Xs Ribs or Tornado?? Barnet Marine?

[matt h]

first of all a big thanks to all that have helped me so far!! what do you think about XS and Tornado Ribs???
i was once helped by a really nice chap in a XS 550 WITH a 90 opti, good looking boat, very Deep V, handled the Solent Chop with ease! with 2.6 Beam,spacious as well,, are these boats any good??? whats the difference between the two of them??

[Neil Harvey]

Barnet marine are based quite close to me.
Don't know much about the Tornados but they obviously have more heritage than the XS ribs.
That said, keep seeing the XS ribs in the yard ready for fit out when I'm passing, and they look well built boats, have seen some good comments from owners on here and other sites as well as Barnet Marines'.

XS ribs are relatively new to the market, but Barnet Marine have been around for ages (I've been visiting their store for at least 20 years) and I think have a good reputation. With new ribs on the market, there is always the worry that they might not be around for long, and therefore the values can suffer if they go bust, but I think XS will be OK, especially as BM seem to have given them their backing.

If it were my money, I'd seriously consider the XS instead of a Ribcraft for instance. Unfortunately I don't have that sort of money for a rib.

And before anyone asks, I have no connection to either Barnet Marine or the manufacturers of XS ribs, but have found Laurence to be a very helpful and honest guy.

[parm]

ive just ordered a ribcraft 585 but i did look at xs550 also. I liked the xs then and still do. I thought the ribcraft has a tad better finish and fit out . have i made the right decision? i really dont know and probably never will i still think the xs is a great boat loads of room inside + with all the kit a bit cheaper than ribcraft. When you buy a ribcraft you seem to end up spending alot more than intended! well i did but hell i cant wait to get my ribcraft + i wont regret a penny

[ashbypower]

XS every time! But there again I'm biased our 550 is great clients love it's ability when the going gets tough
Must confess were XS approved school as well.

Regards

[Andy]

What size are u looking for?

[matt h]

5.5 or possibly a 6.0mtr

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by matt h

first of all a big thanks to all that have helped me so far!! what do you think about XS and Tornado Ribs???
i was once helped by a really nice chap in a XS 550 WITH a 90 opti, good looking boat, very Deep V, handled the Solent Chop with ease! with 2.6 Beam,spacious as well,, are these boats any good??? whats the difference between the two of them??

Matt,
You say the nicest things.
I'm still going to be moving mine on later in the winter , but mostly only because I want side by side seating (my 7 year old is still a tad unpredictable). The XS is a very honest boat, and I have no problem recommending them. And Laurence is a one off.
I have not driven the 5.5 Tornado, but in general I have found Tornado hulls to be capable. The XS 550 is a very stable boat, particular in a turn. Despite mine having the (very nearly) biggest engine it is rated for, it has NEVER chine walked. Both boats have polyurethane tubes, but apparently Tornado are moving their production abroad, so watch out if you are buying a new boat!
If you do buy either, I think that you can rely on Laurence to give you good advice. Good hunting.

[Andy]

Our Tornado 6.8m is very capable with a 200HP
http://www.badviz.com/Galleries/RoundIsland2/index.htm

Our dive clubs XS-600 is also very capable with a 115Opti.
http://www.badviz.com/Galleries/XS600/index.htm

BMCs fitout is good and Laurence Lock although a salesman had good advice to give.

Do the maths, try the boats ... either are good choices.