New or Second Hand rib for beginner??

[MT38]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

Jono

[Carl]

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

[BogMonster]

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]

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