Returning to RIBs

[CptCanuck]

Hi everyone - I am happy to be returning to boating and hope to be a part of this forum.

5 years ago I owned a west marine 300 PVC RIB with the below Tohatsu 9.8 4 stroke I bought new. Kept the boat in the salt water for 10 months in Miami before I had to sell it and relocate. I was in a canal and loved exploring the intercoastal. I really loved it and was sad to see it go. But I gave it to the boy scouts sea bass program so that was nice.



Fast forward to today and I still have the motor in good working condition. I am looking to return to boating and have a few restrictions I hope folks have some ideas about. I am happy to be here and will be sure to contribute!

Considerations for new boat:
1. I no longer live on the water so the boat needs to be trailed
2. Boat needs to fit in my 17 foot long garage with a 7 foot wide door (small I know)
3. My budget is between $5k and $10k total for the boat and trailer so will likely need to go used
4. I want to upgrade from the tiller handle to a console with steering wheel and throttle

As you can imagine I am doing a lot of research to see if I can modify the tohatsu to convert to steering. I think my ideal boat is something like the Highfield classic 310 if I could add a small bench seat and console.

I also though about saving and buying something like this used... But the tohatsu would go to waste so that is not ideal

Thoughts?

[treerat]

Good morning and welcome.

If you can find a boat that works for you, don't worry about the engine - you can sell yours. A rib in the 4m range will want a 25-40hp on her.

I'd be concentrating on finding a 4m rib that has a narrow enough beam for your 2.1m door - such as a 4m sea rider perhaps?

https://www.rib.net/forum/f8/avon-sr...red-43096.html

The smaller Highfields will also do what you need, their sport or smaller patrol range will come in under 2m for the 4m sizes
https://www.highfieldboats.com/sport-390/

With the 4.2 just over - https://www.highfieldboats.com/patrol-420/

I suspect once you start looking at build sizes most 4m ribs will come in under your dimensions, don't forget you have the trailer tow bar to contend with too, hence I'd not be looking bigger then 4m unless you can adapt the garage door to allow the tow bar to stick out.

I think it's always worth going as large as you can otherwise you'll be restricted on use locatiosn and the enjoyment you can have.

That said if you do need to stay with the 3m lengths then the Highfield or a Quicksilver with the central unit would work.

https://www.quicksilver-inflatables....20-350-380-420

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/15406557714...SABEgLwS_D_BwE

[CptCanuck]

Thank you for your reply. Lots of great information for me to review. I agree about finding the right boat. Maybe I can convert the tohatsu into a mailbox or something, ha!

[treerat]

Originally Posted by CptCanuck

. Maybe I can convert the tohatsu into a mailbox or something, ha!

I suspect they'll be a number of people after it, especially those with yachts and tenders or the smaller sib.