Which RIB

[nigel52]

New to large RIBs but have sailed for over 40 years so pretty hands on.

I am looking for a RIB package ie RIB, Engine and Trailer.

At the moment the shortlist of RIBs is:

Zodiac Pro Open 550
Ribtec 585
Valiant 570
Avon Adventurer 580

Engines:

Mercury Optimax 115HP
Mercury 115HP EFI

Trailer must be up to a long trail of circa 350 miles

The boat will be used and kept in France so one question is whether I buy in the UK or France. France offers the advantage of being able to access Warranties more easily locally. UK has the advantage that I can negotiate in English. UK may be slightly cheaper.

Do I go for a say 2006 - 2008 rig circa £16,000 or a French rig of Zodiac Pro Open 550, Optimax 115HP and trailer 2010 but all still in the showroom at £23,000 although if pushed they have said they might move to £21,000 incl warranties on all three items. Bateau occasion ZODAIC PRO OPEN 550 Vendée ocassion - Bateau Pneumatique

I know a lot of people like Ribtecs but as they do not have a separate outboard well then they do tend to fill up with water more.

So as well as the above questions: Do I buy in the UK and can I get a good deal like above or do I buy second hand and take a risk on the engine etc.

Lots of questions but I am hoping that the experience of Ribnet folk will come up with some good advice and things to consider/watch out for.

Thanks in advance.

[CJL]

RIBTEC everyday!

[jambo]

Big mistake by leaving out ribcraft

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[Mollers]

Osprey Vipermax 5.8m.
Best sea keeping credentials in that size range IMHO.

[nigel52]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Osprey Vipermax 5.8m.
Best sea keeping credentials in that size range IMHO.

I think the Osprey Vipermax 5.8m will be too heavy. Long distance towing will be behind a suitable car but generally the rig will be towed by a Suzuki Jimny 4x4 although a small engine and towing weight 1200kg

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by nigel52

I think the Osprey Vipermax 5.8m will be too heavy. Long distance towing will be behind a suitable car but generally the rig will be towed by a Suzuki Jimny 4x4 although a small engine and towing weight 1200kg

You might struggle to keep most 5.5m ribs under 1200kgs all-up.

[nigel52]

Originally Posted by Mollers

You might struggle to keep most 5.5m ribs under 1200kgs all-up.

I don't disagree but the Jimny will only have to tow distances of up to 8 miles on an island with slow roads and launch down the slipways. A 3.2 Diesel Estate will do the long distance towing.

[Gilles]

That s weird that an englshman is going to France to buy a rib
Uk ribs are stronger ans more performant ... That s what i think ...

[nigel52]

Originally Posted by Gilles

That s weird that an englshman is going to France to buy a rib
Uk ribs are stronger ans more performant ... That s what i think ...

Hi Gilles - no love lost between the Belgiums and the French then!! Just kidding.

We live most of the time near La Rochelle hence where we would use the RIB and get it serviced. You will see that most of my options are UK RIBS except the Zodiac Open Pro 550 which I liked the look of.

[GJ0KYZ]

I second the comment about Ribcraft. The 5.85m with a suitable 4-stroke ought to be top of your list. Here's the link:
RibCraft 5.85 Professional Boat - Yeovil, Somerset, UK

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

I second the comment about Ribcraft. The 5.85m with a suitable 4-stroke ought to be top of your list. Here's the link:
RibCraft 5.85 Professional Boat - Yeovil, Somerset, UK

Weight.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

Ribcraft. The 5.85m with a suitable 4-stroke ought to be top of your list.

Why top?

[Gilles]

I see, I already do boating there from Port Medoc, been to Bordeau, la Rochelle, a really nice place to boat and ...taste wine

enjoy ur new boat

Originally Posted by nigel52

Hi Gilles - no love lost between the Belgiums and the French then!! Just kidding.

We live most of the time near La Rochelle hence where we would use the RIB and get it serviced. You will see that most of my options are UK RIBS except the Zodiac Open Pro 550 which I liked the look of.

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Why top?

Because Ribcraft make the best boats; ask anyone who has one.

[Gilles]

woooww, many uk boat are ok, Ribcraft the best one ?a really good rib, for sure
do you have any equities in ribcraft

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

Because Ribcraft make the best boats; ask anyone who has one.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

ask anyone who has one.

What for, a balanced, unbiased opinion?

[willk]

Originally Posted by Gilles

do you have any equities in ribcraft

No, but he IS selling his own

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Mollers

What for, a balanced, unbiased opinion?

Mm just like yours of course

[Gilles]

i see .... to buy a new ribcraft i m sure

Originally Posted by willk

No, but he IS selling his own

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by jambo

Mm just like yours of course

I have used and cruised extensively with both RC585 and VM5.8 models.

How 'bout you?