redbay or parker

[Graham]

Can you help what would you select, redbay or parker please give me your advice. Iam looking at the 8 or 9m

[Richard B]

Graham, Hi

Are you looking at open or cabin RIBs?

And what engines are you considering?

These may be key items to consider as each of the manufacturers has different on perspective these. I believe that Parker only supply Mercury outboards or Mercruiser inboards.

If you would like a helping hand testing 8-9m RIBs may I be the first to apply!

[IanE]

Originally Posted by Graham

Can you help what would you select, redbay or parker please give me your advice. Iam looking at the 8 or 9m

I was faced with the same dilemma, I wanted diesel and the Parker demo boat (6.3m) was a good buy, also availability at RedBay would have meant waiting till next year.

The parker is not as tried and trusted as the RedBay but I'm delighted with mine (after a couple of months pottering around only!)

Send me a PM if you want a look (Carlingford Marina)


Ian

[swginn]

I'd take the Redbay anyday. Had a blast off the Marine Motors Cork RIB last Summer and I have to say that RIB just keeps on going through anything. A great boat for a big sea. Dare I say it but definitely the most capable RIB I've ever been in!! Have tried to keep up with one in a F7, bloody impossible!!

Great guys to deal with too!! Top notch service and know exactly what they're about:

www.marinemotorscork.com (Cork Redbay Dealers)

Oh buy the way the boat I drove was a an 8.4m with hard section bow and twin 175 Fichts!! NICE

[Andy Gee]

I would go for the Redbay, I currently have a 1999 9.1 fitted with 2 Yamaha 165hp inboards and its a great set up. Mine is fitted with the canopy and it offers enough protection not to be bother with the weather, which in the west of Scotland is usually raining.
I have done about 180 hours this year in all weathers and never had any concerns with the boat, I take it you have been and seen the building of the boats?, the last time I was there Tom (the owner) was sanding and polishing the Gel on a new boat and the fact that the owner still has this much input into his boats to me is a good thing.

What I really like about the bigger Redbays is the Hard nose, you can just charge on with out any fear of the tubes parting i.e I have been out in a F9-11 (Gusting) and didn't need to back off from about 30 knots all the way.

Go out and try one around the Mull or Rathlin in a Wind/Tide situation and youll see what I mean .

As for the Parkers I cant really comment as I haven't seen one, but I do know that their main dealer tried to buy my last Redbay prior to becoming the main dealer .

Andy
P.S would I sell it? only if a 11m came along

[Jon Brooks]

Am a bit bias but I love the Redbay.
Have driven from 6.5m to 11m love them to bits!! (open and cabin)

Whislt at Cork Week this year I was using a 7.4m cabin as my run about.
(Cheaper than a taxi to Cobh!)

Drove the 6.5m open to and from Ribex this year, great boat (from Marchwood).
If I had the money that would be my choice.

Never had any problems with them when out.
Always got me home!
Tend to go through most things.

I work closely with the guys at Marine Motors, top bunch.
As are the guy's at Redbay themselves.

I guess I lack anytime in a Parker (in fact none at all) so can't pass comment on them.
Tried to get out at Seawork but they were very busy.
Having chatted to the team there, they seem very nice too just can't comment on the boats.

Regards

[Alan Priddy]

They are two completely different types of boat.It would be like matching a Nelson and a Sunseeker in a force 8. I have been out on sea trials in extreme conditions in the Redbay range and would challenge anyone to break one! They are truly an "Offshore Boat"
Who knows, it might be a RedBay boat that has another go at Around the World in the next couple of years! Alan P

[Jono]

Hi Alan,
What did you think of the Parker in your testing? It looks a good solid sea boat from my inexperienced viewpoint based purely on the photos that I have seen of the hull form. I am looking (vaguely) at the possibility of a cabin type RIB (in all truth not likely to be Redbay or Parker!) and in interested to know what you found that let the Parker down? Cheers, Jono

Sorry, nearly forgot.. Nearly bought a Nelson 34 last year and understand how sea kindly that is (not comfortable, but able!) versus the high windage cruiser hull form of the likes of sunseeker et al....

[Jonny Fuller]

The Nelson is of course only really a semi-displacement, so a very different boat to a Sunseeker,or any fast V bottom for that matter

[Alan Priddy]

Jono. The two boats are as different as chalk and cheese. the Redbay being more of a commercial boat to the Parker. As always, it is the indivual owners prefereance that clinces the sale. I would suggest sea trialing both boats in similar conditions to establish which one you think is best for the job that you want to use it for. Alan P