Thinking about a 1st RIB...

rkk01 · 20 September 2017, 21:38

... and looking for some background info and advice.

I've spent a lifetime messing around in small boats, but having recently returned "home", I've been thinking about getting a RIB. I know I'll have a lot to learn compared to modest powered displacement boats, but first things first - I need to narrow down what to look for.

From a practicality / cost / storage perspective, I think 6m is probably a sensible size limit.

I've always liked "workmanlike" boats (and other kit), in preference to fancy looking toys - a few older Humbers and Tornados have caught my eye.

Not sure of the typical draught on these sorts of boats. Estuary moorings / launch / recovery suggest that shallower draught might be more usable...

Any advice or thoughts very much appreciated...!

Bigo · 21 September 2017, 04:23

First things first;

what's your budget?

Where will you store the boat ?

Where do you plan to launch (How steep is the slip way) ?

How many people do you plan to have on board ?

Bigo · 21 September 2017, 04:33

On the deep V side of things I would suggest having a deep V hull imo there's a world of difference between them and shallow V's the main one being you don't have to back off as soon as there's a little chop!

In terms of recovery it's more about the trailer set up as to how difficult it is to retrieve. My mate has a tornado 5.8 and we have never had a problem launching or retrieving that he even manages to launch and retrieve on his own.

Others will have more experience than me in ribs but from what I've seen the best bang for your buck ribs in your size range will be- Avon SR 5.4, tornado 5.8, Humber destroyer or Ocean pro or a Osprey. I currently have a Tohatsu one design which is also a deep V hull that's up there to imo.

BigE · 21 September 2017, 06:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkk01

... and looking for some background info and advice.

I've spent a lifetime messing around in small boats, but having recently returned "home", I've been thinking about getting a RIB. I know I'll have a lot to learn compared to modest powered displacement boats, but first things first - I need to narrow down what to look for.

From a practicality / cost / storage perspective, I think 6m is probably a sensible size limit.

I've always liked "workmanlike" boats (and other kit), in preference to fancy looking toys - a few older Humbers and Tornados have caught my eye.

Not sure of the typical draught on these sorts of boats. Estuary moorings / launch / recovery suggest that shallower draught might be more usable...

Any advice or thoughts very much appreciated...!

Where are you located, if you're down near me, you're welcome to come and have a play around with my Bombard Explorer 5.6m - get a feel for it etc.

Last Tango · 21 September 2017, 07:35

Unless you're thinking of changing your car, "what can my car tow?" is a good starting point.

rkk01 · 21 September 2017, 09:01

Thanks for the replies so far

Budget - depends what and when... (ie, not new!!!)
Usage - 2-4 people. Cornwall / S.Devon estuaries and inshore coastline
Size - as above ^^ I am thinking 5-6m. Much over 6m will give storage problems
Storage - mooring available during summer months, on trailer / in garage / parking space during winter
Launching - we have a handy public road that is submerged twice a day ;-) (but water depths therefore shallower than typical slipway)
Towing capacity... 750 / 2500 kg

Ian M · 21 September 2017, 16:40

Some comments spring to mind.
There is a lot of difference in terms of performance between a 5m and a 6m, particularly when conditions get a bit less than ideal, and also internal space will vary substantially.
Budget will play a big part!
Get to try as many different types as you can.
Will you get the depth of water to launch even a 5m on a flooded road?

Stevie Bill · 21 September 2017, 23:46

Have you considered some of the other boat types?? If money is no object then a pioneer multi may be my first choice with the whaly 435R close behind. Shallow water, risk of grounding, estuary mooring, taking the ground,... A rotomolded hdpe boat may be a less risky option.

HDAV · 22 September 2017, 13:12

Add to above "how wide is garage, driveway?" as some 6m are much broader than others if you like workman like looks orange or black tubes an jokey consoles then there are plenty about if estuary mooring will you need tender? then you can look for a sib as well.........

rkk01 · 02 October 2017, 21:05

Thanks all...

I'm both lucky and unlucky in respect of drive / garage / storage - in that I don't currently have any!

But I do have a plan for a double garage sketched out in my head. I can probably get a 6m garage into the plot available, but 7m could be pushing the boundary a tad ;-)

And then there's budget :-(
Building the garage I want pushes back other purchases, but I'd kick myself for building something 0.5m smaller than I might need in future...!

Out of what I've seen on eBay so far, the 5.5-5.8m boats look good, and I think this is probably where I'm headed. That said, a couple of Valiants have caught my eye - DR490 and a 5.2

Last Tango · 03 October 2017, 17:35

Bear in mind, a 6m rib will be more than 6m when it's sitting on a trailer.

eg my 6.5mtr Coastline takes up just over 8mtrs on the trailer.

