing of both boats, however may find the car working hard to get them up slips! just dont wear your clutch out now we have the humber ocean pro 6.3m, and are very happy with her offshore capabilities, which handles the scot west coast, larger wave pattern very very well! in fact she prefers it to the stuff we get in south wales (short steep choppy stuff) and is a joy to drive in these conditions. we have a suzuki 140hp on the back which takes it to 40 knots, and balances the boat nicely, didnt go for higher hp as this would add significantly more weight to the stern. we tow it with a nissan x trail which does it nicely, would even mroe prefer a 4x4 with low box gears to help on loose ground, where the nissan struggles if you dont keep going and get stuck! hasnt happened

i think you will probably find the 7m better simply because generally the bigger the boat you get the better its capability, however im very happy with the 6.3 and think that the bigger you go, apart from on the water, it gets tricker on the road, and seeing as you are using 2 wheel drive, i would stick to the 6.3 which with trailer would come in at just over 1000kgs depending on what you have fitted.

have you ever been to achmelvic beach, near lochinver? thats where we go every year, amazing place to go cruising!

[Rogue Wave]

the weight shouldn't be a problem, go long and use a rope on the slipway so your car is on the dry and level. I am presuming it's fairly powerful and heavy

[Paul]

I have been to Achmelvic once with our 4m avon. It is a beautiful beach. We kept the boat on pontoons in Lochinver harbour for next to nothing. There were tremendous views of Suillven when you got out to sea. We were going to go to the Summer Isles but the weather turned for the worse.

We wondered about an outboard for our new RIB but were worried about the availability of petrol and limited range if we were to cruise. Is it a problem?

[Paul]

My brother and I are buying the boat he has a 4.6 litre V8 MG Rover (back wheel drive) and I have got a 3.2 litre V6 Vauxhall vectra (front wheel drive). I am not so sure which will be the best tow car.