Fast hull with space for gear

arcticfly · 08 December 2014, 16:24

Hi!

I have been looking around the forum for a few days reading pros and cons of different ribs. The use for this rib is photography of whales, other animals, and maybe polar bears in Svalbard. So it should be one of the more solid type that can get me home if the weather acts up. I am looking at 6 meters plus, but not too big either as I will have to tow it around to different places. So here in Norway I have looked at a Capelli 625 black edition with 200hp yamaha on it. And a Ballistic 6.5. the Ballistic is obviously a faster hull but less space to move around to photograph. Would any of these be recommended by you experienced ribbers? If you could come up with alternatives of what brand and model I should look at I would be forever thankful. My list is so far:

Osprey vipermax 6.5
Balistic 6.5/7.8 7.8 is probably to big to tow around.
Capelli 625 black edition
An older Delta? better with newer and cheaper?

So if you think fast solid hull that has some room and should do around 50 knots, what would you suggest? Oh I am looking for a used boat...

Maximus · 08 December 2014, 16:37

I'd look at Ribcraft 6.8 too Comercial layup cat B soft and Dry ride....compare the specs

RedBay 6.5 would be worth thinking about too.
Both Good size to Tow and punch above their weight!
50 knts is Top end on most RIbs that size..especially if you want a strong/solid type as you say....and in fairness only really achievable lightly loaded and in excellent conditions.

willk · 08 December 2014, 17:14

Welcome to RIbnet!

What are the typical sea conditions that you expect to operate in?

mick · 08 December 2014, 17:14

Have a look at pikey Daves rib black pig
http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/ribcraf...rib-65097.html

arcticfly · 08 December 2014, 17:35

Thank you for suggestions!

Regarding sea conditions it will mostly be typical atlantic swells. The fjords are a bit more sheltered but it will be used for offshore fishing as well when weather permits. So to answer the question, not too rough usually, but with capabilities to ride of a bad patch of weather. I navigated around top half of Svalbard in a 17`polarcircel two years ago and had really bad conditions. had to take shelter in an old russian mining cabin when hit by a storm. A better boat would have fared much better and is the reason I am looking for a bigger boat this time...

Regarding 50 knots, that is for top speed in good weather. An economical hull (if there is such a thing) would be good. petrol in Norway is not exactly given away for free...

Pikey Dave · 09 December 2014, 06:53

Sea keeping = deep "V"
Economical (ish)
50knots

Generally speaking, any 2 of the above will mutually exclude the third. I think you will have to compromise & settle for 2 out of 3.

.....sh1t happens.......

arcticfly · 09 December 2014, 07:13

Lets keep sea keeping and 50ish knots ;-)

I have been thinking, since Norway is not in the EU, I would have to pay Norwegian VAT on the boat I buy privately, and the dreaded Norwegian Horse power fee. So It is probably just as smart buying a new boat without motors and fit motors back home. That way the company I buy from can take the VAT off and I just pay Norwegian VAT. Motors is easy to find here.

So this changes things a bit.

Vipermax 6.2 vs 6.5 pros/cons?
XS?
Ribcraft 6.5/6.8?
No love for Capelli 625?

Mollers · 09 December 2014, 08:21

Drop the Capelli.

Of the other two, you pays yer money.

I very much like the Vipermax hull. I've had a 6.5 and currently have a 7m.

However, I won't be competing with the ever exuberant, mildly myopic one man Ribcraft marketing dept.

Hightower · 09 December 2014, 22:29

Vipermax 6.2 will be slower than 6.5 with same outboard as tubes drag in water slightly whilst underway. But stability (roll) is better whilst bobbing (drifting) around. Obviously deck space is bigger on 6.5 and can take a 200hp whilst 6.2 takes a 150hp, but a 175hp is a possibility without adding more weight and if you talk to Osprey they might be willing to uprate your transom to accommodate a 200hp. 220 liter built in fuel tanks are an option if you want range.

What I like about Osprey is that they are willing to carry out bespoke mods for the customer.

arcticfly · 11 December 2014, 17:33

Very good info there, thanks.

It seems like this is a good alternative, but I am still interested in other makes with similar hull design, and maybe other prices.

Lots of folks here at Ribnet with other brands that must be happy?

freespirit3 · 11 December 2014, 18:38

Abit biased but have a look at ribquest, was lucky to be on the sea trial for this lovely rib, lots of storage, great sea keeping, fast and economical

Worth a discussion, best of luck though