New to ribbing - advice re boat selection

[Mike78]

Hello all

I am looking for some advice re purchasing a rib. I am new to ribbing, but have had an interest for a little while now, and having now saved up enough to make a purchase (hopefully), I need advice on the right rib to buy.

A safe and seaworthy rib is the main criteria for me - I live on the Isle of Man, and want to be able to travel to the mainland, or to Ireland of a weekend, as well as a bit of diving and leisure use. Having had a good look around, I assume that a 5.5m rib would be okay for me, but I am open to any input from experienced people. I have a budget of £7.5 to work to. Having looked around the net, and a few boat parks, I like the look of the Delta rib's (they look pretty sturdy), but i'm not certain that I would find one within my budget. There are a lot of Northcraft rib's locally, that come up for sale from time to time, but I am not sure what they are like.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Chris]

being that trips to Ireland or the mainland will be upwards of 30-50 miles thats quite a trip to undertake in a 5.5 meter in anything but calm conditions....really I would be looking at a minimum of 6.5 meter to undertake these kind of trips.

6.5 meter ribs do come up in your price range however it will be an older boat, probably late 90's early 2000's. If you can stretch to 10k you will more than likely find something very capable that will keep you going for a few years.

As for make then all the usual suspects are covered in a multitude of "Rib Advice" posts on here so no need to list them all out here (apart from Osprey of course )

[Mike78]

Thank you, Chris - happy to take advice as that is what I am here for. If a 6.5m is a better bet, I can look for one, or save up a bit more! Are there any makes or types of RIB that I should avoid, given the intended use?

[Courageous]

........ Are there any makes or types of RIB that I should avoid, given the intended use?

[Mike78]

Originally Posted by Courageous

........ Are there any makes or types of RIB that I should avoid, given the intended use?

Thank you for the highly informative response - very helpful.

Given that I am new to this, and have limited knowledge, all I was asking for was some sound advice from some experienced enthusiasts - obviously too much to ask... I won't bother posting here again.

Enjoy the popcorn...

[Chris]

Would hate to pass comment however I would avoid the more leisure / med type ribs, I would avoid bench seating (certainly for the Helm anyway).

[Chris]

In case you do pop by for another look, then there is a rib show coming up in March next year that might be of interest aimed at selling used ribs

National Used Rib Show

[Courageous]

Mike - don't let me influence your decision to stay or go. Everyone here knows I have no sway there. I was merely sitting back waiting for the masses to tell you to steer clear of this boat, avoid that. Everyone seems to have their favourites as you would expect.

I wouldn't hang around though if you are going to be so sensitive.

[Mike78]

I'm not here to argue with anyone, genuine advice is all i'm after. To be fair, I have been saving up for years for this, and am pretty daunted about it as my knowledge is limited, and I don't want to buy a mistake that lands me in trouble in the middle of the Irish sea.

Aside from popcorn, would you happen to have any advice on a suitable boat, or things to look for?

Chris - thank you for the advice.

[Chris]

Osprey, Humber, Ribcraft, Ribtec, Ribquest, Delta, Tornado all good boats

There are others however this would be a good starting point...