but I've been going through a similar though process for my own boating needs here in Atlantic Canada. Both in the theoretical 'if I won the lottery' sense considering 11m redbays etc and in the 'what I can reasonably afford' sense which is somewhat smaller!
Here's my thoughts.....
Importing a RIB from Europe is darn expensive once the exchange rate comes into play. So Redbays for example are darn good boats but going to be very expensive by the time you get it into the US / Canada.
To me, seaworthiness is important but so is weather protection and a bit of creature comfort. So an open RIB is no longer feasible - not if I want to make the most of a shorter boating season than the UK. I'd also like the ability to overnight cos marina's and B&B's are in short supply where I intend to go boating.
So here's the thing. Perhaps a RIB 'aint the best tool for the job. (unless you have the ability to buy and import a Redbay, 10m Scorp etc.). The Botnia Targa hardbouts that are pictured are a good but expensive alternative. (and one I know our own JK has a not so secret hankering for......) In terms of boats available in North America, domestically a couple of brands have caught my eye. The first is boston whaler. Lots of heritage, unsinkable designs, seaworthy etc. A 25ft conquest 255 with twins would be very nice. The other, less well know make I have come across are Skagit Orca boats. Like the BW's unsinkable by virtue of foam injection, Deep V and appear very seaworthy. The 27ft with an extended wheelhouse looks like a good tool and are available for around US$100k. Check out
http://www.skagitorca.net/27'.html
Just my 2cents.
A
Alan P.
