ribcraft commercial 5.85 vs zodiac 600 srmn

island8 · 27 September 2003, 17:20

Aloha guys, looking to purchase a rib for rough sea's out here in hawaii. Need some expert advice, what do you think would be a better purchase the ribcraft or the zodiac (everyone pushes zodiac out here). Important points would be durability, hull design, and ride. Suzuki df 140 will probably be the outboard used. Any advise will be appreciated.

thewavehumper · 27 September 2003, 18:04

I'd go for the Ribcraft. I take it is one of the UK Ribcraft range

island8 · 27 September 2003, 18:45

The ribcraft info i got was off thier US site. Also was considering humber (ocean pro or destroyer 6.0m). But I have no idea how I would get that boat to the US. ANY IDEAS!

gingercoastie · 27 September 2003, 19:24

I would try sending Humber an e-mail. They are very friendly and may alread have experience ofexporting their boats

thewavehumper · 27 September 2003, 19:27

Maybe Alan Priddy might deliver it for you if he's bored other than that any decent shipping Agent could sort it out

island8 · 27 September 2003, 22:04

So you guys think humber is the way to go if I can get it.

Mike C · 27 September 2003, 22:34

I think most people in this Country would recommend a Humber or a Ribcraft... or indeed several others above a Zodiac. I'm sure Zodiac are fine boats but we have some pretty horrible weather in the English Channel so UK manufactured boats tend on the whole to be built to be sturdy and hopefully a softer ride with a deep V hull. There are other makes too like Delta or Ribtec. Take a look at the links page on the ribnet site.

As for what’s best between Humber and Ribcraft, there has been much discussion on the subject recently. I suggest you do a search for the two names on this forum. Ribcraft have now franchised to an American producer but I think they are on the East Coast somewhere so still half a planet away from you! Check with Ribcraft!

Alternatively, send me a PM or e-mail and I'll give a few more views!

I expect a ride next time I go to the Aloha State!

Mike C

mstacey · 28 September 2003, 09:57

Ribcraft 585 any day.

Mind look left and you'll see I am biased.

Great boat , will handle rough seas easily, you'll give up long before this boat does.

I've been out in F6 in mine no problems.

sunrider · 28 September 2003, 12:57

Hi,
I haven't had any experience with Ribcraft, and am sure they are very capable boats based on everything I've heard. But hundreds of open ocean hours on a Zodiac (730), including Hawaiian waters, convince me they can handle anything in your environment. Both would fit your needs, so perhaps cost will be the deciding factor. Good luck!
Bryan

thewavehumper · 28 September 2003, 13:40

If your choice is open then the recomendation would deinitely be for an Avon searider or a Delta especially if you are doing commercial work. the rincraft are well finished boats but the real person to listen to about Ribcraft or Humber is Mike C cos he has had both.

Ribtec have started a new production facility so i suspect the quality will not be as good as it used to be and it was never as good as Ribcraft anyway( IMHO)

John Kennett · 28 September 2003, 14:20

The Zodiacs in the 'States are Zodiac Hurricanes which are rather different from the Zodiacs that we see around the UK.

The European Zodiacs tend to be medium V, leisure oriented designs whereas the Zodiac Hurricanes I have seen are altogether more serious pieces of kit.

I'm not sure what the relationship is between Zodiac and Zodiac Hurricane. Can anyone shed a bit of light on this?

John

Andre · 28 September 2003, 15:38

Quote:

I'm not sure what the relationship is between Zodiac and Zodiac Hurricane. Can anyone shed a bit of light on this?

Zodiac Hurricane is part of the Zodiac group they were bought rock stock and barrel a few years ago by Zodiac International and incorporated into the Zodiac Group of Companies.

The Zodiac Hurricane ribs are excellent ribs and have been very well received by the Military and Commercial market worldwide

I agree with Thewavehumper for a commercial application the Avon Searider say 6.0SR is a far more superior rib then any European Zodiac say 600 SRMN

Andre

island8 · 28 September 2003, 17:51

Check out this web page and tell what you guys think: http://www.zodiacmilpro.com/product/enforce/index.html

John Kennett · 28 September 2003, 22:08

I would expect all the "military & professional" Zodiac RIBs to be good seaworthy boats. A quick look at the spec sheets shows that the Zodiac Hurricanes do have a seriously deep V hull -- 26 degrees at the transom.

The Zodiacs that we get in Europe are these ones: http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/rigid...troduction.htm which are rather different (although by no means bad boats!).

John

benjamin · 30 September 2003, 11:24

Totally biassed, of course, (see left), but go for the R/Craft every time - after 20 years in sailing yachts of all sizes and in all conditions, I am consistently amazed at the way my present R/Craft 585 handles in waves- following, crossing and head seas are all taken with a real feeling of safety and no bone-jarring crunches. The old adage that 'you will give up long before the boat will' definitely applies here. During the RIB International Round Ireland event last year it was noted that when the wind really blew up (force 7/8 in the open Atlantic) the smaller o/b RIBs with their better throttle response were able to handle big seas even better than some of the larger i/b rigs.
There, that's my twopennyworth - whatever you end up getting, i hope you have as much fun as we are!