So What do I need

[Bigplumbs]

I joined this forum after I bought my little 3.4 m with the 15 hp 4 stroke. The reason I bought this boat was I wanted something that I could easily use on my own. I have several other boats which include 2 17 foot speedboats and a sports cruiser. I cant manage any of these on my own hence the purchase of the 3.4 rib......................... Now as my wife says I am never satisfied and now that I realise how much fun ribs are I kind of fancy a bit bigger and a lot faster. I would like about 40 knots if possible which is what I get out of my Fletcher with the Merc 115 on the back.

I still must be able to handle on my own and it needs to be comfortable for 2 people.

I am thinking a 4.0 m or 4.2 m with something like a 50 hp on the back would fit the bill. What do you experts think

Dennis

[Starovich]

depends on usage, if speed is your thing maybe a zapcat?

[Poly]

Some people manage 6+m ribs on their own quite happily. I assume the bit you struggle with is launch and recovery? What limits you? [just thinking no point in owning three 17 foot powerboats - and you could get one 'do everything' boat if you find a system that works singlehanded]

[Bigplumbs]

Originally Posted by Poly

Some people manage 6+m ribs on their own quite happily. I assume the bit you struggle with is launch and recovery? What limits you? [just thinking no point in owning three 17 foot powerboats - and you could get one 'do everything' boat if you find a system that works singlehanded]

Yes it is the launch and recover and I want to keep the boats I have (That's Just me) I want to stay smallish for other reasons. What sort of speed would a 4.3 with a 50 hp acheive

[Bigplumbs]

Originally Posted by Starovich

depends on usage, if speed is your thing maybe a zapcat?

No I love the little rib I have and how it handles I just want more top end

[beerbelly]

I have a 4 metre searider with a 40 mercury 2 stroke and from memory I think I'm getting mid 30,s knots weather and chop depending 36 on a mirror flat river estuary the same with a 50 on would probably be good for 40 knots in similar conditions.

[sailrib]

You will certainly have your choices with the amount of 4m that are currently available but I like this one a lot in particular.
Because of it's hull shape the rib will ride like a bigger (4.7m) rib as it has a long waterline length for it's size and because of the shape of the (square) bow it will be easier for you to get in and out of the rib at the dock. It's also very robust and seaworthy. With a 50 hp she should have plenty of speed for you.

Carson 420

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARSON-420...p2047675.l2557



I understand about wanting ease of handling by yourself when splashing and pulling out. Having pole guides on the trailer would really help you line up the rib on the trailer correctly. With whatever rib you get I strongly suggest to have them.

Then they're ribs like these available (below) but unsure how fast they are compared to the Carson above as they have a much shorter waterline length:


https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...rib/1186421190

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...oke/1186881867

[sailrib]

Just want to add that I strongly suggest getting a trailer with good rollers and not bed bunks.

For you, it sounds like it would be worth it's weight in gold. It will make life much easier splashing and getting the rib back on the trailer. I can splash and load a 6.5m onto a trailer with no problems by myself.

An example:




Here are examples of pole guides for a trailer making it much easier getting the boat properly lined up on the trailer without much effort, it's especially useful with a strong wind or current.

[matt h]

Maybe stabilizers also would be helpfull!!

[macandrc]

Thanks for your comments on our Carson 420 Sailrib, it is indeed a great small RIB which offers a lot for its length.

Bigplumbs I have sent you a pm, drop me a line at the workshop anytime and i can tell you about the Carson 420 as it could be what your after.

Colin

[Red Fox]

Had a Zodiac 4.2 with a 40hp on and now have the zodiac pro500 with a 70hp Yamaha and it goes like stink and can be launched/retrieved easily and goes in the garage and is good for 40mph and rides better than the smaller boat and has a comfy jockey seat for my wife and I and I quite like it.

[Iankristy]

As said above a good roller trailer is the secret to happy launch/ recovery. Bigger boats just take a bit more winding in. Decent trailer will self centre so poles don't do much.

[Bigplumbs]

Don't want to go too big. I have found that if you break the speed limit in a small boat with no wash no one seems to care. Even the raggies give you a friendly wave. I can plane along at about 11 mph in my current small rib which is actually a lovely speed