The right Ribcraft/ RIB?

[Hamble Don]

Hi All,

New to the forum. I've been watching from the wings and impressed at what a fountain of knowledge it is...

I'm looking for some advice with regards to a used RIB. I've been looking at boats between 6-8m mainly for use in and around the Solent.

With that in mind, I think I need it to be
- sure-footed and capable in the 'solent chop'
- on occasion be able to carry 6-8 people
- again on occasion tow the odd skier/ ringo
- maintain some comfort/ style when it comes to leisure time and getting it passed by the family!

Budget is around £20k and at the moment (rightly or wrongly) a Ribcraft is high on the list.

A couple of boats I've seen online seem to fit the bill - but trying to get my head around whether they will be sufficient for all of that (e.g. Ribcraft 6.4 spotted with a Suzuki 150 outboard - I assume it would tick the boxes? - just not at the same time!?) or should I be holding out for something 7m+ ?

Your thoughts (including perhaps anything else I should be considering) appreciated!

HD

[Maximus]

Not a big fan of the 6.4 ....6.8 & 7.8 are totally different Hulls/Boats and seakeeping capabilities ....either would suit your needs I'm sure
If you're carrying 6-8 people on a regular basis (that's quite a load) and you've got the storage room and Towing isn't an issue for you I'd say go 7.8.
I know all these Boats well and more than happy to have a chat via pm.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Hamble Don

Budget is around £20k

Originally Posted by Maximus

...and you've got the storage room and Towing isn't an issue for you I'd say go 7.8.

I'm guessing there won't be too many 7.8's around in good shape that tick the budget box though?

[Pikey Dave]

I've owned RC585, 6.4, 545. I've ridden in a 6.8 & 7.8. The 6.4 is probably the "weakest" hull in the lineup in terms of comfort. It's a stretched 585 with quite a flat section from mid ships to stern. I'd certainly go up a size to the 6.8

[HUMBER P4VWL]

A 6.8 upwards will be v old and tired or knackered for £20k

A 6-6.5m RiB will carry 6 easy enough for a trip out for a few hours in fairish weather. 4 in comfort in inclement weather. Plus you’ll get a much better boat for £20k. A 6m-6.5m will often have a 115-175hp and a 6.5-7.5 will be more like 200-300hp. New, the prices would be a big chunk higher, and reflected as they get older.

For the solent and inshore, 6-6.5 with a 150 would be fine if a deepish V hull for 4-6 people. Easily do skiiing etc.

Our 6.3 Ocean Pro Humber 175hp has been round Anglesey many times in up to F6/7 and wind over tide in places, with 4 big people and it is absolutely fine, cruising at 30mph in fair sea.

With 6 it’d cruise in fair weather all day, and be perfectly safe in a big sea, but you’re down on power with all that weight. 4 adults two kids, fine and it’ll pull skiers etc.

Bizarrely the 6.3 in Humber Ocean Pro is arguably one of the best lengths for that hull design.

[Jez2557]

Hi ya ,
We have an absolutely immaculate Zodiac 650 Open Pro (6.5) for sale that has a 150hp on the back . It has very good sea keeping qualities ( there is a good video of the same boat on you tube if you type in ‘zodiac 650 open pro vendee globe) . If you would like me to send you some photos and information just let me know . It has been great in the Solent .

[Pikey Dave]

I always have a little smile to meself when I hear the infamous “Solent chop” mentioned. You never hear anyone harping on about the “minch, Irish Sea, North Sea, Alderney, sound of Jura etc. Chop”
Solent chop, meh!

[M.Thornton]

Barnsley chop ?

[beerbelly]

Originally Posted by M.Thornton

Barnsley chop ?

go on then karate chop

[two stroke mick]

P.D.

I thought I was the only cynic in Ribnet. Every time I heard of the Solent Chop I do think the poor buggers good job they don't boat of the west coast of Ireland.

TSM

[neil.mccrirrick]

Lamb chop?

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I always have a little smile to meself when I hear the infamous “Solent chop” mentioned. You never hear anyone harping on about the “minch, Irish Sea, North Sea, Alderney, sound of Jura etc. Chop”
Solent chop, meh!

Its caused by the wake of all those boats squeezed into such a tiny area.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

P.D.

I thought I was the only cynic in Ribnet. Every time I heard of the Solent Chop I do think the poor buggers good job they don't boat of the west coast of Ireland.

TSM

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by neil.mccrirrick

Lamb chop?

Sherie Lewis!???!

[Hamble Don]

Thanks for all of the feedback...!

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I always have a little smile to meself when I hear the infamous “Solent chop” mentioned. You never hear anyone harping on about the “minch, Irish Sea, North Sea, Alderney, sound of Jura etc. Chop”
Solent chop, meh!

Fair point - sounds like it has the makings of an urban legend/ phenomenon! I will reserve judgement until I've spent a bit more time out there!

Either way, in terms of the boat, a bit of extra length seems to be the way to go !

[Fender]

You can never have too bigger boat


There's a few places in and round the solent that get 'interesting' and as pointed out earlier lots of traffic use the area mixing things up, inc lots of large commercial craft (and thousands of WAFI's ). The shinges get interesting on a stong tide, hurst narrows, bembridge ledge, brambles bank, St Catharine's overfalls ( yes I know its on the wrong side of the island ). Many areas in the solent you get 'mixed seas', strong eddy's and with wave refraction from the close proximity of land either side of channels its fun!


Did I mention get as big a RIB as you can afford - you won't regret the extra space, seating, comfort and sea keeping

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Fender

You can never have too bigger boat

Can’t recall anyone ever moaning that their boat was too big or too powerful

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Can’t recall anyone ever moaning that their boat was too big or too powerful

Except when storing it, towing it, launching/recovering it, servicing it or refuelling it!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Poly

Except when storing it, towing it, launching/recovering it, servicing it or refuelling it!

Minor technicalities [emoji6]

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Minor technicalities [emoji6]

I thought you were from Yorkshire - those technicalities all hurt your pocket far, far more than the pain from any solent chop in a 5m boat :-)