15 foot AB rib

ddd333 · 31 March 2013, 20:59

Hello Everyone, I am new to rib.net and have been I a long time rib
lurker. I have decided to finally start looking to purchase my first rib!

I am going to look at a 2004 15 foot AB rib with a 2004 Yamaha 90HP 2-stroke
outboard (approx 200 hours).
My question to some of the more knowledgeable rib remembers; what are some of the most important things for me to check on this rib before purchase? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

PS. I noticed on the AB website that the 15 foot rib is rated for 75HP max, not sure why this one has a 90hp? Could this create potential weaknesses at the transom, or are the AB ribs sufficiently overbuilt to handle extra HP outboards?

Cheers!!!!

MustRib · 01 April 2013, 01:55

great motor - light so maybe within weight limit on your transom.
dont know that rib manufacturer though....

boilermaker1 · 01 April 2013, 10:02

I had a AB rib once, a 4.30 VST, very heavy boat, v hull which tapers from bow of the boat to very shallow v at transom. boat acted more like a inflatable than a rib.
Back sections of tubes always in contact with water which created a lot of drag so it was a slow boat. sold it a bought similar size, Tornado rib.. which is 100% better,,

ddd333 · 01 April 2013, 16:00

Thanks for the info guys. Thanks boilermaker, i'll check to see if the tube are indeed dragging in the water, good point! Cheers.

jyasaki · 01 April 2013, 22:31

I have a friend with (I think) that same hull (not sure what motor he's running, but I suspect it's a 60.) I'll see if he is willing to have a chat with you if you'll pm your e-mail address.

jky

ddd333 · 02 April 2013, 03:33

Well I purchased this little AB rib today, i'm very excited

The 90hp Yamaha only has 118 hours on her so it should hold together for a few more
years! Was able to do 40 knots flat out.

columbiachop · 02 April 2013, 04:21

Great looking boat. It looks like new.

jyasaki · 02 April 2013, 16:18

ddd:

e-mail is out to my friend; he should be contacting you directly, unless for some reason he balks at the discussion.

jky

ddd333 · 02 April 2013, 19:08

Thanks jyasaki.

MustRib · 02 April 2013, 23:35

looks in great condition...
trim tabs fitted?
the 90 is a great engine and 118 hrs is low use.
enjoy

ddd333 · 03 April 2013, 00:09

I don't know much about the trim tabs yet. Apparently they recently got new springs installed, so I imagine they are just spring loaded?

jyasaki · 04 April 2013, 15:31

Tabs look like Nauticus units, if you want to research them.

jky