New Rib - builders choice

[CaptainGb]

I'm getting ready to visit a few builders or see their demo boats at the Southampton show. I was initially looking at 8.5m but got worried that it would be too difficult to tow/store and fuel in Cornwall (especially with petrol), so now looking between 6.5m and 7.5m.

I want something robust and simple with a good sea hull, I have narrowed the choice to Ribcraft, Zodiac milpro, Redbay, Ribquest, XS Ribs. In your experience, which builder will give the best service and produce the best quality boat with no delivery issues or warranty arguments?
Other consideration is size of the deposit/stage payments while the boat is being built. The smaller the better.

Cheers!

[Mollers]

Definitely look at the 7m Osprey Vipermax.

[CaptainGb]

Thanks Mollers, when did you buy yours? Were you happy with the builder and did you have to pay a large deposit?

[OSPREY RIBS]

Thank You for the introduction Mollers, PM sent.

[Andre]

Originally Posted by CaptainGb

I'm getting ready to visit a few builders or see their demo boats at the Southampton show. I was initially looking at 8.5m but got worried that it would be too difficult to tow/store and fuel in Cornwall (especially with petrol), so now looking between 6.5m and 7.5m.

I want something robust and simple with a good sea hull, I have narrowed the choice to Ribcraft, Zodiac milpro, Redbay, Ribquest, XS Ribs. In your experience, which builder will give the best service and produce the best quality boat with no delivery issues or warranty arguments?
Other consideration is size of the deposit/stage payments while the boat is being built. The smaller the better.

Cheers!

No harm in including Parker Ribs. We will be at the show in Solent Park stand C015 and on display among our range of hard boats will be a Parker 750RS RIB

see http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/southamp...bit-55636.html

There will be a possibility of a demo after the show as the rib will stay at Southampton Dry Stack until sold.

[willk]

Originally Posted by CaptainGb

I want something robust and simple with a good sea hull, I have narrowed the choice to Ribcraft, Zodiac milpro, Redbay, Ribquest, XS Ribs.

Nice to see someone include Redbay in the initial lineup - too often forgotten and no excuse now that they have a dealer on the south coast.

Redbay will be at the boat show and will have two 7.4m boats there, a 200hp Suzuki powered unit and a 250hp inboard version. Swing by and say hello.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Definitely look at the 7m Osprey Vipermax.

+1 Ospreys are superbly built boats and MMike Whittam the builder is one of the most genuine guys in the industry

But too answer your original question they are ll ok but if warranty was an issue and I lived in Cornwall then I wouldn't be wanting a return to base warranty from anywhere further than Somerset.

Ribcraft
Ribques
Redbay
XS in order of preference

Zodiac Milpro are extremely fine boats y the way but rather expensive

[Maximus]

The length for Towing is an important consideration,but IMO a RIB from 6.5-7m offers the best of Both Worlds in terms of Ease and Performance!...whatever you decide on
And won't impact on your ability or Range (If you spec Boat Properly!)
For me the all the advantages of being able to access ALL of GB-(and Irlands) truly GREAT Coastline FAR outweighs any of the Pro's for keeping a boat on a mooring or Dry stack.
I tow my Ribcraft 6.8 all over...Great Boat by the way!
Remember to Enjoy the RIB choosing process!...and I hope to see you on the 'Circuit' sometime!

[OSPREY RIBS]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

+1 Ospreys are superbly built boats and MMike Whittam the builder is one of the most genuine guys in the industry

But too answer your original question they are ll ok but if warranty was an issue and I lived in Cornwall then I wouldn't be wanting a return to base warranty from anywhere further than Somerset.

Ribcraft
Ribques
Redbay
XS in order of preference

Zodiac Milpro are extremely fine boats y the way but rather expensive

I agree to a point, however the main item where warranty may be needed is going to be something like the engine or electronics, we rig all of this in the South West so no problems there. Also if there were to be a problem with a new Rib it would be most likely be tube related... and our tuber will travel anywhere in the UK to perform a warranty repair.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by OSPREY RIBS

I agree to a point, however the main item where warranty may be needed is going to be something like the engine or electronics, we rig all of this in the South West so no problems there. Also if there were to be a problem with a new Rib it would be most likely be tube related... and our tuber will travel anywhere in the UK to perform a warranty repair.

I agree. Although, I had mine built and rigged 'up North'. Engine warranty issues would be dealt with locally.

[csjukes]

Ribquest 6.3/6.8 are both incredible boats and look fantastic. Commercial hull, leisure layout and highest quality

[CaptainGb]

Originally Posted by OSPREY RIBS

I agree to a point, however the main item where warranty may be needed is going to be something like the engine or electronics, we rig all of this in the South West so no problems there. Also if there were to be a problem with a new Rib it would be most likely be tube related... and our tuber will travel anywhere in the UK to perform a warranty repair.

Thanks, I'm a bit confused about Osprey. Are they not supposed to be built in Belgium?
I now see on your website that Osprey are built in Lancashire. Why do you rig the boats in the South West and what is the connection with Belgium?

[Daniel]

Heard nothing but good things about osprey, and seen some cracking boats.

Saw one from Belgium the other day, interested to know if they are made in UK or if they have a 2nd set of moulds?

[OSPREY RIBS]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Heard nothing but good things about osprey, and seen some cracking boats.

Saw one from Belgium the other day, interested to know if they are made in UK or if they have a 2nd set of moulds?

All Osprey ribs are built in the UK... There is also a dealership in Belgium at Brugge Marine however all the boats are built here.

[gotchiguy]

Originally Posted by OSPREY RIBS

All Osprey ribs are built in the UK... There is also a dealership in Belgium at Brugge Marine however all the boats are built here.

Nearly all Ospreys have been built in the UK over the past 25 years, most by Whitham Glassfibre, some subcontracted elsewhere. "Osprey" as a brand and the various moulds are owned by Brugge Marine Center in Belgium, all boats for both the continental market and the UK are built in Lancashire as of now. The UK "set up" can be thought of more as a factory outlet than a dealership, and there is a price difference which reflects this compared to the continent where there are "proper" dealerships.

If you would like to learn more then check out the history section on the Osprey Owners' Association website

[jlanng]

What are people's thoughts about Cobra RIBs? They're very local to me which is a big bonus. PM if you like

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by jlanng

What are people's thoughts about Cobra RIBs? They're very local to me which is a big bonus. PM if you like

Ribeyes on steriods with a pumped price tag to match.

[moore288]

Yeh get one

[matt h]

Buy a Ribcraft. At least you know there are all built in one place and have been since day one. Yeovil..and can be specified exactly how you want it laid out!
Multiple choices on seating and layout arrangements and you deal direct.
Factory visits are encouraged to view the various stages on construction and various options can be added or changed prior to fitment.
Check em out at the Southampton boat show and have a chat to Jason!

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by matt h

*Admin positioned Figleaf*

Leave the Osprey brand out of your bitch fight. Drop it FFS, it's boring.