Any good/cheap RIB on the west coast

[ba_fisher]

I am looking for a new RIB, 14 ~ 16 ft.

I found this 14ft RIB, new for just $4300. Seems like a good deal. But they are in Michigan and no dealers on the west coast, so I am not sure if I should get it.

SXV420N 13'9 ft. Raider - Spring Lake Boat Sales

Are there anything comparable on the west coast? Any suggestions for dealers?

This one seems good for my price range, too, but the seller is in Connecticut

Mercury 430 Rigid Hull Inflatable ( RIB ) 13' 9", White Hypalon, 2014

Any suggestions!
Thanks!

[Bigtalljv]

Where are you and what are you looking to do with the boat? fresh water, salt? Fish dive? It all adds up for a recommendation.

Jason

[ba_fisher]

Originally Posted by Bigtalljv

Where are you and what are you looking to do with the boat? fresh water, salt? Fish dive? It all adds up for a recommendation.

Jason

I live in the Bay Area, and want to go fishing at Santa Curz and Half Moon Bay, within a few miles from the coast.

[ba_fisher]

BTW, just found the Mercury Ocean Runner 430.

https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/...specifications

Any feedbacks on this one?

[tworotorturbo]

Inmar (formerly JP Marine) has some cool ribs in that size and they are in Ca. Are you strictly looking for new? You can find a lot of nice used ribs in that size.

[ba_fisher]

Thanks for the tip! The Inmar boats look cool and they seem to have a deeper V than the Mercury Ocean Runner.

Where to look for used RIBs? I tried craigslist (sfbay, santa cruz, LA) but don't see many listings.

[tworotorturbo]

Just keep checking craigslist. Ive purchased all my ribs from craigslist. The last two were in San Diego. Did you have a motor already? Price range?

[ba_fisher]

No motor (or anything boat related) yet. This would be my first boat.

My price range is about $10K. My garage limits the boat to about 17ft. If over $10K, I am thinking of buying an aluminum boat instead, like the Klamath 16 EXW or Hewescraft 16 SM.

How long did you look before you found your current boat?

[Peter_C]

If you are talking open ocean you would probably be happier with a slightly larger RIB in the 16' range. I believe there was an Avon SR 5.4m available somewhere here in the Bay Area. You can get a folding tongue for your trailer to get it in the garage.

[tworotorturbo]

Good advice above from Peter.

I always look for decent used ribs on CL and so far I usually see a good deal, within the state, every few months.

I just looked up the Klamath and Hewescraft. They look nice. Those will definitely have more room than a RIB the same size. The 16' probably has more room than my 20' RIB. Have you been on both a RIB and a same length AL boat?

I'll keep an eye out for any good local deals for you.

[jyasaki]

Stop by a chandler or harbormaster and see if you can pick up a copy of Latitude 38. It's a sailing magazine; they often have tenders listed, in addition to small boat ads.

I agree with Pete; bigger is better for anything offshore in California. Swell can change pretty quick.

jky

Just noticed the Lat38 website; they have online classifieds. Not much for small boats at the moment though.

Should probably keep an eye on Boat Trader as well.

[ba_fisher]

Guys, thanks for all the help!

I just drove a boat for the first time yesterday (Xmas 2014 Yay!), and it was, hmm, "educational".

Me and my friend went to Capitola Wharf to rent one of their skiffs. They are about 14.5ft with 65in beam, 4 stroke 8h Yahama tiller motor. I attached some photos.

I couldn't really tell the sea condition, but I figure the wind chops were 2ft at their strongest, and the swells were maybe 4~6ft?? Definitely not a calm day for a beginner.

The first thing I did was to drive the boat under the wharf .... what a great start!

Anyway, we survived and managed to get 1 rock fish for more than 5 hours, and neither of us puked. So I call that a success, but not an enjoyable experience. Plus, the flat bottom of the skiff kept slapping on the chops and we were very wet, and very very slow.

So, with a 430 Mercury Ocean Runner + 20hp motor, will it feel much better than the skiff? The Mercury has a 76in beam and 19in tubes.

I really don't plan to go out on any condition worse than yesterday, and will limit myself to a 5 miles radius from the port (Santa Cruz).

Alternatively, I am considering a new Zodiac PRO 500

Zodiac Pro 500 With Yamaha F50 EFI 4-Stroke

but will that boat do much better than the Mercury 430 in the same condition as yesterday's?

This is going to be my first boat so I want to keep it fun, safe and cheap.

[ba_fisher]

BTW, will a console + steering wheel be much safer/easier than a tiller with rough sea condition? It seems sitting sideways on the edge of the boat may not be a such a good idea.

[jyasaki]

You'd be surprised at how stable you are driving a tiller steered boat. That said, after a while your arm gets tired, and in rough water, where you're constantly correcting heading and power, it'll start hurting.

I suspect the Zodiac you were looking at has a much deeper V than the Merc (though admittedly, that's speculation), which would give it better seakeeping in rough water. You already learned the downfall of flat bottom hulls.

jky

[Bigtalljv]

Yeah, no such thing as too much vee for a California boat. That's one of the top few reasons I got my boat, the old boat was too flat

Jason

[ba_fisher]

Does this look "deep enough"? These photos are of the Mercury Ocean Runner 430.

[tworotorturbo]

Sounds like you guys had a fun day

That Mercury should be a night and day difference to the boat you rented. On a comfort level, with a tiller steer, you can sit on the tubes and be relatively comfy even if you hit some waves. With a small console and cable steering, you have something solid to hold onto and less arm/back fatigue.

On safety level, that Mercury (or any same sized rib) is a very safe boat for the size. You could have everyone sit on one side of the boat and not worry about tipping. You could also get caught in rough weather, take on a hull full of water and still make it home.

That hull looks like it has a decent V. Theres an Avon searider on eBay for 3900 with a 55hp Yam and trailer. Its on the East Coast but would still be a decent deal after shipping.

[seahunt]

She's not on the West Coast but for sale in Ohio on ebay... Check out the Zodiac 15' 5" pro 470 on ebay she has a 65 hp Suzuki and looks spotless to me!

[seahunt]

' 93 Zodiac 15'5" inflatable RIB hard-bottom powered by a good running Suzuki "65hp 2 stroke with power trim, electronic ignition, oil injected motor, and a "new" Load-Rite galvanized trailer.

The overall condition is exceptional. Always stored inside when not in use. No damage, no air leaks, tubes were replaced new a few years back, hull is excellent, motor starts and runs as it should.

Options and accessories include: Aluminum T-top with canvas cover, center console with remote controls, running lights, courtesy lights, gauges built-in fuel tank, wind screen, search light, new swing-back pilot seat with storage, console jump seat, bow seat with anchor locker, self bailing cockpit, electric bilge pump, 1000amp battery and more.

A great boat for family fun at an economical price to water ski, tube, cruise or take to the beach without breaking the bank. New replacement cost is well over 25k.

Come take a look in person, you will not be disappointed!

Call me at 419-341-9131

The boat is also for sale locally. I have clear Ohio titles. You may be responsible for local sales tax and title fee's in your area.

[seahunt]

This isn't my boat I just saw this listing above on ebay !!!