XS versus Solent

[britemp]

Am currently trying to decide between these two RIB's and it's not easy.

XS is a 700 (7.2m) with a beam of 2.6m and the Solent is a 7.5m with a beam of 2.4m. The XS has a Yamaha Z200 and the Solent an Opti 200. Layout is bow cushions, console with front seat, 2 x single jockey seats plus bench at the rear plus A-frame and the usual bits and bobs. Quotes for both are within £200 of each other. For another £1650 I can swap the 2-stroke Yam for a 4-stroke 200 on the XS. Boat will be kept in a marina and used all year round in the solent.

Any opinions? This is my first RIB so If I am missing something important let me know!

Solent Ribs

XS Ribs

Cheers!

[Andy]

Ideally try them at sea. I may be able to arrange a try on an XS-600 is that helps (Early Satuday - Solent).

Do you have much boat handling experience? What do you want to use the boat for primarily?

[Andre]

Originally Posted by britemp

Am currently trying to decide between these two RIB's and it's not easy.

XS is a 700 (7.2m) with a beam of 2.6m and the Solent is a 7.5m with a beam of 2.4m. The XS has a Yamaha Z200 and the Solent an Opti 200. Layout is bow cushions, console with front seat, 2 x single jockey seats plus bench at the rear plus A-frame and the usual bits and bobs. Quotes for both are within £200 of each other. For another £1650 I can swap the 2-stroke Yam for a 4-stroke 200 on the XS. Boat will be kept in a marina and used all year round in the solent.

Any opinions? This is my first RIB so If I am missing something important let me know!

Solent Ribs

XS Ribs

Cheers!

I do not know what your budget is but you could consider my Parker 750RS with Mercury Verado 225 (overall beam is 2.75). Layout: wide Patrol console, 2 x two man jockey seats, each with backrests and side supports, bench seat, A frame,

The rib is at Littlehampton marina and ready for testing/demo

Have a look at Ribs for sale where you will find the full spec, price and some photos

[steve b]

Originally Posted by britemp

Am currently trying to decide between these two RIB's and it's not easy.

XS is a 700 (7.2m) with a beam of 2.6m and the Solent is a 7.5m with a beam of 2.4m. The XS has a Yamaha Z200 and the Solent an Opti 200. Layout is bow cushions, console with front seat, 2 x single jockey seats plus bench at the rear plus A-frame and the usual bits and bobs. Quotes for both are within £200 of each other. For another £1650 I can swap the 2-stroke Yam for a 4-stroke 200 on the XS. Boat will be kept in a marina and used all year round in the solent.

Any opinions? This is my first RIB so If I am missing something important let me know!

Solent Ribs

XS Ribs

Cheers!

After a lot looking and sea tests I have ordered a solent 6.5. (due in feb-06)

every one I have talked to that have a solent are more than pleased

give lee a ring at solent and go for a spin

steve

[britemp]

Originally Posted by Andy

Ideally try them at sea. I may be able to arrange a try on an XS-600 is that helps (Early Satuday - Solent).

Do you have much boat handling experience? What do you want to use the boat for primarily?

Hi - really appreciate the offer, but I've tried an XS and did my PB2 on a Solent 6.9! They are very closely matched in many areas, hence the dilemma.

I have years of low speed experience with shaft-drive 40' boats on the Norfolk Broads and a little experience of RIBS and outdrive motorboats.

I want the boat for transport around the solent, for fun and for carrying parents/girlfriends/my labrador. I live 5 mins from East Cowes Marina.

Cheers.

[britemp]

Originally Posted by Andre

Have a look at Ribs for sale where you will find the full spec, price and some photos

Will have a look, thanks.

[britemp]

Originally Posted by steve b

After a lot looking and sea tests I have ordered a solent 6.5. (due in feb-06)

every one I have talked to that have a solent are more than pleased

give lee a ring at solent and go for a spin

steve

Did my PB2 on a Solent, so am probably more familiar with them than any and was impressed, but also impressed with XS.

Life's tough!

Cheers.

[The Jackeens]

All we can say is

we're happy with our Solent!

Us

[swginn]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

All we can say is

we're happy with our Solent!

Us

And I'm happy with my XS too!!

There are plenty of threads on here about both types, so a quick search will bring up hours of reading. Really they are both very good RIBs, and TBH I think it should come down to your own personal opinion rather than anything else! Can you get an Opti with the XS?? or does it have to be a Yam?

If you've any questions re: XS-Ribs I'll be happy to answer. Have mine now nearly 2 yrs and its never missed a beat.

[rbw156]

I'm really pleased with my Solent 6.5. Difficult choice. Remind me who manufactures the XS .

Having a local builder and outboard service agent is something I'd recommend you seriously consider.