Ribeye 550?

Superjetjim · 20 June 2015, 13:54

What are peoples opinions on this Rib for use in the Solent chop? We have a smaller Zodiac 4.2 at the moment which is great but we're looking at the next step up in comfort and smooth ride. Family are loving trips out on our little rib so thought 'why not'!

How would compare in use to what we have now?

Superjetjim · 20 June 2015, 13:56

Oh and I don't suppose anyone has a 550 or 600 for sale do they? The latter is probably out of our budget though!

Wibs · 20 June 2015, 14:11

I own one.

Keep it in Portsmouth. Solent chop is my playground.

Love the boat- it'll handle any conditions I choose to go in and it'll get you home if you get caught out.

Pretty boat, mine sits 8 although wouldn't take more than 4 in most conditions on the 2x2 Man jockeys.

38knts WOT cruises nice at 25-27knts.

My only gripe is its easy to stuff in following seas(although this may be also down to my helming skills) and it can get pretty wet with small waves on beam.

Wibs · 20 June 2015, 14:12

...they are also rare.

Seem to be a lot more 6m around so think your getting more choice.

lakelandterrier · 20 June 2015, 16:41

What's your budget?

Superjetjim · 20 June 2015, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

What's your budget?

What do you have?

lakelandterrier · 20 June 2015, 17:38

Just curious. There are some strange expectations of what some people expect to get for a budget of £5k or £8k etc....

If people knew the sort of budget you had had in mind, they may be able to give some pertinent advice / suggestions, especially if as Wibs says, Ribeye 550s on the market are rare.

matt h · 20 June 2015, 18:55

great boat!

spartacus · 20 June 2015, 19:15

Used to own a Zodiac Pro 420, so I know deck space is limited and it slaps in the rough stuff. The Ribeye 550 looks sweet as a nut. Side by side jockeys (great for two-up) and rear bench seat for family trips. What's not to like. It's quite a jump in budget, but a well-cared for example is worth a punt. Apparently takes up to 115hp.

Here's a 2005 boat with a lardy Yamaha 100hp. Not much change out of £18k.
http://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/20...m#.VYW7OnCkqrU

Superjetjim · 20 June 2015, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Just curious. There are some strange expectations of what some people expect to get for a budget of £5k or £8k etc....

If people knew the sort of budget you had had in mind, they may be able to give some pertinent advice / suggestions, especially if as Wibs says, Ribeye 550s on the market are rare.

Fair question, budget is 12 > 15k, looking for a 2007 onwards where I understand they made a few improvements?

Superjetjim · 20 June 2015, 22:53

Spartacus..

Looks nice, we'll look into her - thanks

Deekus · 21 June 2015, 03:41

I have a 2004 Ribeye 550 with two double jockey seats and a rear bench. Agree with all the previous comments, I'm made up with mine.
I moved from a 4.2 Aluminium hulled rib and the difference is huge. The feel with the 550 is one of reassurance and confidence although it is still manageable on a trailer with two people pushing and pulling if needed.

I don't think your budget will get you a 2007 model though, but best of luck, you wont be disappointed.

I am looking for a bow cushion and the three backrests for the rear bench seat if anybody out there can help

Superjetjim · 21 June 2015, 07:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekus

I have a 2004 Ribeye 550 with two double jockey seats and a rear bench. Agree with all the previous comments, I'm made up with mine.
I moved from a 4.2 Aluminium hulled rib and the difference is huge. The feel with the 550 is one of reassurance and confidence although it is still manageable on a trailer with two people pushing and pulling if needed.

I don't think your budget will get you a 2007 model though, but best of luck, you wont be disappointed.

I am looking for a bow cushion and the three backrests for the rear bench seat if anybody out there can help

Hi Deekus,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Ref your back rests - just had a look about and stumbled on a Ribeye eBay store that sell parts including seat backs, pads etc, hope this helps?

Click on seller other items on the link below and there's lots of different ones

Jim

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=200690784728&globalID=EB AY-GB

Deekus · 21 June 2015, 09:26

Hi Jim

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have been following that seller for some time, but unfortunately they don't have the triangular shaped cushion that fits mine. I'll continue to search.

Good luck with your search for a 550. I don't regret buying mine, if you need any other info regards the boat just ask

Cheers