New to ribs

Dubdero · 24 March 2013, 10:10

Hello everyone my name is Derek,a couple of years ago was going to buy a rib spend around 5000 on a package never materialized,lost job Ireland went to shit usual stuff.Now I'm thinking of buying an inflattable and second hand engine in next while,have about 1500 hundred for package so be be prepared for some newbie questions.cheers Derek.

willk · 24 March 2013, 10:45

Welcome to RIBnet Dero. You can do a lot with €1,500 when it comes to SIBs. If you want to max out the useability without wrecking the portability, I'd suggest going for a used SIB in the general 3.5m range and stick a 15hp on it. Older SIBs loose quite a bit of their value but outboards are a fierce price here. I guess you should get something in the €300-400 price range and an outboard for the balance. Expect to drop another €500 on related equipment if you get into it any way seriously

xs 400 · 24 March 2013, 10:57

hi derek, tips if you buy a used sib;

inflate it check for leaks with soapy water
check baffles between chambers (usually 3 chambers on a 3.5m), 3/4 pump it up, then deflate one of them, if the whole boat deflates baffles gone.....right off as 1 puncture will mean whole boat sinks!! equally if on inflation of one chamber whole boat inflates.
check general condition any patches,rips, tears, condition of transom

good luck!

Dubdero · 24 March 2013, 11:14

Cheers lads thanks for the info just add some info I be going for a light engine to take off sib for theft reasons and will inflate rib in summer but fold away in winter.have been looking at bison ribs and yam also bison not a brand name seen them on eBay but nice add ons for fishing but no one seems to have one on this forum.another question if putting into saloon car which is easiest to setup and inflate in the rib market.may save me the trailer,thanks again.

xs 400 · 24 March 2013, 11:45

this is a great site but that can also mean 10 replies 10 different views

mine is Yam is one of the best
if you want to keep removing it and putting in the boot 2 stroke is lighter and happy to lay on its side. but finding a nice one is getting more and more difficult as they have stopped selling them in the uk.

bison i have heard of them but like you say dont know anyone with one?

sibs that seem good honwave, bombard, yam

but im sure others will add to this

Dubdero · 24 March 2013, 11:53

Cheers that the info I needed

willk · 24 March 2013, 12:11

There are lots of good SIB brands around. If you intend using it as more than a shore tender then I'd suggest avoiding the entry level offerings and go with a "brand", even if it is used. You could add Avon, Zodiac and Mercury Quicksilver to that list - there are many more.

If you plan to deploy the kit from a car (as I do) then you'll have to keep it compact. Airdeck SIBs are handy to roll up and inflate but there is some loss of performance. If you don't intend to push the speed, then this is no big issue. A 2 stroke engine will be lighter and easier to transport (they can lie on their sides as they have no oil sump). A good pump makes setting up a pleasure.

Be aware that there is a change in SIBs once they clear the 3m size - they tend jump tube sizes and become better for slightly choppier water. I guess what I'm saying is that the sub 3m SIBs are basically toys/tenders, although I've had quite a bit of fun with mine

10hp will suit most airdecks up to around 3.6m

Again I'd say - spend the big money on the engine, not the "shiny bits" on a new SIB.

willk · 24 March 2013, 12:13

Have a goo at this - it's not SIBwiki, but it should give you a laugh

PeterM · 24 March 2013, 13:46

Very nice zodiac in the for sale section.... ;-)... I've been tempted myself....

Dubdero · 25 March 2013, 00:45

Not in position to buy till may but cheers anyway