Humber or Ribcraft

[ribbed]

Thinking of either a Humber offshore 6.3 or a ribcraft 585, for family use/diving in Scotland

I really want a side by side console and the advantage of the humber os that it is nice and big so should provide a little more protection.

However the ribcraft as a boat is a little narrower and as such would be easier to store etc.

The ribcraft seems to hold its value better, but for me it's a long way to go if I have a problem.

What is the second hand market for Humber like ? and is ribcraft any better

I wonder what people would think is the better of the two options?

[Chopppywaters]

i just bought a 5.85 (still being built)...not sure about humber but like you said the RIbcraft is a little bit narrower which usualy means softer ride (cuts waves easier) and just so you know the 5.85 has optional double console.

[roycruse]

Unfortunately i too have only ordered my new ribcraft so cant yet tell you what I think of it - come back and ask me in a couple of months !!!

I used to own a humber though (all be it a small one) and the reason i switched allegencies was 2 fold

1. I think that Ribcraft do a better job at finishing than humber (ie no sharp edges left on metal etc - i have heard this to be a problem with humber)

2. Ribcraft were a lot nearer to me than Humber (the exact oposite to yourself)

Both the Humber and the Ribcraft are built strong so dont worry about that.

In my opinion - in the 6m bracket i think you allready narrowed it down to the best two boats so what ever you choose you wont regret it.

If I had lived in the north it would have been a tough choice for me too.

Good Luck...

[Mike C]

Hi Ribbed,

My old boat was a Ribcraft 5.85 and now I own a Humber 6.3 Ocean Pro.

Both boats are good boats and have their pros & cons.

The Ribcraft I had, is slightly different from the current 5.85 as far as I can tell. Mine had a flat plane-ing section at the stern and with the twin engines I had, it did tend to be a bit tail heavy. As a result it slammed on landing... and it did take off a lot. It was however a very strong and dry boat and in most cases nicely finished. The 5.85 now seems to keep the V right to the stern so may well be softer than mine was.

My current Humber has a diesel o/b and is a LOT softer than my Ribcraft was and probably even dryer, (except when there's a strong beam sea.... like any boat!). The Ocean Pro isn't much wider than the Ribcraft but the main thing is the extra length of the hull. It may only be 0.45 extra overall but because Humber don't cheat by sticking a lot of tube out the back, you end up with almost an extra 0.8 mts of hull..... Hence the softer ride I feel. Certainly when I got the Humber I couldn't believe how much more hull there was – it goes on forever!!!! On the cons side, the Humber finish hasn't got the best reputation and I did have a few issues for annoying little things and one big thing – all sorted by Humber without quibble. (The Ribcraft wasn't perfect either). If you go for Humber, pay a bit extra and get them to put better quality fittings on - s/s instead of plastic etc! Having said that, they do seem to have improved things since I bought mine so I guess things are evolving.

To sum up.....
Ribcraft design is more modern - glassed in seats/consoles etc and they do have the edge on finish, (even though my console always leaked on my 5.85) but the extra length of hull and (IMHO) softer ride, swung it for me for the Humber. (Console doesn't leak either!).

You'll doubtless wish you'd bought the other which ever you buy - but they're both pretty good!

Happy choosing.

PS - You can put a wide console on the Ocean Pro so why not consider that instead of the wider Offshore?
Also, the newer, (post 2000) Humbers do seem to be keeping their price as far as I can see!

[jim68585]

Originally Posted by Mike C

To sum up.....
Ribcraft design is more modern - glassed in seats/consoles etc and they do have the edge on finish, (even though my console always leaked on my 5.85) but the extra length of hull and (IMHO) softer ride, swung it for me for the Humber. (Console doesn't leak either!).

The wide console on my Ribcraft 585 also leaks - has anyone found a way to cure this (without simply taping it shut)?

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by jim68585

The wide console on my Ribcraft 585 also leaks - has anyone found a way to cure this (without simply taping it shut)?

Driving backwards all the time might work!

[jim68585]

Thanks - I'll try that at the weekend!!

[Chopppywaters]

wutya mean leaks?.....I hope your not tryin to use it as a bathroom........

[mark-f]

I was having a similar discussion with my self earlier in the year as i too wanted a side by side console, in the end after a recomendation from here tried out the XS600 and ended up buying one, nice double console and offers loads of protection, see pics

new XS600 with 115 opti

Mark

[jim68585]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

wutya mean leaks?.....I hope your not tryin to use it as a bathroom........

Find the bilge well a better bet normally