Quote:
Originally Posted by Screaming04
Hello from British Columbia (Vancouver)
Great site, I've read every post (ha!)
I've got a question for those that have owned larger cruising boats before moving to Ribs. I've owned 24 to 28 ft cruisers as well as a 40ft trawler in the past. I'm thinking of moving to a rib because I just don't seem to have the time for extended overnight trips.
My concern is being out in the open. How bad is it? Do you ever boat in the off season? I've speced a custom built 7.3m rib with a three sided pilothouse. Having never owned a rib before, I'd hate to spend the money having it built only to find that I don't use it because its too cold/wet. There would be pretty much nil demand for a large used rib over here.
Your thoughts? One of the reasons I'm going to a rib rather than a runabout is because I have to cross a 10 mile strait that can get pretty rough...20-30 kt winds with a steep 4-5 foot sea...even in summer. Although I don't intend regular crossings in those conditions, I need a boat that can deal with those conditions when required. Am I going in the right direction?
I'm probably just looking for positive reinforcement...I'm not going to get any from the wife. (in more ways than one)
Thanks Adrian
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Adrian,
Greetings from the Far East of Canada.
I moved out here from the UK 4 years ago sadly having to sell my 7.5m Rib to fund immigration.
Having done a fair bit of sailing our here in the North Atlantic and seen the conditions I've often pondered what sort of powerboat I'd get if and when I'm able. Like you, I think some weather protection would definately be in order.
I don't like the 'mini wheel shelter' type arrangements you see in North America on RIBs, particularly on the smaller ones. A full cabin ala Redbay would be the thing to go for but bringing a Redbay into Canada would be pretty expensive. So I've looked (on the 'net at least) at the more rugged sort of hard boat that might be an alternative.
The brand that stood out was 'Skagit Orca' boats which are built not a million miles from you near Seattle. The construction looks good with the foam filled hull and the weather protection / accomodation would be far superior to most RIBS. (Forgive me my sacriledge fellow Rib.netters
). More importantly, pricing new or used would be far more advantageous. I'd say it's certainly worth a look at
http://www.skagitorca.com/
Cheers,
Alan
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