New Boat Question

[thomas]

Hi all, sorry, I know this must have been covered thousands of times before but figured it best to seek as much advise as possible before getting the cheqe book out.

My wife loves RIBs, she just doesn't like mine very much, so we're going to sell my Benny 21.7 and the Valiant and buy a brand new boat. We are not set on size yet but must be small enough to be fun but big enough to keep us safe if we get caught out in a blow, but doubt we'll venture out that far from the Solent - it will also need to last us and don't want to be looking at upgrading in a year.

Lansdale are very local to us so was our first stop, I quite like the RibEyes and there are hundreds of them around Chichester (most out today) we're thinking of something around the 5m to 5.5m mark, the other boat we're keen on is the Ribcraft 5.3, less pretty but hyperlon, what I can't understand is the difference in price, a 5m Ribeye with a Yamaha is nearly 30k but the Ribcraft 5m with Suzuki was just over 17k, can't remember the engine sizes, I think the ribeye was 10hp more but from what I understand Ribcraft have a solid reputation - so why is one so much more expensive? And are there any others we should be looking at.

[Pikey Dave]

You're right, this has been well covered, & you'll get as many different answers & opinions as there are posters. But here's my 2 penneth. If space & budget allow, I'd go for the RC 585 over the 5.3. The extra 500mm is pure deck space & makes a huge difference to comfort & handling. Stick a 130/150 Etec on the back & you're laughing. I've no experience at all of Ribeyes so I won't comment, If you go down the RC route, just nail them on delivery times & spec & keep the pressure on. Also they've had a bit of stick lately over silly quality issues, but I'm sure that's now been sorted, eh Jace?

[Ribtecer]

If your local to Hampshire I would at least look at a solent 5.4, speak with Lee at Solent, he is a good guy and knows how to build a great boat - I am very pleased with mine. It handles the solent very very well and I would also go for the Etec again, mine is a 75hp, pleanty of poke for this size boat, is cheap to run and easy to tow.

As I say they build a great boat, it is just a shame they have such a rubbish website that lets their product range down.

Toby

[thomas]

Thanks, she now has her eye on a 6m, I may just sit back and let her get on with it - only problem there is it could get very expensive!!

[250kts]

Lots of good 6m Ribs about. Consider the Parker 6.3 & 6.5

Give Andre a shout, he has just sold his 6.5 and it may still be around for you to have a look

[Ian M]

What a nice position to be in
Make sure you try many different boats before parting with your hard earned

[thomas]

I thinking around the 5 mark so 6 will be are limit, am in a nice position and have the luxury of having all winter to look at boats.

[Dry Run]

Good Luck with the search! I have about 100 ribs on the Dry Stack and they cover most of the makes mentioned, plus a whole lot more. I know all my customers and have a good understanding of their likes / dislikes about their purchases. So, for what it's worth, here is a quick rundown on the good, the bad and the ugly. Firstly, it's probably better to go for a well known make (I know you don't want to change your Rib anytime soon, but brand is important). Secondly, there is no substitute for size! In The Solent an extra 30cm can make a big difference. Thirdly, think about what you will use the Rib for as the seating, console layout, engine, etc can all have a significant impact on the suitability of any Rib. Finally, haggle like hell! It's a buyers market so a good deal can be had!

Like the sound of the Solent Rib though, have nothing but good reports from the owners on our Dry StacK!

Good Luck!

[Hightower]

I'll echo what others have said, 6 meters is the best size for the Solent. My first RIB was 5.3 and sometimes struggled with the Chop. My 6.2 is so much better in so many ways, I'm glad I made the investment.