solent 585 /600 or Ribcraft 585??

[matt h]

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

[matt h]

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

[simmons0]

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]

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]

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

[Biggles]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 !!