New or Second Hand rib for beginner??

MT38 · 10 April 2008, 16:17

We live on the south coast and want to get into boating. Weve been told on numerous occasions that Ribs are the way to go for the solent so this is our first port of call.

Please forgive me for probably asking the same questions that have been asked a million times on these forums, but here we go.

We would like a 5-6m rib that will take us comfortably to the IOW do a bit of water skiing and fishing. As I know little about boating I have enrolled in a PB2 course set for the end of the month.

As we are new to it is it worth spending the extra money and buying new (£20k budget) or can we get a way with a second hand model (£12-15K)?????

Are there any models that we should avoid or look at in more detail. We have tested a Ballistic and a Ribeye and liked them both

Thanks for any advice offered

Nos4r2 · 10 April 2008, 16:49

Welcome to Ribnet

Personally I think buying new for a 1st boat is a mistake. You'll know exactly what you want on the 2nd boat-but if you haven't owned one before you'll probably find a ton of ways you want to change it after you've used it for a bit.

CJL · 10 April 2008, 23:02

Got just the right second hand boat for you. New engine for the peace of mind along with a reliable new trailer.

Hull is the old bit but its in good nick. Rest of the advert is on B and O here http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F169423

Chris · 11 April 2008, 07:26

Hi,

I got into RIBS last year so have just been through the initial learning curve. My main piece of advice would be make sure you go for a boat with Jockey seats and not bench seats especially if the solent is your normal place to boat.

You need to make sure you have enough seating for your expected number of passengers.

I notice you mention the Ribeye, I really like the look of the Ribeyes and the way they are fitted out, other makes that might be worth taking a look at would be the Solent Ribs quite handy for you as they are local and Lee who owns them also owns Fariweather Marine who are good guys to use for servicing engines etc. The Humber Destroyer 6 meter is meant to be excellent although I have not experienced it myself. Ribcraft 585 seems to be another highly thought of boat.

As to the question of new or old, if I could afford to buy new I probably would it means you can spec the boat to your requirements and get it set up for you. For instance you might want an a-frame that can tow a wake boarder etc.

If you want it quickly then most of these guys may have demo boats that might be suitable for you that you can get for a good price as well. I would suggest you phone them all and arrange to go and test some boats !

Tim M · 11 April 2008, 07:45

I too would suggest second hand to start with, than as Nos says, next year you'll know exactly what you want, and you can then spec a new boat.

I would suggest a Ribcraft 585 - excellent quality, very safe boat.

Ian M · 11 April 2008, 12:18

Well, if you really are totally new to boating you have got a steep learning curve coming up! Don't give up, it is really worth the effort

New or secondhand I think that you need to think carefully about the intended use you are going to put the boat to. My first boat was new, but I had spent years with diving club SIBs and RIBS. I wanted the re-assurance of reliability, which is not to say that you will not get a reliable secondhand boat.
Are you going to be going to sea with other boats, or are you anticipating being a loner? If a loner, could you be out after dark? If so you are already needing nav lights and VHF of some description (plus other safety gear which will not necessarily be fixed to the boat!). This is just one example that comes readily to mind. Write up what you want to do, and then list what the boat will need to have to enable to do these activities safely.
Finally, I also do much of my boating on the Solent, it has an unusual characteristic called the Solent Chop. Usually it is impossible to 'drive' it to minimise the abuse the boat and crew take, so for my money a 'soft' riding boat is worthwhile. Good luck, post any questions that you have, I am sure that you will get many answers.

Jono Garton · 11 April 2008, 14:19

With a budget of 12 - 15k you could go for new, why buy somone elses trouble?

Jono

Carl · 11 April 2008, 14:23

buy new if you can, boats hold there value very well.

BogMonster · 11 April 2008, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Welcome to Ribnet

Personally I think buying new for a 1st boat is a mistake. You'll know exactly what you want on the 2nd boat-but if you haven't owned one before you'll probably find a ton of ways you want to change it after you've used it for a bit.

