Any RIB users/experts on here?
Discussion
I've now enjoyed my second time out in/on a friends rib over to the Isle of Wight and I have to confess to be a) hooked and b) seriously tempted to buy one.
My criteria would be to seat 6 and probably a 40 knot speed is enough.
I don't have a budget but would be comfortable at the £15k mark, twitchy at £20k and uncomfortable at £25k.
Second hand of course.....
I spotted this, which seemed ideal - but it's already sold:
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advertdetail.php?callp...
Any suggestions welcome.
PS I'm not looking at Rivas, Aquamarinas, Sunseekers or Wally yachts. Just a rib.
Well for a start you really don’t want a zodiac !!! The hull design of the 6+ meter boats is useless for uk waters way too shallow V. Which basically means you will be smacking down on the water constantly, rather than cutting through it>
In terms of brief advise I would avoid 2 strokes (expensive to run think £30 / 40 per hour) A four stroke at ¾ full throttle should probably be £25ish.
In terms of size a 6m really is as small as I would go but preferably a 7m plus would be better. Regarding brands I would look for Ribeye, Ribtec, Solent, Avon (only the 6m adventurer) and my fav Cobra ( great sea keeping boat and easy to sell on)
Ones to avoid Mark Pascoe (too fragile) , Phantom (can’t get the spare parts), Humber (very heavy and quite basic)
The last one we had was the Cobra 7.5 with a 200 on the back, really really good sea keeping boat, it was kept in the racking at Southampton.
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/MTIyMjAyODB+S0VOQjAx=-...
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/U29sZW50KzcuNX5rZW5iMD...
To get a six meter to do 40knts you will be pushing it at high fuel consumption, much better to get a bigger engine and put it under less load from memory with the right pitch prop ( top end rather than acceleration ) we used to get circa 50 knts at a push.
If we had to buy another one it would be the Cobra without any doubt, If you want anymore advice please let me know owned a few but used most of them ( was a rescue coxswain for several years in the solent / Chichester)
Hope that helps
Phib
In terms of brief advise I would avoid 2 strokes (expensive to run think £30 / 40 per hour) A four stroke at ¾ full throttle should probably be £25ish.
In terms of size a 6m really is as small as I would go but preferably a 7m plus would be better. Regarding brands I would look for Ribeye, Ribtec, Solent, Avon (only the 6m adventurer) and my fav Cobra ( great sea keeping boat and easy to sell on)
Ones to avoid Mark Pascoe (too fragile) , Phantom (can’t get the spare parts), Humber (very heavy and quite basic)
The last one we had was the Cobra 7.5 with a 200 on the back, really really good sea keeping boat, it was kept in the racking at Southampton.
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/MTIyMjAyODB+S0VOQjAx=-...
http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/U29sZW50KzcuNX5rZW5iMD...
To get a six meter to do 40knts you will be pushing it at high fuel consumption, much better to get a bigger engine and put it under less load from memory with the right pitch prop ( top end rather than acceleration ) we used to get circa 50 knts at a push.
If we had to buy another one it would be the Cobra without any doubt, If you want anymore advice please let me know owned a few but used most of them ( was a rescue coxswain for several years in the solent / Chichester)
Hope that helps
Phib
Edited by phib on Tuesday 5th May 14:00
Edited by phib on Tuesday 5th May 21:30
phib said:
Advice and stuff
Phib, that really does help. I'm a complete novice - so having it laid out by someone who knows their stuff is incredibly helpful.I guess there are some pitfalls with buying second hand (which is what I intend to do so that I'm not dropping a ton of cash on the project), are there any obvious ones? I'm thinking engine, hours used, age of boat etc?
MOTORVATOR, I don't want a 'proper' boat - too much hassle. I looked at a Kral 700 which is quite smart, but to be honest a rib is just so much easier for a family that just wants to zoom around the Solent and take lunch on the IoW.
