What would you buy?

Bluestorm 100 · 26 November 2018, 22:00

Hi I am new to ribs and trying to learn. What would your choice be of the following be, which is a better boat and what speeds could they achieve.
1, Zodiac Pro 4.2M with 50 Evinrude ETEC
2, Brigg Falcon 4.5 M with 40 Evinrude ETEC
3, Zodiac 4.2 with 40 Mariner stroker ( cheap option)

xpertski · 27 November 2018, 18:26

I’ve owned a Zodiac 4.7m Pro which was ok but too bow light - I have no experience of Brig’s, but from seeing them at boat shows that would be my choice. Others with experience of both may say different though

spartacus · 27 November 2018, 20:49

Welcome to the forum.

I used to have a Zodiac Pro 7-man which was renamed the Pro 420. It's a great starting RIB, but because it's a relatively shallow v hull, it will tend to slap in the rough stuff. The tubes are Strongan Duotex (PVC), normally 3 inflation chambers. I ran mine with a mint Yamaha 40hp (3 cylinder autolube engine), manual trim and tilt on remotes. Reckon you'd get 30mph+ out of it 2-up in decent weather and sea conditions.

Zodiac has a strong dealer network, a wealth of accessories (albeit expensive) and you can configure layout of the deck to a point. Outhill Products also stock Pro 420 bow seat cushion which is good to have when fishing or at rest.

The 420 hull is rated for 50hp, and an ETEC is a good combination because of weight. I'd be tempted to match it to maximum transom rating and go for 50hp. The ideal engine would be a Yamaha 50hp 2-stroke (model 50G) but they are uber rare, once favoured by the commercial sector, so will be hammered if you find one. I searched for 3 years and eventually gave up.

The Zodiac 420 is still a small boat. If you can, consider a 470 Pro. Normally matched with Yamaha F60 4-stroke in packages I've seen, but the extra length, although marginal, is worth it and the 4-stroke will help if you want to sell on down the line.

This might give you an idea of speed. This was a few years ago on the Zodiac, heading back from Gardenstown to Rosehearty, 3 on board with a Tornado for company. Turn down the sound!

No experience of Brig boats, so I can't comment.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lgVXhalKM3w

Bluestorm 100 · 22 December 2018, 06:42

Thanks for your replies, Yamaha considered the best outboard then?

Pikey Dave · 22 December 2018, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluestorm 100

....... Yamaha considered the best outboard then?

I must have missed something, where does it say that?[emoji848]

jambo · 22 December 2018, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I must have missed something, where does it say that?[emoji848]

Beat me to it Dave!!

neil.mccrirrick · 22 December 2018, 13:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Beat me to it Dave!!

By Yamaha or anybody that owns a Yamaha yes [emoji1]

Xk59D · 22 December 2018, 15:22

All outboards are great when they work, no such thing as best outboard brand, yamaha has well documented problems with some models as does Suzuki, mercury, evinrude, honda etc. Buy what your local dealer can support and get boating, maintain it to best of your ability and get boating.

If you buy with brand loyalty and it makes you sleep better then it is your money but it doesn't mean A is better than B.

Bluestorm 100 · 22 December 2018, 17:33

Ok thanks for your views I certainly do not wish to upset anybody.
For a starter boat then on eBay currently a Ribtec 535 with 70 hp Tohatsu. I like it because of the twin Jockey seats, there are 4 of us, but I suspect you would advise that 70 he is not enough? Anybody know what they can take as a max? Other one that is about at the moment and for sometime I think ? is an Avon Sea Rider professional 5.4 with Yamaha 85.
Your thoughts please if you would be so kind

beamishken · 22 December 2018, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluestorm 100

Ok thanks for your views I certainly do not wish to upset anybody.
For a starter boat then on eBay currently a Ribtec 535 with 70 hp Tohatsu. I like it because of the twin Jockey seats, there are 4 of us, but I suspect you would advise that 70 he is not enough? Anybody know what they can take as a max? Other one that is about at the moment and for sometime I think ? is an Avon Sea Rider professional 5.4 with Yamaha 85.
Your thoughts please if you would be so kind

The 535 will be lacking with 70 however the 70 tohatsu would be easy to sell on if you wanted to upgrade later on
Re the searider they are considered one of the best in class but not my cup of tea im not keen on the looks .However that 85hp yam engine is arguably the best engine ever made in that class size

Pikey Dave · 23 December 2018, 08:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluestorm 100

Ok thanks for your views I certainly do not wish to upset anybody........

You didn’t [emoji106] I was more concerned about you getting focussed on one particular brand to the exclusion of others, and missing out in the process. You’ve done the right thing by asking for advice, you will get loads of opinions about “this brand or that brand” your job is to distill the info that you get into what suits your needs & budget. Xk59D is spot on about dealer support, no point in buying a particular brand when the nearest dealer is 200 miles away. If you wander around many marinas, you will notice that there will be a tendency to one or two brands in that particular marina. I’m 99% sure that on the harbour side, there will be a main agent for that brand(s).
Take your time, don’t be in a hurry to part with your money.

jeffstevens763@g · 23 December 2018, 18:17

PD is right you can soon rack up a fair amount of dosh just ferrying your boat around for warranty work believe i know.

beamishken · 23 December 2018, 21:07

Looking at your list of possibles, most will likely be out of warranty Therefore a main dealer is less important. You may need someone to service your motor locally but in general your repairer will be easier to find with an older lower tech engine.
More modern engines that require dealer computer support out of warranty could well turn into money pits.
An old school 2stroke or carbed 4 stroke can be repaired by almost any competent mechanic and that should be kept in mind when considering your purchase.
A 15 yo basic engine could be far cheaper to maintain and be more reliable than a more complex 7 or 8 yo engine that needs dealer computer backup.

jeffstevens763@g · 24 December 2018, 09:08

Sorry I guessed 1&2 would be new or nearly

Bigplumbs · 30 December 2018, 03:22

I have several boats and I am a firm believer in the older 2 strokes for the reasons stated above. Ie they are simple and easier to work on and much of the work can be done yourself if you are so inclined.

They will use more fuel but given the amount of time your average Rib is used in a year in my view this is a non issue