sub 5.0m RIB - things to consider?

[spartacus]

I'm looking to buy a new 4.8m to 5.0 RIB in the next month. Anyone that's recently purchased a RIB will know it's not an easy decision, especially trying to balance budget over performance without putting their marriage on the line. Well two out of three isn't bad!

I've already sourced an engine, a mint 2006, 2-stroke, 3 cylinder, 60hp Tohatsu with electric trim and tilt. Weighs 115kg.

It will be used in the Moray Firth and west coast. Primarily for family boating, fishing, 2-3 adults and 2 kids maximum. Fuel wise, it will be a tad utilitarian, with 2 x 25 litre tanks, but needs must. It will also have a console, remote steering and a double jockey set up. It will have the bare minimum of toys, hand-held VHF, engine tacho, Garmin GPS. I can add this as funds allow. The manuafacturer will add a 3-way marine switch, 12v power supply to console, battery box and isolator.

What I've considered so far:

Ribquest 4.8m Commercial http://www.ribquest.com/boat_sales.html
Good: Serious deep V hull, impeccable finish, 5 air chambers, umbilical cable routing, 5 year warranty. Visited their factory last year - impressed with knowledge and friendly approach.
Bad: Bit pricey, possibly heavier - due to comprehensive build.
Trailer: Rapide RU43

Humber 5.0m Assault http://www.ribworld.co.uk/ribs-detail.asp?testid=319
Good: Deep V hull, 5 air chambers, competitively priced, robust build quality, good looking boat.
Bad: 1 year warranty.
Trailer: Bramber RG2/590

Ribcraft 4.8 Professional http://www.ribcraft.co.uk/index.php/...t-4-8-pro-boat
Good: Loyal following of current owners, 5 year warranty, deep v hull, 5 chambers, heavy duty hypalon, pressure release valves, etc.
Bad: No console screen.
Trailer: Rapide R40 roller-coaster

I did look at Avon, however a new commercial 4.7m starts at £7,300 + VAT.

Anything else I should consider?

[ribdraft]

resale , i'm on my 3 third ribcraft, they hold there value and are snapped up pretty quick when they go on the market

[9D280]

No idea about the ribquest.

The Humber is the great grandkid of mine. I can't fault it's seakeeping. Mine weighs in at 430Kg fully fuelled, although the currnet Assault will be slightly heavier as it looks like it's rated for a bigger Hp 4-stroke (mine only rated for 60 Hp / 110Kg, which was fine when most 60s were 2- pot 2 strokes.....) The hull is still as solid as the day it came out the factory C.1984, even tho' as a friend put it, "shows it's industrial heritage".

No windscreen on the Ribcraft - is that really a problem? A pair of sunglasses / safety specs (available form your local tool hire place in varying styles) will solve that problem vey cheaply! Can't comment much on the ribcraft, as I've not used that size, but the oneds i have been in have all been quality build and a comfortable ride.


As for twin portable tanks, it means you have a good way of knowing it's ime to turn round & head back as the first one empties, and they are rather useful when it comes to filling up with supermarket priced fuel!

[Polwart]

RIBshop have just launched a 5m boat.
XS offer a 4.6 and a 5 m boat.

[ribdraft]

i had windscreen made for my 585, only 150 pound if that was only let down

[TUFTY]

I would definitely fit a depth sounder / fish finder if you plan to fish from the rib. A unit combined with a GPS is an option.

Cheers

Paul

[chewy]

I've used a couple of Assaults and they're quick but the seakeeping isn't great. I'd have thought the Ribcraft would be the best out of the three.
Have you considered a 5m Destroyer?

Like Polly said Ribshop have a new range of Ribs which look nice and XS do some good Ribs too.

[nugent]

Originally Posted by ribdraft

i had windscreen made for my 585, only 150 pound if that was only let down

willing to supply any or most screens if boat / console is available to me for 3 hrs any weekend or late eveing west mids

£50.00 built to how sir like's it

[BogMonster]

I thought the Assault was a fairly shallow V? The guys who bought my Destroyer had previously been using another borrowed Humber which I believe was an Assault and commented on the day they tested it that mine was much, much more comfortable in choppy conditions.

5m Destroyer or a 4.8m Ribcraft would probably be top of my shortlist

[Ribshop]

We can supply one of our 5m Defender models for £7293.00 inc vat.

This would be fitted with:
Orca Hypalon tubes with 4 handles, flat fender and a pair of wear patches.
Non slip deck, anchor locker, transom deck drain bow eye and tow points.
Double jockey console with upholstery back rest and cable steering.
5 year warrantee.

We have a demonstrator available with a Suzuki 60 four stroke if you would like a sea trial dont hesitate to get in touch.

http://rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp?PT_...ageHistory=cat