Help me choose my first RIB

[Kentsib]

Thanks for all your replies, appreciate the help! I get the impression that anything in this price range is likely to be problematic and a money pit so I’m going to up my budget. I’ve a found a ribcraft 4.8 and Humber assault. Both around 6/7k, seems like the ribcraft is probably the better boat, deeper hull, better built.

[Kentsib]

Originally Posted by Searider

Is this just for you or for family / friends coming on a day out also?

A SR4 is great on your own and will be a lot of fun in the solent. I've had them with 30hp and 50hp. But its not great with any more than 2 persons if its anything but calm.

SR5.4 or the Ribtec youve posted would be great for 4 people and therefore much more sociable.

Think of the SR4 as a motorcross bike - go anywhere as fast asyou like on your own.
SR5.4 or Ribtec 535 more of a landrover defender.

Good way of putting it! Yeah it’ll be for friends and family so the extra space would be handy.

[Kentsib]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Couple of other options which look reasonable:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avon-GRP-...4AAOSwp0ZeXBs9

Says engine doesn't run so who knows what can of worms that could represent, but the boat looks tidy and it's been for sale for months so he might take a cheeky offer just to get rid of it, leaving you enough budget to replace the engine (might be an easy fix).

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rib-Boat-...cAAOSwondeZUY6

Looks tidy and original. Rubbing strake needs replacing but again depending on what it goes for might be within budget. You'd also need a trailer.

Hey Tim, I couldn’t get the links to work unfortunately

[Kentsib]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

as said they all look well abused out of what has been posted my money would be on either the ribtec or the ebay sr4 if it could be a grand cheaper as at a little over £2k by the time you have found and fitted a decent outboard it will be far too expensive

Think your right mate, gonna up the budget, probably work out the same long term.

[Kentsib]

Originally Posted by phantom 19

The material used on those blue Avon’s is not as good as the old grey material, which seemingly lasts forever.

However the Searider is really dated now, 5.4s are blighted by having an exposed top of the transom leading to premature rotting of the transom ply. The last 5.4 I bought I took the engine off and towed the rest straight down to the local tip for them to dispose of

Ribtec 535s are good boats. Nice Yamaha 60hp too. I would have one of those over a Yamaha F50 any day, the old F50 was not Yamahas greatest creation, carbs were problematic especially the very early ones which were an absolute nightmare to set up the cold start system correctly.

In fact I would take any 90s Yamaha two stroke over a newer Yamaha carburetted four stroke. Yamaha had pretty much perfected the two stroke by the mid 90s.

Cheers Phantom, got to love the old 2 strokes!

[Kentsib]

Afternoon chaps, as mentioned Ive up'd the budget. I'm seriously interested in a 4.8 2003 Ribcraft and was wondering what your thoughts are on this, price is around 7k, I've spoken to Ribcraft and they think this is pricey for this year?:

2003 4.8m rib craft
* Excellent condition for year
* New re-upholstered seats
* Rib stripped and re-polished
* Engine serviced end of last season and has not been used since
* New wheel bearings on trailer
* Fitted with dragonfly-4pro sonar/gps
* 4 bladed stainless steel prop * Xcite stainless steel removable ski pole
* Boat is on a snipe rollercoaster trailer







it looks like a well maintained example to my eyes.

Cheers,

Dan

[Pikey Dave]

It’s worth what you’re prepared to pay. It looks a tidy outfit. Personally I’d be looking at £6k

[Kentsib]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

It’s worth what you’re prepared to pay. It looks a tidy outfit. Personally I’d be looking at £6k

Cheers Dave, yeah thats whats im thinking around 6kish. You happy with your Ribcraft?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Kentsib

Cheers Dave, yeah thats whats im thinking around 6kish. You happy with your Ribcraft?

No I hate them, I’m on my 3rd[emoji6]

[Kentsib]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

No I hate them, I’m on my 3rd[emoji6]

good stuff