Welcome aboard Mollulnan! Very good choice if this is your first rib. You've gone for the top shelf from the off. Could we just ask is it 6.5 metres that you are interested in? We have the 5.8 metre with a 2005 150 mercury optimax.
The osprey vipermax has a pedigree of racing and subsequently it's hull design is well suited for decent coastal cruising. They have a very deep v shaped hull which slices through nearly any type of sea with ease and comfort.
We've had a few ribs in the past but none of those compare to the sea ride ability of the osprey - you wont be disappointed.
Mercurys, Mariners - what's the difference (just the cowling). They are very good engines. You will hear plenty of people give them the thumbs up
The only concern i would have with a 2001 model is that it would be one of the earlier optimax's and they did have some teething problems. I hope the engine comes with good service history as there is a lot that could go wrong in these high tech babies.
Good luck
