Hi guys I've just recently joined as its time for me to get a rib
I'm looking for the rib to do following
Support kids racing mirrors
In Lakes to Ocean(West coast of Ireland)
Occasional fishing with kids
Short family trips(4 people)
handle choppy conditions
I wont always have ideal launching conditions at lakes and the road trips will be long so don't want to go too big (4.8-5.5m). Also will be transporting 2x mirrors on top of the rib so overall weight needs to be watched.
Towing with a Subaru Outback.
Have read loads of posts here as im trying to figure out brand/model choices.
Want a very recent build rather than new if possible. Budget up to 25k.
Brands I've looked at closely include Ribcraft, XS , Ballistic
Like the look of 3x jockey seat layouts.
Likely to be out in f4/5.. Want a boat that can handle this well. Am a sailor so used to getting wet and pounded but would like a boat that feels solid if that makes sense as regularly I will be helping rescue when conditions are at their worst.
Like the look of the Ribcraft 4.8 but is it too small?
I like some of the 5-5.4 m XS boats as well but not sure how each model compares with a Ribcraft for instance. Realise that 4.8 to 5.5 is a massive jump. Most of my experience is using 5m older ribs of dubious quality
Ballistics I've only just come across recently.
So what quality boats would you guys recommend for me please?
Mike
