Second hand buying advise

[Zippy]

I have been reading these forums for a few weeks now and got some really good information but have not yet found all the answers!

I am looking to buy my first second hand rib before Christmas and would be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction for things to look out for...

i am looking to spend around 5 K so its not going to be pristine but what should i be looking for? its to be used mainly for solent crusing.

obviously different makes of ribs have different faults but are there any particular areas i should be looking at when viewing??

Thanks in advance.

Zippy.

[ADS]

Welcome to the forum you will find everyone on here both friendly and helpful.

In my opinion it depends how many people you wish to carry on board when cruising. This time last year when I bought my first RIB I originally though the bigger the better but some of the small RIBS are very capabable. Based on the info you have told us I would recommend an avon searider 4m / 4.7m / 5.4m. It all depends how wet you want to get! Cruising in a 4m RIB is usually a wet experience on all but the calmest days.

good luck

Heres a couple in your price range:

Humber 5m ( a little overpriced IMHO)
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/JBT109

4M searider also over priced ( needs converting to centre console again IMHO)
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F43149/

4M Searider
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F36389/

[Zippy]

Thanks,

I had a good look through there over the weekend and came up with the same ones.

There was also a 5.45 meter raider on there which caught my eye although i cant find a great deal about them on the interwebthingie.

As for numbers of people i would like to be four up to make it at least semi social event and having been out in ribs a few times before i have been harshy introduced to the chill factor of a late May session off brighton!

[Daniel TD5]

could all so try this guy

valiant 4.5m now 7k

http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/F45096/

when buying second hand try to ask some one to come with you to look that knows a little you must see the engine running

other makes to look at

valiant v/ dr
zodiac pro
ribcraft

the above boat is mine its a bit over your buget but its new

dan

[Neal]

Hi Zippy,
I was in the same position as you this time last year. What I would say is get out, look and try some boats. I had similar requirements as you and felt i knew what I wanted but after some test drives changed my mind. Remember if like me this is you first boat the money does not stop at the boat you will need to get extra kit (life jackets, radio etc,etc) do a search on what people carry for a full list. So see what's with the boats you are looking at. There are others here who will help with the best type of boat and engine for your needs. There are lots around this time of year so you should have a good choice.
Good luck.

[Zippy]

Thanks for your info Guys,

I have done a lot of sailing in my time so am not completly new to the water and have a lot of the kit like life jackets, flares, radio, oilskins etc but you have made a very good point!

Looks like my credit card is going to take another pounding but hey ho! thats what money is for!

[ADS]

I think you want something around 5mtr then if you are taking 4 people.
Dan's boat is ideal particularly if you want the new boat look and are worried about asthetics. Personally, I bought an older boat to start with that I knew I wouldnt loose any money on and it wouldnt matter if I scraped it.
If you havent already I would recommend that you do your RYA powerboat level 2 -it really is worth the money and gives you more confidence in handling the Rib. Plenty of people to advice on PB2 on here.

[Zippy]

Not hugely fussed about new boat apperance as i know im not spending new boat money. i am keen on not too many problems as although im practical my marine engineering skills are about as good as my spelling!

As for RYA Level 2 i have done that with the european waters certificate as well. (cant remember what thats called) i would be interested in doing my advanced or safety boat as well though once i have got a little experience in.

[ADS]

Sounds like your ready for a boat then.
I would discount Ribcraft because I am not sure you would get a 5m for your budget (Their second hand values are sky high).

Is the Raider you were looking at this one: http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F48150/

Doesnt look bad, has a relatively shallow V hull so not so a bit of a handful in rough water. Looks like it has been used for diving (Judging by the bottle rack behind the console). The engine in my reckoning looks to be early nighties should provide plenty of power but will definatly like a bit of the motion lotion!
A lot of boat for the money.

[timboli]

I am also a converted sailer(well I still have the sailing boat).I had various ribs on boat share,then bought a ribcraft 4.8,I found that the solent is nearly always bumpy-not bumpy as in sailboats speeds but bumpy because you tend to be doing 15 knots minimum as a reasonable speed,this may sound obvious but it is not to be underestimated.Make sure that whatever you buy has a better engine,by this I mean,a reliable engine IMHO is more important then a flashy looking boat.Ensure that you get a good on load test of the engine,a quick run on muffs is not enough,I had a dealer check the engines on my ribcraft before buying and still got problems.
Boat length combined with a deep v are good for the solent,I have a 5.7 now and am looking to buy bigger but then ribbing gets you like that.Unfortunately,most local dealers reccomend 6 metre as a minimum for the solent to get a smoothish ride,I think it all depends how much you want to be thrown around and how fast you want to cruise.One of the main criteria I had when buying the current boat was a new engine with a good reputation,drifting disabled in the solent soon puts the family off.
Maybe join seastart or carry an auxilary,as with a sailing boat,the engine is obviously the alternative propulsion.