which is the best 6m rib around 18k new.....

[jon123]

im wondering what in many peoples opinion is the best 6m boat out there for a 18k budget all inclusive. i have currently shortlisted a humber 6.3m with suzuki 140 leisure kitted out, with trailer for 18,600.....or an avon rib with same kitt out, and engine, but have to buy engine and boat at different places to get the price down to just under 18,000

what other boats are out there, it is used for leisure use, fishing, cruising, but in areas of potential extremes of weather, namely mumbles near swansea, and also north of scotland, the far north, at lochinver, however i would also like to have it with a good performance, and economy whilst being a very capable sea boat. also, although not a decisive issue it owuld be nice to be able to fit a removable area where others may sunbathe if needed, alothough this is a minor point and by far not essential, after all we cant have it all!

while i am at it, i have for SALE a ZODIAC PRO 9 MAN, with 50hp SUZUKI fourstroke, all 2003 for sale in fantastic condition, only selling cos im looking for a larger boat!!

[MeMe]

........ :d

[thorper]

XS ribs are good value and high quality:

www.xs-ribs.co.uk

They fit boats out with the merc optimax engines, - you can get a 6m with a 150hp for 18.8k (list price), and a 6m with a 115 for 17k.

We just got a new one for our dive club, and there are a few people on the forum with one too.

They will probably do you a deal if you tell them you are looking at humber.

Ricky

[simmons0]

You could get a solent 6 or 6.5m for less than that.
Fast hulls too

Just remember its all the owners oppinions being posted on here.

[Andy]

Everybody will have an opinion and think their boats a good but. There is lots of choice these days and sometimes there is more than 1 good answer. Have a read of these forums you will get a feel for what people rate.

I have lots of experience of the following boats in your range: Humber Destroyer 5.8, Ribtec 585, XS-600 & Tornado 6.8m, happy to talk to you frankly about all of those, message me if you want a chat further.

[marknj]

Very pleased with my Ribcraft

[catjasp]

what Humber and what Avon are they!

[swginn]

Originally Posted by thorper

you can get a 6m with a 150hp for 18.8k (list price),

The "(list price)" is the important bit here. Try knocking 1.5k off that, if you negotiate a good deal. This includes sea-star hydraulic, A-frame, Full Boat Cover, Trailer, straps, Icom VHF, Compass, the list goes on, pretty much everything you'll need including 24 gallons of Opti Oil!! . Now I'll tell you straight away, this is a biased opinion as you've probably guessed, i've got one.

Completely unbiased though , I would reccommend looking at the 150 Opti also. You'll get more thrills from it, it comes with 3yr warranty, Stainless prop and twin smartcraft gauges all as standard. Some good deals to be had on this engine and they are surprisingly fuel efficient.

As regards RIBs I reccommend you should get quotes frome the following and compare:

Solent Ribs www.solentribs.com (good boats, fast hull)
Ribcraft possibly, if a bit pricey brand new.
Osprey (have a look at Top Banana!! here: "top banana" Osprey Viper 6m - Optimax 150 - £16,000 ono)
Valiant
Parker
Prosport (You'll be waiting!!)

You could also look at Excalibur Ribs from Cork, Ireland although I don't know how pricey they are but they certainly are quality boats. www.excaliburribs.com or contact Joe (posts as tsunami on here).

I know its a bit tedious but at least you'll know you've made the right choice at the end. Consider after sales support from where you buy also.

HTH!!

Steve

[Andy]

Think twice about the 6m XS as a platform for fishing and certainly try one out. They sit high in the water and as such are not very steady at rest. Moving across the deck from one side to the other will seesaw the boat on its keel. The boat is very balance sensitive.

I have about 5hrs at the helm of an XS-600 now which is not a lot however I do think these are good boats and excellent value for money.

I can not fault these craft while underway and I think they will be fine as a dive platform, due to the loads onboard, however if you are light and fishing stationary the platform may not be very stable and if you are loaded unevenly you will lean to the heavier side and will not sit at rest. level hugging the water.

[Alan]

Here's a thought. Consider the Scorpion 7.5m listed with Lyminton Marine Sales here http://www.lymingtonmarinesales.co.u...age_page_3.htm (top left of the page). A 97 but if its anything like the 97 I used to have (Blue Ice) then it'll be in better shape than many newer ribs. You can't beat the performance and seakeeping IMHO and thats a good price. Only downsides for you are a) I suspect thats an old tech engine so you might want to upgrade say to an etec/opti. Probably cost you GBP 4-5k after p.ex of the Mariner. b) You'll need a 4x4 to tow and launch.