ribcraft or xs

[parm]

ribcraft 5.3 with a suzuki 90hp or a xs 5.5 with a mercury 100hp 4stroke both approx same price which one do i choose

[Biggles]

Tough call, I haven't been in either of the two boats but if the build quality is similar and the boats are laid out the same then I think size does matter and I'd be tempted to go for the XS with the 100 HP power lump.

I've been on the 6 m XS and I own a Ribcraft 585. With these two boats I much prefer the look of the Ribcraft. Funny but one of the most obvious disapointments on the XS was the seat cushions. The rest of the boat looks fine but the seat cushions don't seem big enough for when your getting chucked around the oggin.

Best of luck with your choice I'm sure they are both fine boats.

[matt h]

DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU ARE BASED,the ribcraft is nearly unbreakable, and bits can be added at any time,i would go for a ribcraft, very likely,would be identical speed,

[mark-f]

I would agree with biggles that this is one of the times when Size does Matter , I have had a Ribcraft 5.85 in the past and the only other Rib that is in the same ballpark is the XS 600 I now have, there are not as many XS's out there yet but i cannot praise the hull enough.

Go for the XS!

Mark

[ashbypower]

We Run a XS 550 Superb boat, takes all we can throw at it, Students, Divers and US. She's coupled to a '90 Opti and fly's. Check out our site for Piccy's. Shes also shown on the XS site. Superb Build quality and built to last takes big sea's well and inspires confidence. We have a customised dive cylinder rack/seat and non standard Dry Box baskets also a bespoke cover.

[parm]

decided to go for the ribcraft, but 5.3 with 90 suzuki ski a frame, single seat consul + 2 twin jockeys etc etc or for much the same money 5.85 basic + 90 suzuki - only extra is 2 twin jockeys?????

[John Kennett]

Go for the 585 if you can. The 5.3 is a great little boat, but the extra half a metre makes a massive difference in seakeeping.

John

[parm]

if i take the ski a frame off the 530 i can get it down to about £1500 less than 585 + 90hp suzi or appoox £2500 less than 585 + 115 hp suzi will the 585 be that much better?

[John Kennett]

If you buy the 535 you'll have a load of fun but will probably want to trade up after season. You're likely to be happy with the 585 for a lot longer!

Tell us a bit more about what you plan to use the boat for . . .

John

[parm]

ill be using the boat for a mixture of inland /coastal and the odd trip across the irish sea. My main concern is my 3 kids aged between 12 - 16 - will they be able to handle the 585 or will the smaller 530 be more suited to them? They have no trouble with the 450 / 35hp i have now but 90 /115 is a totally different ball game or is it?