Small RIBs

[Chrisch]

Forgive me if this has been answered before. I am thinking of a small (3-4m) RIB for scuba diving for 3-4 people. My experience up to now is with hard boats or large (5m+) RIBs. I found the Honda range with inflatable floors but then the data got too much and I'm drowning in all the marketing BS and "we're the best" nonsense. Does anyone have any real experience with this type of boat? Are they too small to be any use? Any recommendations of something to look at?

Thanks everyone in advance.

Chris

[Jizm]

I had an avon 3.4 supersport or seasport? one of the two anyway.
Tiller control with a yamaha 25hp. It was full up with 4 people and no gear so 2 divers and gear is probably about the limit.

[Chrisch]

Thanks Jizm, that's not a good start

Lets settle on 3 people - two diving and one up top to boat handle then - the four is too optimistic.

Chris

PS Like the bikes!!!

[Nos4r2]

An SR4 with a tiller steer outboard would be a better bet.

[Jizm]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

An SR4 with a tiller steer outboard would be a better bet.

I concur

My 4.8m RIB with me and 4 divers with associated equipment is just about it.

[Chrisch]

Thanks guys, I'm back where I started You just get that little bit more spec. every time you look I guess the small boat is really a no-go.

Chris

[Shep Smythe]

4.5 to 5 is the comfort-max in my opinion!

SS

[ian parkes]

Don't buy the inflatable floor Honda for diving . Its a great little boat but the air floor will bounce your gear everywhere . There is no good way to lash gear down , ok for soft beach gear but not diving kit .

The bigest Honda 4.2 (and similar other makes ) with an alloy floor takes 30+ horses and is good value , but like me you will end with it on a trailer , as even a transit van isn't big enough with all that gear , so just as well get a rib or hard boat and chuck it all in before you leave home .

[Donnie144]

I have had 4 divers and a driver in a 4M before but you had to kit up on shore climb in stradle the tubs and then drive out to the dive site. I wouldn't want to do this for any more then a 1/4 mile and in calm conditions. I would normally dive 2 divers and a driver with 4 tanks all the time though. So it's do able.

[prairie tuber]

Originally Posted by ian parkes

Don't buy the inflatable floor Honda for diving . Its a great little boat but the air floor will bounce your gear everywhere . There is no good way to lash gear down , ok for soft beach gear but not diving kit .

The bigest Honda 4.2 (and similar other makes ) with an alloy floor takes 30+ horses and is good value , but like me you will end with it on a trailer , as even a transit van isn't big enough with all that gear , so just as well get a rib or hard boat and chuck it all in before you leave home .

I agree with staying with a hard floor if you are carrying anything like diving gear.

I inflate and deflate my zodiac with each use and it's really not that much hassle. By myself it takes about 15 minutes to set up, and if another person is with me, about 10-12 minutes.