Inboard or Outboard

[neilda]

Subject to a successful 2010 season on the Solent (i.e. no more dislocated limbs due to pratting about), I may upgrade my current RIB to something a bit more serious. I'll add the caveat that my wife could put me off the idea by simply being an unwilling participent this year!!

So I'm doing a lot of looking around - but one of the first considerations is inboard or outboard? I'm really unsure of the pros and cons. I really like the outboard design in that you can literally step into the water or sit with your legs dangling out (whilst stationary of course).

And then I need to consider a cabin RIB... I quite like the idea but am unsure we'd ever use the cabin.

Current tempts include:

Cougar R9 Sport
Parker 100 Arrow
Biffer's design
Shearwater

Thoughts on the pros and cons of outboard/inboard would be welcome.

[Tim M]

Neil to summarise massively: outboard = performance, inboard: economy. Search on here and you'll find loads of info on the two. I very much like the Sherwater design - would think it would suite your family needs well. If your considering the Arrow, also look at the Scorpion Sting - fantastic looking boats

[neilda]

Hi Tim, how are you?

The Sting looks lovely and now added to the list!

I wonder if some of these larger (10m) boats would dry stack?

[Tim M]

Not bad thanks - looking forward to what will hopefully be a nice hot, sunny, busy summer!

I don't see any reason why not. I can't remember what the max KB can lift is, but you've probably seen the big 10m Ribcraft on the top rack - that's a heavy old beast so I would imagine they should be able to lift any of these.

[Zippy]

We have a R9 (inboard version of Tony's R8) and although we havent had it long, we are pretty impressed so far.

i dont want to go into this is better than that cos it wont help but...

it gives us..

fuel economy
a big sun pad at the rear to sit on, (at rest only)
a "swim platform" with decent size ladder as opposed to clambering in from the water around the tubes of engine
extra weight which gives us some stability at rest
Personal view, good looks as no lump cliped on at the back
less chance of theiving scumbags walking off with the engine.

what id doesnt give us.

ease of access to prop if you snag anything
performance (although we are pretty pleased with 45 kts at the moment.)
verado like quiet running (but its still not intrusive!)


if you want to come and have a look you are more than welcome! we can meet up this year and your wife is of course welcome to try. Could even stretch to a couple of cold drinks if we have any ice left in the cooler!!

before this one, we had a Sealine SC29 whichy whilst not a rib, did have a cabin but to be honest, it didnt work for us. im going down the road now that its cheaper to have a non cabin rib and stay in a nice hotel / B&B than running the sealine was!!

on the dry stack issue, ours was dry stacked before we bought it so it shouldnt be a problem for something a little bigger.

[Tony]

Its easy wait till Ribex and go test loads of different shapes and sizes..Its no good asking on here as nearly everone is bias towards there own rib..But saying all that................A COUGAR R10 would be perfect... (they even do a cabin version...

Oooohh by the way whatever you buy.stick 2 Verado 350's on it...life will never be the same again........

Tony

[neilda]

Thanks for the replies...... all very helpful.

Zippy, that's a really kind offer - I think your boat is very smart looking and I'd love to look over her if time allows - perhaps when the weather is slightly better?! I'm keep my wife out of all purchasing decisions as she tends to say things like "what on earth do you want one of those for?" which rather spoils the joy of buying something!

That's interesting on the inboard - are you saying they're a bit noiser?

To be honest I prefer the look of an inboard, it's a cleaner line somehow. Having said that, a 350 or two does look quite attractive too!

I'm planning to go to Ribex, not sure what they'll have on display though.....

The Scorpion Sting looks a very attractive boat, quite tempted by that, although it's costly.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by neilda

That's interesting on the inboard - are you saying they're a bit noiser?

not sure the inboard is any noiser than the 225 opti we had on the scorpion but compared to the Verado's it will be much noiser.

[PeterM]

Neil - get a shearwater - much much harder to fall out of with the'wings' on the cabin.!

Seriously haveing got one its a great boat for 2 for the odd overnight , with the ability to carry more if needed in better weather, but isn't as good a ride as the PARKER or ribcrafts for example in bad weather - but can go pretty quick on less power ( 50knts on 200hp for a heavyish boat for me).

But - for all round looks & convenience I'd be talking seriously to Biffer.

scorpion - good reputation, but you pay for it !

Your welcome to try out my boat anytime you are around in the summer or sooner if it stops raining.......

Pete

[C2 RIBS]

Originally Posted by neilda

I wonder if some of these larger (10m) boats would dry stack?

Dry stacks listing- Dry Stack is the increasingly popular way to store RIBs and motorboats up to 13 metres. I know they all do up to 10 m some guess some have a larger lift capabilty
You say your going to RIBEX- Southampton dry stack are going to be there and are great