RIB virgin needs a little advice please.

[v666]

Hi,

I am not new to boats but have never owned a RIB and I am looking for a little advice.

We are a family of 4 ( with 2 boys aged 10 and 9 ) and want a rib for fun but also the ability to undertake some cruising.
The rib will be based in Plymouth and either kept on hard standing or if the cost is in budget then taken out of the water by forklift and kept on racking. It would only get towed maybe 1 or twice a year.
I am trying to buy a boat that will give us 5 years use as the boys grow, so will be used for trips as far as IOW and across to Jersey along with towing skiers and toys.

I have spent many hours reading these forums assimilating as much information as I can, and I am now starting to go round in circles. So I phoned Ribcraft (only 45 mins away from me) and booked a factory visit. I was shown round by the aftersales guy who was very helpful and answered any questions I had. The only down side so far is the 5-6 month delivery time.

They are sending me a quote for a 585 with 2 single and 2 double jockey seats with a Suzuki 140 4 four stroke and then I’m off for a demo down at Weymouth next weekend.

So, back to the advice I need,

Is the Suzuki 140 the right engine ?
Do I really need their £2500 trailer ?
Can I buy better for my 20 (ish) thousand ?

Or should I take the gamble I will find a good new’ish rib for 20k second hand between March and May next year ?

Many thanks

Tim

[codprawn]

Best time to buy a boat is in the depths of winter. A trailer would be a waste. Great package but wave cash under someone's nose and you could get a real bargain.

[Tim M]

You will pay through the nose for any sort of extra from Ricraft. They charge about the same for a trailer for the 4.8 - a trailer you can buy brand new your self for about £800.

Now is the best time of the year for a bargin. If it were me I'd keep my eye on boatsandoutboards.com and when you see what you like,go and have a look. You'll get a lot more for your 20k second hand at the moment than something you've got to wait half a year for.....

[Biggles]

I have the 140 on my Ribcraft but a guy on here has the new 150 on his setup. How much more for that ? Have you asked Ribcraft.

As for the trailer you can shop around as suggested, it should save you money, how much I don't know.

Knowing Ribcraft your going to be pushed to get the setup you have listed with a trailer for 20K. I should imagine its more like 25K certainly once you've factored in any electronics.

As for the 585 and 140 its a good combination. Especially if you don''t push it hard everywhere. As it comes its very free revving and wil quite happily cruise at 5000 rpm unless you watch what your doing. It means you have to make a conscious effort to lift off the gas if you want to conserve fuel and your engines life.

Best of luck. I couldn't wait the long build time so picked one up nearly new second hand with the seating arrangement I wanted. Allowed me to get on the water in September rather than wait till march/April.

[Tim M]

Heres one for a start. Perhaps a bit underpowered but lots of very seaworthy solid rib for the money. Make him an insulting offer and see where it gets you. With the money saved you could possibly afford to put a 140 on the back, and sell the 115 to cover the cost of the 140 in the summer......

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F124591/

[ADS]

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/RSL023

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by ADS

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/RSL023

I admired that one not long ago!!!

[v666]

Wow, quick replies.

Thanks, what you say does make alot of sense.

Im not able to buy S/H till Feb (1/2 of cash not available till then) and although I would never buy a new car, I am tempted to buy a rib new, daft I know.

If I buy a trailer elsewhere I would save a good 1300, that would go along way to the electronics

To be honest, I am expecting the quote to come in at 22k without trailer or elctronics. Just have to wait and see, I'm happy to put it up here if you wish (or is that just not done?).

[ADS]

Originally Posted by codprawn

I admired that one not long ago!!!

I have looked at it up close, nice bit of kit, the owner posts on here. If he is prepared to pay ribshop a brokerage fee then surely there is some negotiation on the price for a private sale

[v666]

Originally Posted by Tim M

and sell the 115 to cover the cost of the 140 in the summer......

I had not thought of that, guess I'm being a bit slow at the lateral thinking. Might not be the most cost effective way but would not be too bad and could be done. I am guessing you are saying that boats / outboards sell for more in the summer months?