Ribcraft 5.3

[Stevem]

Hi all, thinking about a future rib upgrade and I like the idea of double side by side jockey seats as possible on a 5.3.

Typically it would be just me but occasionally another 3 hence seating for 4.
Can those in the know tell me if there is a problem with listing using this seating arrangement when solo?

Thanks

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stevem

Hi all, thinking about a future rib upgrade and I like the idea of double side by side jockey seats as possible on a 5.3.



Typically it would be just me but occasionally another 3 hence seating for 4.

Can those in the know tell me if there is a problem with listing using this seating arrangement when solo?



Thanks

It’ll be cosy

[jeffstevens763@g]

Dave will know, I had a ribquest 585 with 4 jockeys you needed deodorant on with a full house on that,rear bench seat might work, Dave ?

[Pikey Dave]

I had 4 jockeys on my RC 545 on a deck matrix so you could remove them to suit your needs. I sold the 2 rear ones, we never used them & there was no room to move around when they were fitted. I now have a storage box in their place, with a padded seat on top to park your bum on.

[Orwell boy]

I have 5.3 only for 6 months or so ,what i notice is mine has traditional twin in line combined console ,but because console is narrow it is really forward and there is amazing amount of space behind ,easily enough for rear bench or couple of jockeys so couple of ways to seat four ,to be honest with reasonable space ,however only a midget on a cushion in frot of console , there is one on ebay with single seat and two double jockeys behind ,but if you push the console back to get width to put double console in, it will shorten the length avail for jockeys i reckon and make it very cosy .https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ribcraft-...MAAOSwcHhdNXAe

[Stevem]

This is the ideal seating for me but how does the boat behave when solo? https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sour...66070635883447

[HDAV]

That’s the layout I would want if it works on a 5.3 that would be good as the 5.8+ are getting heavy to trailer with b+e

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stevem

This is the ideal seating for me but how does the boat behave when solo? https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sour...66070635883447

It’ll handle better solo than with 4 up.

[lakelandterrier]

4 x single jockeys 2 x2 works well on an RC 5.3.

4 up makes her stern heavy in a sea, but 1 /2 up on front jockeys a great boat & ride as I know from experience.

my "Aquahound" was a fantastic boat 1 or 2 up, 4 adults up she started to struggle in a sea.

Go for a config that keeps the weight as far forward as possible.

[Stevem]

Thanks for the info everyone, appreciated. I know bigger would be better but I will probably be solo 75-80% of the time so thinking 5.3 will be the best compromise.

[lakelandterrier]

Solo or 2 adults up RC 5.3 will be absolutely fine.
What engine are you thinking of?

[Stevem]

I would want a 100hp on it. lakelandterrier from your experience with the 5.3 you had and the seating was there no problem with the boat listing at all when solo?

[lakelandterrier]

Just have a think whether the lighter weight of a 90 will be of benefit, and only 1-2 pax if you'll really need the extra power


I has a Suzi 100 4Stroke, and it did add to the stern weight / balance esp. when 4 up.

I had Ocean console & 4 x single jockeys.

Absolutely no problem with any noticable list when handling on my own.

If you're worried, put spare kit in the non-helm front pod. If still worried add bag of sand of suitable weight in non-helm pod to balance - sure yuo wan't need to

[Stevem]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Just have a think whether the lighter weight of a 90 will be of benefit, and only 1-2 pax if you'll really need the extra power


I has a Suzi 100 4Stroke, and it did add to the stern weight / balance esp. when 4 up.

I had Ocean console & 4 x single jockeys.

Absolutely no problem with any noticable list when handling on my own.

If you're worried, put spare kit in the non-helm front pod. If still worried add bag of sand of suitable weight in non-helm pod to balance - sure yuo wan't need to

That’s brilliant, thanks for the info. I will definitely have a think about the 90-100
Cheers, Steve

[John Kennett]

The Ribcraft 530 is the only boat that size that comes to mind with 2+2 seating and it’s a great little boat that really punches above its weight.

There aren’t many around second hand though, and they are pretty much the same price as a bigger boat new so most people will end up going for something a bit bigger.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stevem

I would want a 100hp on it. lakelandterrier from your experience with the 5.3 you had and the seating was there no problem with the boat listing at all when solo?

If you have the helm on the stbd side, it will counter the prop torque when solo.

[Stevem]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

If you have the helm on the stbd side, it will counter the prop torque when solo.

Ah right, spot on