Pikey Dave · 03 October 2017, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Last Tango

Bear in mind, a 6m rib will be more than 6m when it's sitting on a trailer.

eg my 6.5mtr Coastline takes up just over 8mtrs on the trailer.

Yup[emoji106] add another 1.5m to the boat length for overall boat/trailer length.

33JS · 03 October 2017, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkk01

... and looking for some background info and advice.

Any advice or thoughts very much appreciated...!

Check the electrickery thoroughly!!! I've had to do a partial rewire prior to any first outing...

ashtonmarine · 04 October 2017, 08:33

Hi

best used rib sub 6m on the market that ticks your boxes that I have ever used and has a bit of a cult following is ribcraft 5.85. the 4.8 from them is also stunning

If it was new I would chase probond for a deal on the Carson but 2nd hand I would test these against anything else. Above that you get into some fun makes like coastline, redbay, delta etc but the 5.85 is simply stunning so well worth hunting down

Pikey Dave · 04 October 2017, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtonmarine

Hi

best used rib sub 6m on the market that ticks your boxes that I have ever used and has a bit of a cult following is ribcraft 5.85. the 4.8 from them is also stunning

If it was new I would chase probond for a deal on the Carson but 2nd hand I would test these against anything else. Above that you get into some fun makes like coastline, redbay, delta etc but the 5.85 is simply stunning so well worth hunting down

The RC 5.45 ain't bad either[emoji6] IF you can find one

Maximus · 04 October 2017, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

The RC 5.45 ain't bad either[emoji6] IF you can find one

IF...IS the question....
Great Hulls (especially if storage/length is a consideration) very sought after by those in the know.
Even Dryer ride than a 585!... And a deeper V.....
A WORLD away from a 530 which is more Leisure focused

......Certainly Nothing wrong with the 585 though!

Pikey Dave · 04 October 2017, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

IF...IS the question....

Great Hulls (especially if storage/length is a consideration) very sought after by those in the know.

Even Dryer ride than a 585!... And a deeper V.....

A WORLD away from a 530 which is more Leisure focused

......Certainly Nothing wrong with the 585 though!

Having had both 585 & 545, the size difference is noticeable. The 585 can easily carry 6 people, the 545 is cosy with 4. The 545 is very beamy for its size & hence very dry & stable. The 545 is a unique hull & not a stretched or shortened version of its stablemates, she has a continuous deep V all the way to the transom, no planing pad or flaring out to the stern. This makes for a very soft forgiving ride, but she needs plenty of horses. The 585 is probably the best all-rounder that I've had, plenty of space, go anywhere, loads of fun with a 175 on the back.

Maximus · 04 October 2017, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Having had both 585 & 545, the size difference is noticeable. The 585 can easily carry 6 people, the 545 is cosy with 4. The 545 is very beamy for its size & hence very dry & stable. The 545 is a unique hull & not a stretched or shortened version of its stablemates, she has a continuous deep V all the way to the transom, no planing pad or flaring out to the stern. This makes for a very soft forgiving ride, but she needs plenty of horses. The 585 is probably the best all-rounder that I've had, plenty of space, go anywhere, loads of fun with a 175 on the back.

Yep...

(The 545 is a lot like a shrunk 6.8!

)..just be thankful you eneded up with the 545 and not the 530 you thought Mr Jingles was!

I'm not surprised you like the 585 above the 640 that's for sure Dave!....its not an "in house" R.C Hull design...and it shows.

rkk01 · 05 October 2017, 16:26

A quick google suggests that the 585 is still produced as a new build???
(Not that I'm thinking of spending that much...!)

How do these to Ribcraft boats compare to, say, a Humber Destroyer of similar size(?)...

Pikey Dave · 05 October 2017, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkk01

A quick google suggests that the 585 is still produced as a new build???

(Not that I'm thinking of spending that much...!)

How do these to Ribcraft boats compare to, say, a Humber Destroyer of similar size(?)...

The RC585 is current, what made you think otherwise?
The Humbers are capable hulls & there is nothing wrong with them per se. Humber has always occupied the budget end of the market, whereas Ribcraft have positioned themselves at the Commercial/Premium end of the market. This shows in quality of finish (apart from the rare hiccup) & layup. They are worlds apart in build quality & finish, but you pay for it, all IMO naturally. Saying that, catch Ribcraft at a quiet time & there are deals to be done.