Osprey Vipermax 5.8 v Ribcraft 5.85

Downhilldai · 29 September 2006, 23:55

Has anyone tried both of these RIBs in similar conditions? I've personally driven a few Ribcraft 5.85s and read loads of reviews of them on this forum. I've also driven a couple of larger 6.5 Vipermaxes, but haven't tried a 5.8 and there doesn't appear to be much on this site about the smaller Vipermax (except from RibsterRache

)
Any views on how these RIBs compare would be appreciated.

Mollers · 30 September 2006, 08:43

You know what you want, so stop fannying about and get it built!!!!

Nick Hearne · 30 September 2006, 12:38

Well not the Max but the Viper 5.75 is excellent fills you with confidence!
Ask Peter7 or Dave Manning!
Nick

alt · 30 September 2006, 13:48

Can't speak about the Ribcraft.

But I owned an Osprey Viper 5.75 with a Suzuki 140 for a short while. Handled very well in rough conditions due to its VERY wide beam. Couldn't believe how well it handled for a 5.75. Would recommend one! Only problem with mine was there was only a single jockey seat

Downhilldai · 30 September 2006, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

You know what you want, so stop fannying about and get it built!!!!

You don't know that I don't know what I want

Pete7 · 30 September 2006, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Well not the Max but the Viper 5.75 is excellent fills you with confidence! Ask Peter7 or Dave Manning! Nick

the one boat I deeply regret selling, Rene in Denmark bought it and loved it

They are both very competent ribs, but for me its the Osprey. There is a water colour of her in my lounge showing the day I first crossed the channel in her. She always looked after us even when we were out in conditions we shouldn't have been weighted down with diving kit and facing a log slog home. She just inspired confidence. If I had a spare £9k Nick would be boatless

Pete

Biggles · 30 September 2006, 21:07

I don't want to hear that. I only bought my RIBCRAFT because I thought it was the best. Does that mean I have to get an Osprey now.

Downhilldai · 30 September 2006, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

I don't want to hear that. I only bought my RIBCRAFT because I thought it was the best. Does that mean I have to get an Osprey now.

Well if you want to sell it cheap to buy an Osprey, let me know.....

DM · 02 October 2006, 23:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Any views on how these RIBs compare would be appreciated.

Stop dithering will yer. Buy one. Either. It don't matter. I'd be happy with any of the two.

Both well built, Ribcraft has less internal room but the Osprey will be more expensive to run as the 5.8 really needs 150hp for adequate performance.

I recently spent two days in a Ribcraft with twin 75 etecs doing safety cover and it was a sweet, well planted boat.

I think the Viper would be the better choice for heavier loads e.g. diving trips but for economical two up cruising, I'd go for the Ribcraft.

DM

cuttlefish · 03 October 2006, 16:13

Tx.
Rupert.

Petrov · 03 October 2006, 16:25

Osprey UK
Osprey Manufacturer
Osprey Scandinavia

cuttlefish · 03 October 2006, 17:59

I am concentrating on Scorpions, because I think that they are great boats, but I am impressed by Osprey: the Voper, and also the Sea Harrier. DOn't know these two manufacturers compare in terms of seaworthiness, but they sure look good.
RUpert.

Downhilldai · 03 October 2006, 21:47

Thanks for the comments- much appreciated. As I thought, not many Osprey 5.8s out there. What about the Viper 5.75? What are the similarities/differences between the Viper 5.75 and Vipermax 5.8? Mr Manning???

Petrov · 03 October 2006, 22:37

The Viper Max 5,8m is a faster hull, the tubes are fitted higher and the boat is narrower than the 5,75 approx 10cm, the Viper Max 5,8m is made in the same mould as the 6,2m.
The Viper Max range has a little more sharp bow than the traditional round bow that the Viper range has.
Here is 2 pics of a 5,8m.

BogMonster · 04 October 2006, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petrov

The Viper Max 5,8m is a faster hull, the tubes are fitted higher and the boat is narrower than the 5,75 approx 10cm, the Viper Max 5,8m is made in the same mould as the 6,2m.
The Viper Max range has a little more sharp bow than the traditional round bow that the Viper range has.
Here is 2 pics of a 5,8m.

I love the Vipermax

bedajim · 04 October 2006, 06:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Thanks for the comments- much appreciated. As I thought, not many Osprey 5.8s out there. What about the Viper 5.75? What are the similarities/differences between the Viper 5.75 and Vipermax 5.8? Mr Manning???

you know you want a 6.5 vipermax

Mollers · 04 October 2006, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Thanks for the comments- much appreciated. As I thought, not many Osprey 5.8s out there. What about the Viper 5.75? What are the similarities/differences between the Viper 5.75 and Vipermax 5.8? Mr Manning???

The Viper looks like a dive boat, in my opinion.

But then again, you are a bit of a 'Diver'.

cuttlefish · 04 October 2006, 10:52

is a "Div e Boat", and how does it differ from a "normal bat"?
Tx.
Rupert.

Pete7 · 04 October 2006, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by rupert

is a "Div e Boat", and how does it differ from a "normal bat"?
Tx. Rupert.

it'll be a scruffy orange colour, run by a club and totally neglected, but underneath its the same boat.

Divers tend to prefer deck space instead of seats, bottle racks for cylinders, nice big fuel tanks for long range and a decent echo sounder and GPS.

Pete

DM · 04 October 2006, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

The Viper looks like a dive boat

That's the market that the Viper was aimed at which is why most of them were built with a single jockey console and integral bottle rack. There's quite a lot of them about up north but they don't come up for sale very often

Having seen Dai drive and his liking for nosediving off waves, the Viper is probably the best choice for him as they're very difficult to stuff due to the volume in the bow.

DM