Neil, you could go Cowes & visit Ribex this weekend to have a look & try various Ribs.
http://www.ribexhibitions.co.uk/
http://www.ribexhibitions.co.uk/
So ok here are a few more thoughts, for gods sake don’t buy a normal boat ribs are just so much more flexible and forgiving for a beginner (rubber bounces off docks fibreglass doesn’t !!!)
Rib’s are much better sea keeping boats anyway, I really wouldn’t worry about buying second hand no detriment and no issues. Most people unfortunately ( me included) buy boats and then use them very little even with the best will in the world ( much like my 355 or maybe your rather fab ford gt ?)
So in short if you are going to buy something that you may or may not use buy something that you can re sell easily. Ie if it was a car would you buy a green and brown marcos or a red and crème Ferrari for the same money.
The same goes for rib’s get a good colour blue or black well known make with a a decent 4 stroke again well known brand ( mariner, mercury etc) not thomatsu etc etc.
If you buy a cheap it will be a ba**ard to sell imho and experience!!!
I would also recommend buying form a reputable dealer (will dig out the names), that way if you wish to sell then you can put it back with the same dealer and sell it again with limited hassle.
In my experience I would also suggest putting it in racking not trailering it down it just spoils the fun also try to get a boat that has all the warps and kit on because it costs a fortune to set up properly circa £2k so its worth finding one with all the kit
Will post more when I think of it !!!
Rib’s are much better sea keeping boats anyway, I really wouldn’t worry about buying second hand no detriment and no issues. Most people unfortunately ( me included) buy boats and then use them very little even with the best will in the world ( much like my 355 or maybe your rather fab ford gt ?)
So in short if you are going to buy something that you may or may not use buy something that you can re sell easily. Ie if it was a car would you buy a green and brown marcos or a red and crème Ferrari for the same money.
The same goes for rib’s get a good colour blue or black well known make with a a decent 4 stroke again well known brand ( mariner, mercury etc) not thomatsu etc etc.
If you buy a cheap it will be a ba**ard to sell imho and experience!!!
I would also recommend buying form a reputable dealer (will dig out the names), that way if you wish to sell then you can put it back with the same dealer and sell it again with limited hassle.
In my experience I would also suggest putting it in racking not trailering it down it just spoils the fun also try to get a boat that has all the warps and kit on because it costs a fortune to set up properly circa £2k so its worth finding one with all the kit
Will post more when I think of it !!!
NDA said:
phib said:
Advice and stuff
Phib, that really does help. I'm a complete novice - so having it laid out by someone who knows their stuff is incredibly helpful.I guess there are some pitfalls with buying second hand (which is what I intend to do so that I'm not dropping a ton of cash on the project), are there any obvious ones? I'm thinking engine, hours used, age of boat etc?
MOTORVATOR, I don't want a 'proper' boat - too much hassle. I looked at a Kral 700 which is quite smart, but to be honest a rib is just so much easier for a family that just wants to zoom around the Solent and take lunch on the IoW.
One thing though is they don't make that good a family boat especially is you have younger children. Being sat on rather than in leads to issues and in the U.K climate they are very exposed and at speed with wind chill factor generally not warm.
Yes they are more capable in rough sea than most sports boats. But don't dismiss sports boats especially one with outboards and some sort of canvas top as they are much more practical as a family boat.
If you decide on RIBs go and look at he Valiant, lots of people discard them as a cheap boat. But i can tell you we have a 4.9DR which is just unbelievable , much better than Avon 6.0 though smaller . The Valiant just wiped the floor with 10 other RIB's of similar size test by the RNLI.Used as inshore life boat in some countries and they have a 10 year tube warranty. Ours is 5 years old and been hammered as a school boat operating off a beach and the hull and tubes have been faultless.
As said though don't dismiss sports boats they can be much better as a day out family boat.
I am also am one of the agents at http://northwales.boatshed.com/index.php
Just been doing sea-trials today and i can tell you i am glad we had weather protection on our 6m sports boat today as it was bitter cold and rough. I went out in Jeans and a coastal jacket. Yesterday i was in the Avon 6m similar conditions with a dry-suit and my fingers where to cold to undo knots.
