Seating on RIBCRAFT 5.85

[Chopppywaters]

Hey I just customized my RIBcraft 5.85 and im waiting for a final quote but in the mean time what seating options would accomodate to the most seating with still enough deck space?

ugh lol just tried to attach pictures but they are too big, so ill just try to explain the seating verbally. I got a 2 person console that comes with a front bench seat and 2 jockey seats side by side. I can also add a bench behind the 2 jockey seats or 2 more jockey seats (not sure what to do there) or leave it empty but that would mean people would have to sit on the sides. Is sitting on the sides of a RIB very dangerous? Any help would be great lol thanks!

[roycruse]

Ive just ordered my New Ribcraft 5.85 from here in the UK - They are on 2 weeks holiday at the moment so probably wont start building for another week yet - we will probably be getting our boats about the same time.

I went for a slightly different layout than you. I didnt really like the idea of driving the boat from an off centre position (being a heavy bloke) so i opted for the single driver jocky then 2 X 2 man jockeys behind that.

Its alot cheaper than going for the double side by side console and luckily what i wanted anyway...

here is a pic of a 5.3 with the same layout as i have chosen for mine so presumable there will be a bit more space either behind or in front or both.

[boatbuoy]

Get stringers fitted so you can whip the seats out. No, Sitting on the sides is not dangerous, unless you have an incompetant skipper, who does take in the consideration of his passengers. It is safer if you have children to get them sitting well inside the boat. Also important to make sure there are points for people to hold on to. Some peopole like the toe straps too. In theory, seats will mean you can go faster and rougher, more safely.

[boatbuoy]

A two man console gives space for a navigater, a packet of jaffa cakes and a cup of tea on the dash! Thats why we have that on our Ribtec!

[Chopppywaters]

hmm im not a big fan of the 1 man console...(although it is much cheaper), not sure why heh i like to have someone next to me to talk to while im driving though Also if get...hit with a random object from the ocean my co pilot there can steer for me lol

[Chopppywaters]

i also didnt get a windshield heh...anyone have any problems with no windshields?

[roycruse]

I got the windshield for this one as i was cought out along way from home in my last rib and it started to rain.

we tried to push through the rain but at 20+ knots its like someone trying to shove hot needles in your eyeballs.

a pair of sun glasses would have done helped - but i forgot them.

with the screen ill have sopmething to duck down behind if this happens to me again - im also hoping i will be able to attach a clip on mirror to the frame around the sheild for when im towing the kids oin the ringo or a skier.

[boatbuoy]

Nope, not at all. They tend to get quite hard to see through. In rough waters, if the boat doesn't have a screen I just wear a ski mask.

Does mean you don't have anywhere to put your jaffa cakes though.

[roycruse]

Originally Posted by boatbuoy

Nope, not at all. They tend to get quite hard to see through. In rough waters, if the boat doesn't have a screen I just wear a ski mask.

Does mean you don't have anywhere to put your jaffa cakes though.

id never even thought of the jaffa cake thing

what a bonus - (dont tell Ribcraft though - they might charge extra if they realise)

[boatbuoy]

I've had many a light snack wedged between the Windscreen, and the GPS!