Ribcraft 530 Vs. ProSport 585 - Help!

[alt]

Guys,
I'm going to view a Ribcraft 530 and ProSport 585 next week but cant decide which to go for.

Both have the same seating layout, and are pretty much the same age, with same size engines for pretty much the same price.

The Ribcraft is as follows:
5.30m, Mariner 90HP 4Stroke

The ProSport 585 is:
5.85m with Suzuki 90HP 4Stroke

Which do you think would handle better on the water? Giving that the Prosport is only .5m longer.

Both have a wide console with twin jockey seats and bench to the rear. As I said theyre pretty much the same spec... Can anyone help?!?

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by alt

Which do you think would handle better on the water? Giving that the Prosport is only .5m longer.

Ribcraft has the better pedigree of the two, but that .5m makes a whole lot of difference in this size range.

Can you try them both? I'd recommend it before making a decision.

John

[alt]

I can try them both yes, theyre only about 30 miles apart. The problem is im in Ireland, so I have a time limit.

Would the .5, be a noticable difference?

[PeterR]

Back to the same old question we all ask ourselves.What is it going to be its main use so will the hull design answer this for you.what will hold its price better is something to be considered,food for thought i hope

[DM]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

.5m makes a whole lot of difference in this size range.

Very true but the stated length of a boat doesn't always give the true picture.

My 5.25m Viper is a 20 per cent bigger boat than a 5.4m Searider.

The 5.85 Prosport runs nicely......until the glassed in jockey console falls off.

DM

[PeterR]

Forgot to ask ,what are the engine hours of each and service history

[alt]

Originally Posted by davidmanning

Very true but the stated length of a boat doesn't always give the true picture.

My 5.25m Viper is a 20 per cent bigger boat than a 5.4m Searider.

The 5.85 Prosport runs nicely......until the glassed in jockey console falls off.

DM

Uh? You've scared me! Whats this now??

It's main use will be for inland waterways, so nothing ever too bad.
However, I will be taking it off the West Coast of Ireland from time to time. Maybe 10 miles off shore. Would the 5.3 cope? Is the Ribcraft 530 5.3m from the back of the tubes at the stern to the very front of the tubes at the bow?

[alt]

Originally Posted by no fear

Forgot to ask ,what are the engine hours of each and service history

The ribcraft is actually 2004, the Prosport is 2004

Service history on both, less hours on the Prosport which has the Suzuki.

The pros of the Ribcraft 530 are:
Hydraulic steering
Better 'brand' name
Garmin Colour GPS which im familar with

The pros of the Prosport 585 are:
2 years younger
.5m longer
Suzuki Engine
The colour GPS is a Magellan FX324 Colour which im not familar with
Longer jockey seats so seating for more people

[alt]

Here are pictures of the two...

[PeterR]

My advice would be dont be rushed into making the wrong choice .If you cannot aford the time to test drive them properly you definately cant afford the wrong choice .(if you get what i mean)I still have loads to learn but i would say the ribcraft will be a better boat but the suzuki is the better engine.Without seing them i would go for the better boat even though you say its 500mm shorter.What condition are the trailers