It's starting all over again!

[pettal]

Just been chatting to Laurence at Barnet regarding their new XS-750, 850 and 950 which are due out at the boat show I think and he's got me all interested in upgrading from my 700.

Just out of curiosity what else is out there for a similar price to the XS in the 8.5/9.5m range that you would recommend???

The prices for the actual ribs are comparible with the Tornado range but then you get all the extras thrown in that you normally have to pay for on a Tornado.

I've also got another thread going about diesel engines as going up to this size I'm seriously considering it........or is it a lot of extra cost for not a huge benefit?? Bearing in mind our petrol costs are the same as your UK diesel costs.

Any help appreciated as now a bit dazed and confused!?

[swginn]

Pettal,

You're gonna find it very hard going from an Opti to a diesel. How much is petrol in the Channel Islands?? Is it readily available at the waterside?

These would be my two main reasons for considering diesel as petrol is not really widely available at the waterside in my area and marine diesel is so much cheaper!!

I reckon twin Opti 225s on an XS-850 would be sweet or even twin etec 250s

Be sure to get a nice big fuel tank so you can visit the emerald isle

[JIY]

Hi Pettal,

With an eye on future possibilities, I hope I'm not being too forward in asking why you want to upgrade to the longer RIB so soon after taking delivery of your new XS? There's a 7.2 XS at my local Marina and although she looks pretty good, she does seem rather light and I couldn't help thinking that it might be a little "flighty" in a rough sea, particularly a head sea.

[pettal]

Sorry for the late responses.....work again.....I wish they'd give it a rest for a mo!

Steve the reason I'd go for diesel is that although petrol is widely available in the channel islands it's not alwasy the case along the coast of france. Plus the amount I use the RIB (knocking on roughly 5 days a week she's out and about) the benefit of cheaper diesel starts to make sense.

I realise the performance will suffer and I know what you mean that a pair of 200-250's would be superb, but then double the engine and it's half the coast again almost. Still undecided though and the big thing will be the overall cost of purchase.

JIY - No not at all. I'm a toy person......I get a toy, love it and then want a bigger and better one!!!

Also since I got the rib several divers I know have come back out of diving retirement and so it's getting a little cramped. The original plan for the rib was for 3 or 4 divers and then seating for the times we weren't diving, but there are now 7 or 8 starting to become more regular.

As for the boat being flightly.......not really, but then with hardly any fuel and all the kit removed she does get a little twitchy at 50knts in the rough. However most of the time with the kit on board she's as steady as a rock.

Also in a slightly better financial situation than I was.

[codprawn]

What is the price of petrol in St peter port marina at the moment???

[pettal]

Not 100% sure but around the 45p a litre mark.......I think.

[Brian]

And diesel?

[pettal]

I stand corrected!

Just asked a mate and he reckons petrol is 48p a litre and diesel is about 40p a litre.

Hope that helps.