Osprey Vipermax 5.8 v Ribcraft 5.85

[Downhilldai]

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]

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

[Nick Hearne]

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

[alt]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Tx.
Rupert.