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[RJH]

Hi to all. This is my first post to this excellent forum. Have been enjoying it for some time and thought now was a good time to join in! My dilema is that having had a 5.6m Avon a couple of years ago and having had ribs in the family going back to the original Flatacrafts we persuaded ourselves to join the ranks of hardboaters to get all the alleged advantages of a small sportscruiser. After several trips we came to the conclusion that this had been a huge mistake and to cut a long story short are now looking to returning to a rib.

Aiming to move to a 6.5m craft and am looking seriously at all suitable alternatives including Cobra, Ribtec and Solent. The Solent looks significantly better value but seems to be favoured by the speed merchants. Does anybody know any reason why it wouldn't make a good family boat or any other relevant comments?

[Andre]

Originally Posted by RJH

Hi to all. This is my first post to this excellent forum. Have been enjoying it for some time and thought now was a good time to join in! My dilema is that having had a 5.6m Avon a couple of years ago and having had ribs in the family going back to the original Flatacrafts we persuaded ourselves to join the ranks of hardboaters to get all the alleged advantages of a small sportscruiser. After several trips we came to the conclusion that this had been a huge mistake and to cut a long story short are now looking to returning to a rib.

Aiming to move to a 6.5m craft and am looking seriously at all suitable alternatives including Cobra, Ribtec and Solent. The Solent looks significantly better value but seems to be favoured by the speed merchants. Does anybody know any reason why it wouldn't make a good family boat or any other relevant comments?

RHJ

welcome to the forum and welcome back to the world of ribs

Have you decided on petrol or diesel? Is it channel crossing you have in mind or a quick spin in the Solent
My Parker 630 diesel is still available if you are interested, pls look up ribs for sale for details

[RJH]

Thanks. Will probably be sticking to cruising the Solent (for the moment anyway!). I'm sure the Parker is a great boat but have decided to stick with outboard but haven't yet decided between 2 and 4 stroke. Trying to weigh off cost and economy at the moment.

[Wayne Rogers]

Hi RJH
I made the same mistake and purchased a Chaparral sports boat last year thinking it was a good idea, fortunately I kept my 5.2 mtr rib aswell.Needless to say the hard boat was a bad move.I have now traded both in and purchased the Solent 6.9 MTR.It's the best boat I ever had,it's great in the ruff,fast,and I feel very safe in her.If you require a test in a Solent and don't mind a trip up to Ipswich you are very welcome to come out for a spin.
Regards

Wayne

[Rogue Wave]

Andres Parker is a very tasty boat it appears to be very well built!

The three hulls you have listed are all boats I have driven a a charter skipper and I can tell you they all have very different handling. The Solent is the most fun but can be a little skittish on the back end if its running a 150 hard

Cobra's are OK but I don't really get on with their handling charecteristics I thik it's because the V isn't very deep.

Ribtec hull are Ok but I suspect that you'd have to look very carefully at the construction of a new one if they are made in SA. and for my money they are a bit wobbly at high speed

Consider expanding your search to XS ribs, Humber, Ospreys.

To answer your last question. The Solent rib is evolved from the Tohatsu one design which was built to encompass all requirements in a rib. from racing to family fun and it is a fast hull but can cope with family use just as well. I guess the powerplant and the deck layout is what makes the difference between a leisure cruiser and a fast boat!

I would have alook at Andre's demo boat you may be very nicely surprised

What part of Hampshires finest city are you from, we do be in Bitterne/Woolston

[Wayne Rogers]

Hi Rogue Wave
I did'nt realise you were from Woolston,My head office is in Hazel Road.

[RJH]

We're based in Hedge End and generally launch from either Hamble or Itchen.

[RJH]

Originally Posted by Wayne Rogers

Hi RJH
I made the same mistake and purchased a Chaparral sports boat last year thinking it was a good idea, fortunately I kept my 5.2 mtr rib aswell.Needless to say the hard boat was a bad move.I have now traded both in and purchased the Solent 6.9 MTR.It's the best boat I ever had,it's great in the ruff,fast,and I feel very safe in her.If you require a test in a Solent and don't mind a trip up to Ipswich you are very welcome to come out for a spin.
Regards

Wayne

Thanks, much appreciated. With hindsight I should never have switched but I guess we are all entitled to the odd mistake. Sounds like you've got a great boat there.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by Wayne Rogers

Hi Rogue Wave
I did'nt realise you were from Woolston,My head office is in Hazel Road.

Blimey I can probably see it from my house! when you are down next give us a call and we can go out for a spin. We are trying to rent a yard at the top (or maybe it's the bottom) of Hazel Road at the moment!

[Hightower]

RJH, if you like the sound on the Solent, why not phone Lee Fairweather for a trial. They have a Demo boat in Fareham and will be sea testing a couple of 6.5m RIBs in comming weeks, I think with very large 200hp outboards. Couldn't do any harm!

They are also local builders and that has benefits as well.

Andy

PS, Come and join out Solent get together on the 12th and 13th March, I'm sure there be all sorts of RIB's at this weekend or alternativly wait till June and go th RIBex