You won't be out there for long if the family get chilly !!.
Thanks for the further advice....
Rumrunner, is there a difference between a 'sports' and 'family' rib?
Phib, I'm definitely going to look at having the boat in racking - the friend who has taken me out a couple of times use KB Boatpark - which looks almost too easy! You just phone them up and they'll plonk it in the water! Although I have a Range Rover, I really wouldn't want to trailer it. There are some clubs on the island that are easy to join and offer free mooring for members.
I had to Google 'warp' - and yes, again, I'd want it all set up. Preferably with the radio too.
Good advice on something re-sellable too.
I won't tell you the ridiculously low mileage on the GT - or indeed the mileage of other interesting cars I've had! But I am hoping if I buy a rib that it would be nice summer days over to the IoW. The kids are young and I think they'd love it.
Are there any licenses, permits or qualifications needed for this project?! I assume not.
My wife has gone from 'great idea' to 'don't you know there's a war on' and 'what about a new bathroom instead'. So there's a degree of Boutros-Boutros work to be done just yet!
NDA said:
I had to Google 'warp' - and yes, again, I'd want it all set up. Preferably with the radio too.
Are there any licenses, permits or qualifications needed for this project?! I assume not.
Ok another couple of interesting points re the raio first in my view don't go out without one ! You will need to do the vhf course 1/2 a day from memory and about £200. Apart from needing it to get into some harbours when you have run out of petrol in the middle of solent it will come in very handy. You can also get ( or you used to be able to get ) the equivelent of the AA for the solent basically a boat that you called out to rescue you when something went wrong about £45 pr month and great piece of mind. Are there any licenses, permits or qualifications needed for this project?! I assume not.
http://www.seastart.co.uk/
The racking is great unless you love sodding about with trailers with the family complaining whilst you attempt to launch and recover!!! You do simply call them 20 mins before you arrive an walk straight onto your boat and then hand keys back wheen you finnish and head home .... just fantatic !!!
Training / Licence is an even more interesting one !!! Believe it or not you don't need any training at all to get out on the water, however would you take your wife and young family flying ( assuming you on't know how to fly )without any lessons ?
No I didnt think so, the RYA do power boat courses level 1 / 2 and advanced (all over the south coast and surrey/berkshire etc) and I really wouldnt go out on a boat without at least level 2 again not expensive and about 2 days to complete.
http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk/courses.htm
http://www.powerboat-training.co.uk/
Boats are easy to "drive" forward, hard to stop (where you want to stop) and even harder to park !!! 200hp an no brakes can be entertaining
Phib
Edited by phib on Wednesday 6th May 11:04
All very useful information - thanks again for taking the time to respond.
My chum tells me that essentially 'everyone loves a rescue in the Solent'. Basically saying that if you are in distress (run out of fuel for example), a quick call on the radio and folks will appear from all corners.
Lots to think about - not least being how can I buy one without having the inevitable reciprocity of buying my wife something of equal value!
NDA If you want any info and Powerboat courses or what it involves just contact me as i do them for £200 athttp://www.abersochsailingschool.com/power.html (The 6m Avon is not on the pics.)
Not sure if they do it where you are but most of our boats up here are on park and launch. They drop you in via tractor and then and they pull you out when you call, the boats are kept near the slip in the compound.Which has water etc for flushing the motors.Trailers get Knackered but most people have launching trolleys.
Not sure if they do it where you are but most of our boats up here are on park and launch. They drop you in via tractor and then and they pull you out when you call, the boats are kept near the slip in the compound.Which has water etc for flushing the motors.Trailers get Knackered but most people have launching trolleys.
Rum Runner said:
NDA If you want any info and Powerboat courses or what it involves just contact me as i do them for £200 athttp://www.abersochsailingschool.com/power.html (The 6m Avon is not on the pics.)
