Purchhase of a 5m rib

[two stroke mick]

Hi all

I think that I have enough money saved up for a second hand rib. I am looking at three. (Circa 10,000 euro or 7000 Pounds)

A humber assault 5.0m with 75 hp on the tail
A tornado 5.0m with 50 Hp on the tail
Or a Valiant 4.9m with 60hp on the tail.

As I said before the boat would be used for familay use i.e. spinning, beach hopping and diving with 4 divers. The boat would be used in clew bay (west of ireland) which is a reasonably shelterd body of water.

How would you rate these boats in terms of dry ride and comfort.

I dont want a rib that is much bigger or heavier than these as launching and recovering would be a problem (two wheel drive car on poor slips)

My wife is working on the Mother in Law as she is convinced that anyone who goes to sea will die. This is the last obstical to the purchase of the rib.
All contributions accepted.

[BruceB]

Having had an Assault for the last 4 years I wouldn't recommend it as a dry ride....
It is not a Deep V hull and is very hard and wet in any sort of sea, you won't break the boat though as you will give up before it does.
It is very easy to use and fast in a flat calm but definitely not a rough weather boat.

[Nos4r2]

I reckon 50hp on the Tornado is a bit underpowered.

For £7k you could get a REALLY nice SR4.7 or 5.4 which will tow/launch easily enough but you might be a bit limited on seating. How many do you want to carry?

[ian parkes]

the valiant will give you a dry ride but I think you may find it a bit small with 4 divers and thier kit.

Having seen Nos cruising next to My Valiant in some lumpy water the 5.4 searider is certainly a better boat , but that extra 0.5 m seems to make a lot of difference on all boats .

I think if a max of 5 m is your choice at that budget you would probably get the newest boat and engine with the Valiant as they tend to be cheaper than the other two . and a 4 stroke or modern 2 stroke will save a lot in fuel if you use the boat a fair bit.

[two stroke mick]

I take it ian that you like the Valient. My only worry with them is can they be retubed

[Chris]

Mick, I would keep looking,

For 7K you could get a lot more boat for your money and I would not be put off looking at slightly bigger, I have a 2WD passat estate and its not as bad on the slips as you would think. Also if the slip is really bad invest in a winch and you can then winch the boat up the slip to the car.

At this time of year people are desperate to sell and hence I would look at boats slightly above your budget and look to beat them down on price.

Here are some examples

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F167686
Not that familiar with BWM but the engines only a couple of years old and the latest generation of two strokes

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F165922
I own a Viper and love it so this would appeal to me although the 2 engine option may not be what you are after.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F163980
Tornados have a good rep and the engine being 4stroke will be good for economy

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F161517
One of the better Humbers I believe and the engine is a favourite for RIBS due to its low weight and simple mechanics.

A couple of smaller options for less money

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F161416
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F163061

[ian parkes]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

I take it ian that you like the Valient. My only worry with them is can they be retubed

As i have said in other posts I felt the valiant was good value for money as you like, me are on a tight budget to get a decent boat . the humber is better quality for sure .
Yes the valiant could be retubed but you shouldn't need to for many years .

As A guide my 4.9 with df 70 suzuki and trailer was worth about £6000 , humbers etc in that price range were older with old 2 stroke motors
If you could find a couple of thousand more then the choice is much greater .
Nos4's sea rider is a very solid boat but with a newish motor would still fetch above your budget .
I didn't want a boat or engine that needed work and the Valiant quality is fine for family and leisure use

[two stroke mick]

Iain
I do like the look of the 5.4m SR. they look like a proper rib Iwas half looking at this one.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F155797
or
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F156158

[ian parkes]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Iain
I do like the look of the 5.4m SR. they look like a proper rib Iwas half looking at this one.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F155797
or
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F156158

They look pretty good to me , Nos would be best to tell you about the yam 2 stroke and what to expect from it , as you say "looks like a proper RIB"

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by ian parkes

They look pretty good to me , Nos would be best to tell you about the yam 2 stroke and what to expect from it , as you say "looks like a proper RIB"

There's not a lot wrong with any of the 3 cylinder Yamahas IMO-though I think it may be a bit underpowered with a 70hp for carrying 5 people which would make fuel costs a bit prohibitive. I'd be looking for one with an 80 or 90hp.