solent 585 /600 or Ribcraft 585??

matt h · 22 October 2006, 20:18

have narrowed it down ..which is a better boat, ??

matt h · 22 October 2006, 20:19

its for general use and wavejumping and cruising< will probally be a Suzuki 115 or 140 subject to deal<<

simmons0 · 22 October 2006, 20:27

Prefer the Solent when you can open it up and get over the top of the waves, faster with the same engine too.

Ribcraft more suited than the Solent for swells rough enough that you cant keep up planing speed. Higher bow sheer, deeper V at the stern.
Standard of fitout on a Ribcraft is usually brilliant too, but you have to pay a premium for it.

H

Mollers · 22 October 2006, 21:10

Why are you excluding an Osprey Vipermax 585? It's easily as capable as either the Solent or the RC. I'm very well acquainted with the RC 585 as I spend most of my time on the water along side one. The Osprey, if well arranged, is also a better looking outfit.

brucehawsker · 22 October 2006, 22:05

I disagree with Mollers on looks. I find the lighter Solent great fun and never feel insecure....

Biggles · 22 October 2006, 22:22

okay,

On the Ribcraft front from my limited experience its a proper RIB. I was out yesterday playing in the Harbour swell with the wind blowing on to a receeding tide and I enjoyed it, that was at Langston. It had a massive ebb tide running. Then it was a case of hammering over the choppy Solent once I got out to sea. I'm just trying to be objective here but if your playing diiferent RIBS off against each other you really need to take them out on a test drive on the same day or a similar day then make your mind up.

Personally I think the the human will give up before the RIBCRAFT. Yesterday I was playing around in the entrance to Langstone with the tide going out but the wind blowing straight on. It was scary when going straight in to the waves but it showed what the boat could do. It was even scarier when I saw the local Lifebaot sat on the ramp ready to launch.
I don't have any experience of the Solent boat but I can vouch for the RIBCRAFT. Its a good boat. And does what RIBS are supposed to do. I don't think RIBS are for all out and out speed. I see them as seaworthy boats. Speed with survivability. thats my moto. If I wanted out and out speed I'd buy a speed boat.

matt h · 23 October 2006, 18:01

thank you chaps, tell you what , its a tough call, basically you have in that class (6m) alot of choice, i want to order but im hesitating as i dont want to make the wrong puchase,, value for money is paramount, what about the Tohatsu 6.1 one design with on one of their new 115 TLDI, reallt affordable ribs££ or one to avoid??
HELP !!!

simmons0 · 24 October 2006, 11:39

Tohatsu/Solents are more or less the same boat just build by different people.
Both will be fast, light and well built. The difference is in the fit out. Have a look at both factories, see some recent boats and decide which one suits you and which you think is the better quality fit out.

A 115 will be a nice rig, the Tohatsu 140 would be a blast though!

Harry

Downhilldai · 24 October 2006, 22:21

I took a look at a Tohatsu RIB at the Southampton show - what a pile of shite. I have seen a couple of Solents and the difference in build quality is vast. Whoever prepares the moulds for the Tohatsu boats needs to think about a quick change of career. Having seen what was on show, I wouldn't go near one.

matt h · 24 October 2006, 23:02

really ?? are they that bad,, i wish i was around to see them ,, couldnt make the show,,i had a Humber that was pretty awfull !!

Hugh Jardon · 24 October 2006, 23:22

well the ribcraft 585 looks a superb boat so i doubt you can go far wrong with one of those.

the ribcraft will be a slightly softer ride by all accounts. the osprey will be a heavier build and a softer ride still than either the solent or the ribcraft and will ride slightly different and seem more planted i suspect.

but as everyone will say, they are all good boats and depends what sort of ride you want

If you can stretch your budget to a 6.5 that would be good but go for the biggest engine you can, min suz 140 but perhaps a 150 budget allowing.

will be worth it for the grin factor.

Downhilldai · 24 October 2006, 23:22

Yes, the one on show really was bad - it looked like the hull was laid up in a bit of a rush! The mould had obviously been dammed with the transom section and the attention to the fillet was dreadful - all rounded and rough. The flanges were also rough as hell and the gelcoat was full of blotches, indentations and chips. Not the sort of quality you'd expect on a show model

I know there have been a few dodgy Humbers around in the past, but I think they have improved a lot recently.

The Jackeens · 25 October 2006, 18:10

Both are great boats

but we can recommend Solent on personal (happy) experience and it was a great bespoke effort by Lee & co.

Kathleen & Paul

Pete7 · 25 October 2006, 21:58

Matt, the Boats and Outboards Magazine in Smiths at the moment have this for £16950. If the price is correct thats an awful lot of boat for the money. Belongs to Ozz on here, and should be a consideration.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/RSL001/

Pete

tim griffin · 26 October 2006, 06:25

My Solent is for sale 6.9 with 150 opti to include a new trailer £18750 ONO must go as new one is being built .