Not sure if they do it where you are but most of our boats up here are on park and launch. They drop you in via tractor and then and they pull you out when you call, the boats are kept near the slip in the compound.Which has water etc for flushing the motors.Trailers get Knackered but most people have launching trolleys.
Hi Andy - thanks for that. You're a bit of a distance from me, however I would need a course - also to understand what I need to do to obtain a Marine VHF.Not sure if they do it where you are but most of our boats up here are on park and launch. They drop you in via tractor and then and they pull you out when you call, the boats are kept near the slip in the compound.Which has water etc for flushing the motors.Trailers get Knackered but most people have launching trolleys.
Where I'm thinking of storing my boat (assuming I get one) has a dry stack - it seems the most civilised way of owning a RIB.
NDA said:
Lots to think about - not least being how can I buy one without having the inevitable reciprocity of buying my wife something of equal value!
Good luck on this the last time it cost me a 4 oven AGA and a new mx5 !!!!!Re the rescue in the solent everyone loves a rescue but just agree salvage terms with who ever picks you up, in line with the marine salvage laws .... some people have some funny ideas of help !!!
phib said:
Re the rescue in the solent everyone loves a rescue but just agree salvage terms with who ever picks you up, in line with the marine salvage laws .... some people have some funny ideas of help !!!
I hadn't thought of that angle! 
Quite tempted by the Revenger 715. However I assume bench seats are not too good for choppy water.
Griffin Marine are on the island & offer Training courses > http://www.griffmarineservices.co.uk/index.html
Rib Sales > http://www.griffmarineservices.co.uk/rib_sales.htm...
Rib Sales > http://www.griffmarineservices.co.uk/rib_sales.htm...
Spoons said:
Neil, you could go Cowes & visit Ribex this weekend to have a look & try various Ribs.
http://www.ribexhibitions.co.uk/
I have my tickets.http://www.ribexhibitions.co.uk/
I have my ride over there.
I'm going.
With regards to qualifications, the only one you actually need is a VHF radio licence. You just go on a day course and take a basic assessment at the end. I passed at age 14, so that should be indicative of its difficulty!
However, whilst not compulsory, I'd really recommend doing RYA levels 1 and 2. When I first started learning with my Dad 7/8 years ago at age 13 or so, I found that I picked it up much quicker than he did. The reason was simply because he was driving the boat as you would a car, whereas I was going into it with no preconceptions.
The amount that we learned on that course was staggering. For example, when mooring alongside a pontoon, we we taught the following procedure. Approach pontoon slowly at around 30 degree angle, into neutral, spin the wheel towards the pontoon, into reverse to bring the back end in. We'd have never figured that out were it not for the course, as it's so different to what you do in a car. Powerboating looks easy, and generally it is. But, it's nice to know what to do if you get into a tricky situation, or the weather turns nasty whilst you're out on the water.
RIBs are great for beginners. They're incredibly stable on the sea and forgiving when it comes to mooring up. However, you might want to consider getting one with a little bit of protection from the elements as generally RIBs are spartan and quite basic inside - the Caterhams of the sea if you will. You'd be surprised how quickly the weather can change around the Solent, and it might be nice if the little ones had a cuddy cabin to shelter in if it turns nasty.
Whatever boat you decide on, you'll have heaps of fun. Looking back, we should probably have started out with a RIB as they really are a good option for beginners. The best bit is your kids will absolutely love it...and you can let them drive if you're feeling particularly brave!
However, whilst not compulsory, I'd really recommend doing RYA levels 1 and 2. When I first started learning with my Dad 7/8 years ago at age 13 or so, I found that I picked it up much quicker than he did. The reason was simply because he was driving the boat as you would a car, whereas I was going into it with no preconceptions.
The amount that we learned on that course was staggering. For example, when mooring alongside a pontoon, we we taught the following procedure. Approach pontoon slowly at around 30 degree angle, into neutral, spin the wheel towards the pontoon, into reverse to bring the back end in. We'd have never figured that out were it not for the course, as it's so different to what you do in a car. Powerboating looks easy, and generally it is. But, it's nice to know what to do if you get into a tricky situation, or the weather turns nasty whilst you're out on the water.
