Why do I want a(nother) RIB?

[Bigtalljv]

So I have a 20' RIB that I have been looking to upgrade from. I want something that can handle a little rougher conditions as I have moved since purchasing it 10 years ago. Something with a more aggressive hull. I've been coveting a zodiac 733 or a Willard. The question everyone keeps asking me is why do I want a big RIB like that? Why not a big fiberglass fishing boat?

I really like them so thats not the question but in wanting one I am looking to pay a big premium. My points are usually that the big zodiacs can go through anything I would ever be caught in and they trailer a little easier. Have I drunk the cool-aid and lost objectivity? Are the big RIBs worth the money vs a big fiberglass fishing boat?

Why do you all like them? And yes I realize who I am asking

Thanks,
Jason

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by Bigtalljv

Why do you all like them? And yes I realize who I am asking

Thanks,
Jason

what's not to like

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

what's not to like

Initial purchase price, insatiable fuel consumption, rapid depreciation, unwillingness of family members to go out in anything rougher than you used to go out in. And so on..

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

Initial purchase price, insatiable fuel consumption, rapid depreciation, unwillingness of family members to go out in anything rougher than you used to go out in. And so on..

well I'm not ready for pipe n slippers in front of the fire............

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

well I'm not ready for pipe n slippers in front of the fire............

Don't worry, neither am I.

[Bigtalljv]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

what's not to like

Other than the initial purchase price....nothing. I love them, I just don't know why. although it's hard to justify any hole in the water.

[willk]

I think I know why you're asking this question. And I think I know the answer.

Buck for Buck, the hard boat looks better, it has more stuff, it will impress far more people at the dock. You get more Feet per dollar.

The RIB, well, that's a different story. Foot for Foot, you get a lot more capability than a hard boat, IMO. I feel waaay more confident out in a 20' RIB than I would in a 20' fishing boat. And you pay for the privilege.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

And you pay for the privilege.

Also, economies of scale. Yer placcy (plastic) boats are mostly built in large factories by Mexicans. Rib building in the UK is by and large, a cottage industry. Hand built, low volume.
When I sold a nicely equipped Yank sportscuddy to buy my first rib, I was shocked at how little I got for my cash.

[Dhf]

I've done thousands of hours on hard boats, And only a few hundred on Ribs n sibs and there just more fun, much safer / less hassle / plus they don't roll an pitch like hard boats can, easy trailable, and they surf well.
Go on!
You now you want one!



__________________________________________________ _________
Here's a little video I made useing mine the other month.

South bound to Tenby - YouTube

[Bigtalljv]

Originally Posted by Dragonhawk ficht

You now you want one!

I have one, I want a bigger one!!

I'm just curious if there are any objective way to measure performance between RIBs and hard boats. I know they are best, I just need to help my wife understand

Jason

[clydeoutboards]

Originally Posted by willk

I think I know why you're asking this question. And I think I know the answer.

Buck for Buck, the hard boat looks better, it has more stuff, it will impress far more people at the dock. You get more Feet per dollar.

The RIB, well, that's a different story. Foot for Foot, you get a lot more capability than a hard boat, IMO. I feel waaay more confident out in a 20' RIB than I would in a 20' fishing boat. And you pay for the privilege.

Willk is clearly ill. I have a 21 foot shetland which is known for being a great boat in the sea and I have all the trimmings and yet compared to a rib she bobs around v badly in anything over a 4 foot swell. Dont get me wrong compared to most boats she is great, but compared to rib she is terrible in the rough stuff

so to finnish of what Willk was saying he should have added something like " you are raving mad to consider a fishing boat compared to a rib in rough stuff. Yes there are a few minor disadvantages, but better safe witha big grin than sorry.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by clydeoutboards

Willk is clearly ill.

Yep..

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Yep..

Stirrer

Originally Posted by clydeoutboards

so to finnish of what Willk was saying

If I hadn't been writing in Finnish, it would have made more Sensei.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

Stirrer

More 'steerer' when I get this wheel for me Routemaster. ;-)