Which 4.5m - 5.5m Rib?

Tim in Yorkshire · 09 March 2013, 14:47

House purchase by the sea is nearly completed so now I'm thinking of a true "do-it-all" RIB.

What I want to use my future RIB for:

Trips down the North East Coast from Staithes to Whitby ~ 10-12 Nm each way (2-4 people max).
Trips to Runswick Bay on nice days in the summer with up to 5/6 people (~ 3Nm away)
The odd longer trip up and down the coast but with only 2 people
Wake boarding when the sea is flat enough, no huge wake required, but enough for a bit of fun
Spearfishing from when it's flat
Fishing from
The boat will probably be kept on a drying out mooring and used frequently from March to October, and maybe weekly to fortnightly over the winter months

From the above it's a real mixed bag, hence the need for a do it all boat, and therefore a RIB. The question is which one? And do you think my size estimate is correct based on the above? I'll be looking for a second hand boat/engine combo.

Engine wise giving fishing and spearfishing may need more low speed work would a four stroke be more suitable?
But would a two stroke be better for wakeboarding?

Boat wise from initial Ribnet reading I think here are some possible options:
Humber Destroyer/Attaque/Ocean Pro
Tornado (with hypalon tubes, not PVC)
Osprey
Valiant DR490
Ribcraft 5.3
Avon SR 4.7/5.4 - Would the flooding hull be an issue for wake boarding starts?

So what's the verdict on the above options? Any to avoid and if so why?

Are there any other RIBs to consider? Ribtec/Zodiac etc? - I want something that will last, be good out at sea (it doesn't have to be the best in super rough stuff, but I don't want something that slams a lot).

Any advice/opinions gratefully received.

whisper · 09 March 2013, 14:48

SR4.7 for sure and block the hull for wake boarding

Tim M · 09 March 2013, 15:18

A 4.7 or 5.4 Searider would probably tick most of those boxes and last for ever. Second on my list would be a Humber. If money wasn't an issue go for the ribcraft, but unless you can find a bargain will probably be considerably more expensive.

Maximus · 09 March 2013, 15:36

DEFINATELY RIBCRAFT 545!....NOTHING to touch em for the Size!! And if it's the BEST you're After

lakelandterrier · 09 March 2013, 16:33

What no Ribeye on the list, and it's not been challenged in 2 1/2 hrs......??

thomas · 09 March 2013, 17:11

Zodiacs are good, you're probably best having a few boats in mind and finding the best example of what's on your list, if you set your heart on a particular make and model it may be hard to find and you could end up with not such a good boa.

Best advice is take the advise you get on here, one bloke recently went on and on and got some excellent advice which he ignored it all and bought a pile of rubbish.

Oh, and don't forget Ribtec

matt h · 09 March 2013, 17:26

no no no avon 4 mtr tiller steer!!

Tim in Yorkshire · 09 March 2013, 17:31

So are Ribtec ok? and Ribeye bad?

Any specific good/bad models of the above?

And would a flooding searider need blanking off for wake boarding?

thomas · 09 March 2013, 17:49

Ribeye are fine, the tubes are PVC and the hull isn't the most comfortable in a chop but they're made ok and have a good layout.

Ribtecs are excellent, great hull, but I would say that as I'm selling one - only because I want a bigger one. Ribeye made the recent ones and have now adopted the hull for the new Ribeyes.

C2 RIBS · 09 March 2013, 18:03

You will have no probs wakeboarding with four stroke engines nowadays, also quieter and generally cleaner on the boat. Not sure I saw what max budget you have cause that might exclude some. For 5-6 persons I would look for a boat that has enough seats for all for safety and comfort. Hypalon tubes will add a small cost second hand value but some lesser tubes are great and no issues

whisper · 09 March 2013, 18:03

The SR4.7 is by far the best and I'm not just saying that because I am selling one in the for sale section

Mollers · 09 March 2013, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

DEFINATELY RIBCRAFT 545!....NOTHING to touch em for the Size!! And if it's the BEST you're After

Mollers · 09 March 2013, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

The SR4.7 is by far.........

and block the flooding hull.

Don't muck about, just buy an SR4.7.

Tim in Yorkshire · 09 March 2013, 18:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by C2 RIBS

Hypalon tubes will add a small cost second hand value but some lesser tubes are great and no issues

Out of interest which lesser tubes are good and which are bad?

Maximus · 09 March 2013, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

And I thought all the KNOBS were made in Dorset

My Old 545 Could EAT ANY SR5!..and DID!

let alone SR4! May Be Able to Convince you Sometime

THIS SUMMER... If you ever get out these Days

C2 RIBS · 09 March 2013, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim in Yorkshire

Out of interest which lesser tubes are good and which are bad?

You best wait for some of our tube fitters/repairers to come along- some will depend of age and others how they have been maintained. I have seen good PVC and bad hypalon and visa versa so may depend on boat of choice.

Alway remember on boat choice it is about your needs and price and not about someone else considers a good/bad boat as every boat has its strengths and weaknesses. Some on forum hate certain boats whilst others use them all the time. Pick the selection to see and try on the water and always ask as you have done for updates. Dont be fooled by seller, this is your money and must work for you

58 North · 09 March 2013, 18:34

No problem with any of the ribs but do you want to leave a boat on a drying mooring in Staithes all year ... not sure this is a good idea. Maybe overnight from time to time in the summer.

Mollers · 09 March 2013, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

My Old 545 Could EAT ANY SR5!..and DID!

Of all the gobbledegook you've come out with on this site, this sure does take the biscuit!

Nos4r2 · 09 March 2013, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

And I thought all the KNOBS were made in Dorset

My Old 545 Could EAT ANY SR5!..and DID!

let alone SR4! May Be Able to Convince you Sometime

THIS SUMMER... If you ever get out these Days

It didn't eat my 5.4 'til you put 130hp on it

Tim in Yorkshire · 10 March 2013, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58 North

No problem with any of the ribs but do you want to leave a boat on a drying mooring in Staithes all year ... not sure this is a good idea. Maybe overnight from time to time in the summer.

I plan on using it after work, if it's not on a mooring I won't be able to just jump on and go, I recognise the trade off on wear and tear from the mooring vs use, but I'd prefer to have a boat that I use a lot.