Leaving sailing and need rib for family

[FreeTrader]

We currently sail a Sadler 29 from Jersey, and have 3 kids (8,6,1). Love sailing, but not working out with family. Never enough time to get to France.

I've been on lots of ribs, and sportsboats, and am absolutely convinced that a rib is right for Jersey (usually F4+ for most of the year!).

So, can I pick your brains about the right rib to go for. We've got a budget of £30k.

1. Should we go twin-engines - security of extra engine for cross-channel passages would be really appreciated.
2. Should we go for 8m+, given the conditions we can expect?
3. Should we go new or used?
4. What manufacturer would you recommend?

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Phil

[roycruse]

Personally I recommend Ribcraft www.ribcraft.co.uk

I don't think you are going to get much of an 8m boat for 30k though - but I could be wrong...

[Pete7]

Personally I would send Charles (ct01) a pm and offer to take him out for lunch. The cost of the lunch would easily be recouped with straight forward advice and experience ribbing in the CI. Yes he lives in Jersey too.

Pete

[Richard B]

Hi Phil, welcome to Ribnet!

Hmmm, Sadler 29? Lovely yacht! You will be horrified to find that a quality RIB 8m+ will blow your budget - do you want to buy new?

Taking Charles out for lunch is a great idea, but he has expensive taste and will probably do his "throwing your wallet in the harbour" routine .

There are four reasons for bolting twin engines onto the transom of a RIB:
1. You intend to cruise, extensively, out of 'phone and VHF radio range or in dangerous water, on your own (ie no accompanying boat).
2. You can't get the horesepower from a single engine.
3. Your budget's unlimited.
4. You have free fuel, or live in the Channel Islands .

8m+ RIBs are great - every half metre gives you more comfort, and make those long passages more bearable. Your wife and young children will enjoy it rather than enduring it. And your one-year-old will only just be old enough by the summer to endure the impact of RIBing. You might find that you want to keep to yachting for a couple of years!

With a budget of £30k you've only one option - used. A new 8m+ with twin engines will set you back £60k+ from a quality manufacturer.

As Roy mentions, Ribcraft are a quality manufacturer with a good reputation. We happen to be very satisfied with our Scorpion, and I can honestly say that along with Tornado (and XS), and Osprey, these four makes set a benchmark that other manufacturers try to follow (unless you can stretch to a Pascoe!).

[Alan]

Good advice from Mr B. For GBP30k, no questions in my mind, second hand 7.5m Scorp (actually nearer 7.75m), single engine with aux.

[widey]

something like this?

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F83919/

[eupa]

1. Should we go twin-engines - security of extra engine for cross-channel passages would be really appreciated.
2. Should we go for 8m+, given the conditions we can expect?
3. Should we go new or used?
4. What manufacturer would you recommend?


based on my limited knowledge:

1. yes - 2* 200's or even 2*250 as cost delta minimum
2. yes - 8 to 9 meters is just about OK
3. Used
4. Don't know enough about manuafacturuers .

jonathan

[The Jackeens]

Agree with Pete 7 . Worth having a word with/emailing Charles (cto1 on here) and trying out a few RIBs before committing yourself.

Think about your needs : comfort may be a priority over speed? Would you prefer a cabin RIB? Also, fitting the family in might make you choose a bespoke boat rather than a 'one size fits all' model. Several manufacturers will build to your spec but some are more £££ than others.

Andre who posts on here has a great 7.5 Parker RIB and he is very helpful when it comes to try-outs.

There seems to be more help available at sea these days which makes heading to France a very pleasant & comfortable option. It's a brill run from Jersey on a nice day. Seastart have extended some cover to the North Brittany Coast so worth considering that as an alternative to your 'extra engine' thoughts. Mind you, fuel isn't such a constraint for you!

Above all, the best assurance we have had has been to get to know other ribsters. This has meant not only lots & lots of fantastic days out (& a few nights out too!!!!) but the excellent company of reliable and helpful friends at sea.

missus

[Mollers]

I think it's worth mentioning that it is possible to buy a really nice used 7.5/8m Rib for £30k that will be ideal for your intended use. Let's not frighten the guy back to rag and stick forever!

[tim griffin]

30k will get you a nice new 7.5 Solent Rib with oodles of extras and choice of layout .

At the end of the day though you will have to try as many as possible rather than take other peoples word .


Some people have good opinions of some craft while others hate them .