Info requested for Predator Offshore RIB

franklin · 02 October 2001, 19:15

We are interested in purchasing a 1991 Predator Offshore 5.8m RIB with a 1992 Mariner 135hp outboard, does anybody have any information about the builder, comments on the RIB, handleing charateristics, things to look out for etc. especially as a 135 seems to be at the top end for a RIB of that size.

all comments and views welcome

batfalcon · 03 October 2001, 04:57

The Predator you say, where is it made ? There is a builder by that name here in Greece, which makes rather good boats. Have seen lots of them but never had the chance to ride one.

Alan Mckewan · 03 October 2001, 23:45

As well as the company in Greece, there was also one in Northern Ireland, which I suspect is where this particular rib came from. They were built by South Down Marine, Unit 1, Enterprise Centre, Newry Road, Warrenpoint, County Down.
I understand that the company has now stopped trading and I believe they are now being built in Derry under another name.
My friend, Peter Goivanolli, has one - you can see a picture in the rib gallery "Irish Sea Challenge" - the res tubes / white hull one with the high bows.
Early ones had some problems with tending to always "put the nose down" even when trimmed up, due to a curve in the lower rear hull, but this was sorted in the later ones, They are a good strong well built boat but were quite expensive at the time. If you want more info contact me direct on my email and and we can talk...