RIB for long distance haul

[alt]

OK so picture the scenario, you have a budget of £40-45k, and you want a diesel RIB that's capable of cruising around the west Irish coast (7.5m+), with a long range

The requirments are:

Engine must be diesel
Must be able to hold 4 crew comfortably (Maybe even backrests standing instead of jockey seating)
Must be capable of 45knots
Fuel range must be at LEAST 250miles (Could do a DIY and fit a portable tank on the deck)

What would you choose? Obviously I would not be buying new, but something less than 5 years old would be nice.

I see a few of the bigger RIB's are equipped with Yanmar engines - Anyone care to comment on these? Good/bad?

They seem to be coupled with Bravo III drives - I've heard some not-so-nice stories here. Anyone again care to comment?

Suggestions people!!

[Alan]

Redbay or Scorpion IMHO are the thing. Might need to have a bigger boat than 7.5m to support the diesel - typical Scorp diesel is likely to be 8.5m for example.

Fuel range of 250nm shouldn't be a problem. 45kts top end might be, but for distance cruising its the sustained comfortable cruising speed that is important. For example maintaining 30-35kts just eats up the distance. Having to back off to 20-25 makes journeys that much longer.

Yanmar 300's and Bravo III's? Lots of problems reported, do a search of the forums. IMHO problems are more likely on a 'heavier' RIB with this combo but failures are seen on all. At the very least make sure that the drive is a Bravo 3'X' and has a drive shower fitted. Don't believe that the same sort of problems are encountered with Yanmar 250's and B3's.

Yamaha 240/hydradrive seems to have a better rep. and is fitted to Redbays often.

[alt]

Thanks for the quick reply Alan.
A big Scorpion seems to be a popular result alright.

Been doing a bit of searching, those Bravo 3's don't sound too nice, possibly from over-stressing? Will continue to search.

More suggestions people!!

[Alan]

Originally Posted by alt

Thanks for the quick reply Alan.
A big Scorpion seems to be a popular result alright.

Been doing a bit of searching, those Bravo 3's don't sound too nice, possibly from over-stressing? Will continue to search.

More suggestions people!!

I've heard that some of the problems on B3(X) and Yanmar 300's are due to misallignment of engine/drive. Certainly, a RIB through it's use is going to put more stresses on a drive system than your average cruiser. This is perhaps why there are more reported failures on RIBs than hardboats. (Although I do recall Sealine or someone similar refitting a bunch of Yanmar powered boats with Volvo diesels/drives.)

I'd certainly approach a 300/B3X combination with a degree of caution. But then I've been aboard a RIB when the drive has failed. Off The Hebrides. And round the backside of the Isle of Wight. In both cases there were other boats around to provide assistance. I'd be less happy if I were somewhere out there on my own and it happened.

[Andy Gee]

Originally Posted by alt

OK so picture the scenario, you have a budget of £40-45k, and you want a diesel RIB that's capable of cruising around the west Irish coast (7.5m+), with a long range

The requirments are:

Engine must be diesel
Must be able to hold 4 crew comfortably (Maybe even backrests standing instead of jockey seating)
Must be capable of 45knots
Fuel range must be at LEAST 250miles (Could do a DIY and fit a portable tank on the deck)

What would you choose? Obviously I would not be buying new, but something less than 5 years old would be nice.

I see a few of the bigger RIB's are equipped with Yanmar engines - Anyone care to comment on these? Good/bad?

They seem to be coupled with Bravo III drives - I've heard some not-so-nice stories here. Anyone again care to comment?

Suggestions people!!

Redbay 8.4m, Canopy to protect you from the elements and you can remove it for when its good. Yamaha inboard diesel, very reliable with no electronics, Hydra drive leg.
cheers
Andy

[Paul Beaurain]

Hi
The Redbay is the best (in my opinion) for the requested activity.
It is unlikely, however, to cruise at 45Knots.
As a cruising boat I would anticipate a 30-33Knot cruising speed with perhaps 38 top end.

The Scorpion would perhaps be the better 'faster boat' if speed factors higher than protection.
I have a Redbay on order...having made the balance of judgement
Paul

[Andre]

When do you want this rib for? My demo Parker 750RS with CMD 320 HP and Bravo 1 drive will be up for sale in September. The fuel tank has a capacity of 220 ltr , good crusing speed of 38 knots. Max speed 49 knots
The console is quite high and gives perfect protection. You cannot even feel the head on wind. It is a very dry boat which gives a soft ride.
This rib known as Seahawk IV will be at Ribex

[Phil Chitty]

I'd back Andre's comments up alt.

Seen it in heavy seas on many occations and is a very capable RIB with plenty of power.

The RS hull has a great soft landing too.

Leaves my Vipermax standing!!!

[alt]

Andre - I need the boat for this summer. I want a boat that is capable of long distance cruising but could handle a bit of a swell at the same time. Open deck layout, storage aint too important, i'd prefer an open deck as opposed to seating to the bow

[Gordon McMath]

H Alt,you should consider a Revenger amongst others,the build quality and hull strength are beyond reproach,Fjordrafting & Searafting in Norway really put them through their paces day in & day out,do a search for posts from these two companies & decide for yourself,I believe Revenger have an ex demo 29ft non stepped Yanmar powered rib with a Bravo 3 for sale at the moment,it should do 48 knots with the range you require as well.Give Phil a call at Revenger on 01489 572404.Hope this helps & good luck with your search.