Another vote for sticking with second-hand till you get some time in the saddle. The new boat I would buy now, if I was after one, would have a number of differences to what I would have bought as a greenhorn two years ago if I had opted for a new boat then. You learn a lot about what you want and where you want to go in the first 12 months and will be a lot wiser after that time.

Also, not withstanding the fact there is always the risk of buying latent problems, a second hand RIB is just as much fun as a new one and much cheaper which enhances the feel good factor

I'm glad I went for second hand for both of the above reasons and despite the problems I bought because I am still about £12000 better off than I would have been if I had bought the same boat new.

MT38 · 11 April 2008, 16:30

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my questions.

Just one more question , how do Ballistic ribs rate as compared to the ribtec and ribeye

cheers

waverunner · 11 April 2008, 16:46

If I was you I would go for new, and be safe in the knowledge you have a reliable rib.

I bought a 5.5mtr Humber Destroyer from Jono Garton. Really pleased with my choice, and excellent back up fom both Jono and Ian. Well recommended.

Nasher · 11 April 2008, 16:59

Deffo second hand in my opinion.

As has already been said I can guarantee you'll want to change something once you've a season under your belt, you will probably want to change the boat completly after a year, or make some big changes to what you have.

Nasher

goodhard · 11 April 2008, 17:17

what ever you do, if you buy second hand insist on a sea trial and take somebody that knows about ribs, don't give a big deposit then have the sea trial. If you don't have a friend that knows about ribs ask for help here ( but don't ask me because i dont know enough sorry). Enjoy your course.

Ian M · 11 April 2008, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by MT38

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my questions.

Just one more question , how do Ballistic ribs rate as compared to the ribtec and ribeye

cheers

No direct experience, but by reputation Ribtec and Ribeye are soft riding well built boats, Ballistic not so much so. Of course it depends on the hull length, as a generalisation the longer the hull length, the better it will ride - but it will be heavier (a little more diffficult to tow and launch if you are going to use your boat that way) and generally will need a bigger engine, so running costs will be higher.

Chris · 11 April 2008, 19:40

I see a bit of patern here

, those who recommend second hand (NOS, Tim M, Nasher etc) are well known fiddlers who would have the knowledge to fix problems or adapt boats to their needs. A lot comes down to you and you abilities and also you bank balance! I am a self confessed fidler and for me the challenge of adapting the boat to my needs has been one I have enjoyed. (However if I could afford to walk out and buy a brand new boat tomorrow I probably would just for that new boat smell

)

Chris · 11 April 2008, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by MT38

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my questions.

Just one more question , how do Ballistic ribs rate as compared to the ribtec and ribeye

cheers

I went out on one at Ribex last year and was not overly keen (found the ride not as comfortable in the choppy solent as the other boats I went out on), however that is just my humble opinion.

Nasher · 11 April 2008, 19:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I see a bit of patern here

, those who recommend second hand (NOS, Tim M, Nasher etc) are well known fiddlers

)

I resemble that remark.

Anyway, I have to fiddle with myself as nobody wants to do it for me.

As for the smell, there's nothing like the smell of laminating resin first thing in the morning.

Nasher

BogMonster · 12 April 2008, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

I see a bit of patern here

, those who recommend second hand (NOS, Tim M, Nasher etc) are well known fiddlers who would have the knowledge to fix problems or adapt boats to their needs. A lot comes down to you and you abilities and also you bank balance! I am a self confessed fidler and for me the challenge of adapting the boat to my needs has been one I have enjoyed. (However if I could afford to walk out and buy a brand new boat tomorrow I probably would just for that new boat smell

)

Not sure about that - I don't know much about fiddling with the boat though I have got reasonably competent at bodging it I suppose

I would love to be able to go and buy a brand new one and not notice the cost, though it would probably have to have a roof on it now, which is why I can't afford one. Diesel cabin RIBs seem to be a bit above my price range...

BobLS · 14 April 2008, 13:13

I would also say go 2nd hand first time out. When I bought my first RIB I bought new and within a couple of months found out that it had a few limitations and in fact traded it in for another new one the year after. Obviously losing a bit of money (fortunately not too much) but would have been happier finding out the limitations of that particular make and model on a 2nd hand RIB.

Best of luck.