Which 6.5m? New or Secondhand? Where to find one?

[brucehawsker]

Just thought I would start a new thread as this little project has falled into two threads over past 36 hours.

To sum up, for those who did not see the earlier one:

"I am looking for something robust that can be ocaasionally launched using a 2.2litre HDi Peugeot Diesel MPV, although it primarily will be kept in a boatyard in Lymington.

It will be used for crusing with an aim to explore the south coast (limited navigation skills and experience means land in sight is important, although I hope to grow up eventually).

Primarily it will be for my wife and I, and my 14 year old son, although occasionally we may take friends in calm weather across to Yarmouth.

Decision 2: go for four jockey seats"

My most recent post has got to:

"The list now reads:

Scorpion (but new is too long and too expensive)
Humber 6.3 Ocean Pro
Ballistics 6.5
Solent Ribs (to visit 26 May)
Rib-X (to look at in Lymington, 26 May)
Ribcraft (but Yeovil is far from Lymington)"

Other names mentioned include:

Tornado
Parker
Avon
XS
Ribtec

Any other candidates appreciated. This might turn into a long haul!

On the secondhand front:

http://www.boatsandoutboards.com

Any help and advice is much appreciated. Thank you to those who have posted already!

Particularly I would love pointers to any specific secondhand rib that might meet my needs. The long build time on new is a bit of a turn off at this time of year (I am not getting any younger!)

Thank you.

Bruce

[RIVA]

just had it confirmed a new ballistic 6.5 with yamaha 150 fourstroke on a indespension roller coaster, £24950 front seating/sunbed is a option as well contact www.ribsforsale.com

[Petrov]

Any help and advice is much appreciated

Osprey Viper Max 6,5m.
Great boat.

[aligator]

What about zodiac 550 or 650 pro ?
Im pleased with my 550 as a family fun boat , the under deck storage is great
for stowing water ski's ringo's, wives ect. which keeps the deck area clear
all the time.
Im not keen on the seats on the 550 you have to drive standing up all the time, no support in rough weather at all . I think the bolster on the 650 is better as you have somthing to lean on .
the optional ski pole is well worth it if thats what you want to do!
As stated i consider it a family fun time boat , my crew would not be too pleased to go out in very rough weather ( although we do use it all year round ) but i am happy that it can handle a bit of rough stuff if needed.
Good luck in your search
Alistair

[Alan]

Be aware that not all advice on this forum is impartial for two reasons:

1) Some are involved in manufacturing or selling RIBS. Most declare this as obvious but not all.

2) Everyone will tell you that the RIB that they own or have owned is the best! So go buy a Scorpion

Id've thought living in the boating capital of England you'd be pretty well placed to find a boat. For example for Ribcraft you dont need to go down to Yeovil cos I think Bembridge Outboards on the IOW sell 'em.

Cheers,
Alan

[John Kennett]

"Riva" works for ribsforsale.com and I have previously asked him not to posts about any boats for sale without declaring an interest.

His account has now been suspended for one week.

John

[Naked Dave]

Bruce, can you give us all an idea of your budget, if it isn't too personal a question. Maybe we can give you some better advice.

John....Please don't suspend me...I'm not trying to sell him a Naked Rib...honest gov!!

[Aging Youth]

Hi Bruce,

Firstly I would like to say good luck with your search to find your next boat; it can be quite an ardeous task.

Some pointers for your to consider.

1. Buget, try and stay within your limit, it can easily run away with you; especially for extra's when kitting up with safety equipment.

2. Think of sitting aragements: inline or side by side? How many will you usally carry?

3. Weight - A heavy boat can be difficult to manoeuvre when launching/retrieving on coastal slipways.

Engines - inboard/outboard, Diesel = Reliability & cost of running. Petrol engines can be just as reliable but running cost will be higher. 2 strokes for sheer performance or 4 Stroke quiet smooth running.

I would look at as many as possible, try and get on the water with each type if you can. Last bit take your time, it could turn out to be a very expensive mistake if you end up with the wrong boat.

Happy Hunting.

[Adam Younger]

Hi Bruce

We are just introducing a new 6.5 RIB - Demo boat will be available at RIBEX and will then be Solent based.

The hull / concept is about performance and efficiency. We started from scratch but used a lot of data from our successfull raceboats that are well known as the best handling boats on the circuit. We have also carried out much design work for other manufacturers, both domestic and commercial.

The demo boat is powered by a 140 HP Suzuki and the whole idea is that you do not need to go to a V6 (we are recommending 115 to 150hp). We believe we have created an all round RIB that is big enough to make passages whilst remaining economical to operate.

Kind regards
Adam


K4+ Ltd
www.k4plus.com

[Nick Hearne]

Have you had a look at http://www.ribmagazine.com/index.htm they have a few boats for sale how about this one?
"6.8 Ribcraft 2002

Mariner 225 optimax, 270 litre tank, VHF, chart plotter, Nav. lights, compass, ‘A’ frame, raised forward deck, large hatch and storage, twin axle, trailer, boat covers.

Price; £28,0000

Separate negotiation for; 15 HP Auxiliary, 4X4 Shogun.

Tel: 07788 990569"
Nick