New Ribcraft!

jools · 13 April 2002, 21:27

That weekend in Cardiff was expensive...

Cath and I have been out today looking at ribs - and have put a deposit down on a Ribcraft!!

We had a test run out in a 5.5m Ribraft fitted with a 75hp 2-stroke - it was very dry and cut through the waves - as opposed to TomKat where you get very wet and bounce off the waves!!

So anyway... We are probably looking at the Ribcraft 5.5 fitted with double console and 2 x double jockey seats and a 75hp Mercury 4-stroke

We do have the option at this stage to opt for the 5.8 and/or a 90Hp engine - and I was wondering if anybody had any comments on the above setup? - Obviously upgrading the boat/engine I wouldn't have as much to spend on the electric "Toys"!!

Picture of Cath "The Skipper" - she better not get too used to that seat

Looking forward to your comments!

geoff · 13 April 2002, 22:13

You saw my Ribcraft 5.85 on the Thames back in March and I would go for the extra length if you are thinking of going offshore. We have been to the Scilly Isles and up to the west coast of Scotland and the boat has always looked after us very well. We have a Yamaha 100 on the back which suits us fine for cruising.

Garygee · 14 April 2002, 09:23

Hi Jools

I have the Ribcraft 4.8 and have nothing but prase for Ribcraft, in 12 months the only complaint I have was the late delivery, which I think is good going.

If i had a choice between the 5.5/75 and 5.86/90 I would for the extra £1000 go for the 5.85 every time. But stick to a 4 stroke, dont opt for a 2 stroke to get the bigger boat and keep the cost down! they really do use much les fuel.

You can always save up to but some electronicslater . but you cant add the extra size and HP later !.

I have been looking at new ribs, Mine is OK with 2 adults and two kids but will be two small when the kids get bigger, so come on kids grow up !.

Either way I dont think you will go far wrong.

Regards Gary

John Kennett · 14 April 2002, 09:50

No doubt about it. Go for the bigger boat.

The difference in length doesn't sound like much, but in this size range a small increase makes for a lot more boat.

If you're going to do any serious ribbing you will be better off with a more capable hull with fewer electronics than a smaller boat loaded with all the gear!

As Gary says, you can always add the extras later . . .

John

Keith Hart · 14 April 2002, 10:09

Hi Jools

Just look how other people love spending your money for you

.

Keith (go on get the bigger boat) Hart

Scubakid · 14 April 2002, 14:21

Jools

Go for the bigger one you know it's what you want and if you want me to look for bargin electronics at Beaulieu giz a shout.

John

jools · 14 April 2002, 15:51

Happy Birthday John (Scubakid)

Well that advice seemed rather unanimous

Better ring the Bank Manager tomorrow!!

Alan · 14 April 2002, 16:52

Go for the 5.85!

Ribcraft are cracking boats IMHO. In fact one of the few makes I would buy. I was highly impressed with the 4.8's during RB4 and I know a couple of people who have had 5.85's and speak very highly of them. (Geoff, Mike Carson etc). There is no substitute for length if you are going to do more serious offshore & coastal trips. The adage is that all boats look huge on their trailer but once you get out of sight of land..........!

Spend the money on the bigger boat and buy a cheaper simple GPS (which is entirely adequate). The chartplotter can wait until Christmas! I think you are right that 4 stroke is the way to go, either that or an Optimax & I'm not sure they do them down to 90hp.

Ribcraft did have their ex demo 585 for sale which looks like a nice set up. Lot of money though. (presumably for the fake teak decks!

)

Cheers, Alan

PS. Laura will be disappointed that you are selling the Tomkat!

jools · 14 April 2002, 17:45

Alan

easy solution - to keep Laura happy - whens her birthday... - you could buy the TomKat for her

John - tell us all more about Beulieu - when and what is it? - Start a new thread and maybe a group of us can meet up!

Alan · 17 April 2002, 12:48

Don't give Laura ideas

(Although if she had any money to spend on a boat it'd have one of those rag and stick things in it!)

I notice the Tomkat for sale on boatsandoutboards. ( http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/p...4580&xreferer=) Picture looks very familiar..............I am of course willing to sell you the copyright

!

Placed the order for the 585 then?

Alan

jools · 17 April 2002, 18:07

Copyright

whats that? - Anyway did you pay a fee to the models?

OK I'll do you a deal - buy the boat and I'll throw in a free domain name!

www.tomkat.co.uk

what more can one do!

Jools (Trying to think of a name for his 585 still with an available domain name) + Cath