RIBs are great for beginners. They're incredibly stable on the sea and forgiving when it comes to mooring up. However, you might want to consider getting one with a little bit of protection from the elements as generally RIBs are spartan and quite basic inside - the Caterhams of the sea if you will. You'd be surprised how quickly the weather can change around the Solent, and it might be nice if the little ones had a cuddy cabin to shelter in if it turns nasty.
Whatever boat you decide on, you'll have heaps of fun. Looking back, we should probably have started out with a RIB as they really are a good option for beginners. The best bit is your kids will absolutely love it...and you can let them drive if you're feeling particularly brave!
Edited by wiffmaster on Thursday 7th May 15:27
NDA said:
Quite tempted by the Revenger 715. However I assume bench seats are not too good for choppy water.
Hi Neil,Just thought I'd throw my hat into this ring too. I did my RYA level 2 Powerboat course a year ago, and it got me hooked. I'm a relative newcomer to the world of ribs, but have been out on the water most weekends for the last 2 months now, having joined my local yacht club to help out with crewing the safety boat for the club races. They are also going to put me through a couple of the other courses, inc safety crew and VHF use. It may be worth joining one near you, to get a feel for the boats, and to get some experience under your belt.
In the last couple of weeks, I've been out in all sorts of weather, and can safely say that a decent jockey seat is by far the safest and most comfortable way to experience rough waters. If it was my boat for my family, I would want to ensure that everyone had a seat, or a share of them for when pressing on (esp when you get the prop out!)
.I'd just like to echo Rum Runners' comments about the lack of weather protection as last weekend I went from wearing beach shorts and a spray top, to a full winter HH jacket, hat and gloves in the space of 24hrs! I guess the weather up in Abersoch wasn't too far off that in Mumbles!!
More useful advice - thanks.
I intend to complete a powerboat course of some description, it would be foolhardy to take souls out on the sea without one. I don't know about boats, I wouldn't know what to do in an emergency - I'd be fine on a millpond, but having seen how the Solent can suddenly change...
I'm going to see a well priced Revenger on Saturday, however I fear I may have to let it pass as the bench seat Vs jockey seat advice seems universal.
The difference is that a Revenger is an all together more capable boat at sea than most of what is listed here, so you won't need the jockey seat affair.
There's certainly some odd opinions on here. Mark Pascoe boats falling apart??? Yet he competed in one in the recent round britain powerbosat race.
Phantoms can't get the parts??? What on earth parts does a phantom use that you can't buy at a chandlers. Some of the best boats of the lot are ribs based around a phantom hull being the most successful raceboats ever made.
Phantoms, as in the originals, aren't actually made anymore but lots of rib builders have splashed the hull form and called it their own. Cobra have some some of the original moulds!!!!
Best of the ribs - Buzzi, Revenger, Goldfish and Pascoe for seakeeping, quality and resale value. Why? Because of their race designer heritage.
Get thee over to a proper boat forum like ribnet for real advice and then when you've had a little play come over to Boatmad and we'll talk you into a proper boat;)
There's certainly some odd opinions on here. Mark Pascoe boats falling apart??? Yet he competed in one in the recent round britain powerbosat race.
Phantoms can't get the parts??? What on earth parts does a phantom use that you can't buy at a chandlers. Some of the best boats of the lot are ribs based around a phantom hull being the most successful raceboats ever made.
Phantoms, as in the originals, aren't actually made anymore but lots of rib builders have splashed the hull form and called it their own. Cobra have some some of the original moulds!!!!
Best of the ribs - Buzzi, Revenger, Goldfish and Pascoe for seakeeping, quality and resale value. Why? Because of their race designer heritage.
Get thee over to a proper boat forum like ribnet for real advice and then when you've had a little play come over to Boatmad and we'll talk you into a proper boat;)
Edited by MOTORVATOR on Friday 8th May 16:34
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