Looking for economical rib

[kcinnick]

I am looking for a decent sized rib (minimum 15', would prefer 17'-21').

Primary use would be for fishing along the gulf coast

It would probably spend some time in Lake Pontchartrain dropping crab pots and just cruising(Lake that flooded New Olreans after Katrina)

Eventually it would be used for diving along the gulf coast

I really don't want to spend a fortune on a boat, but quality used ribs are a rarity around here. If I were looking for a bass boat, I would need to looker no further than how far I could throw a rock. I might end up with a fiberglass boat just becuase there are so many used boats around here, but I am really interested in a Rib.

Are the boats from Aquamax worth the asking price. They seem reasonably priced, but I have not been able to find any information about them. I am leaning towards new only becuase quality used seem unavaiable. Any suggestions on boats would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

[PacificNWrib]

Nick,

I would highly recommend a RIB over a fiberglass boat any day. I love using my RIB for fishing, over 90 percent of the time it is used for just that purpose. I went through the whole gamut of solutions out there. But when you think about safety, ease of use, launching, towing and just plain fun.

You can't beat a RIB.

Another thing is that they are so much lighter than anything else. Even compared to a Boston Whaler the RIB wins in weight, seaworthiness and price. Since they are lighter you use less gas in the long run.
With gas prices you have to put that into consideration. Of course, going with a good 4 stroke doesn’t hurt. Another thing is that you can piece it together. You can go with a bare hull and tubes and outfit to fill your needs. This Avon for $7500 is a good example. Or a Mercury at ww.Defender.com

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...e-560-92587914

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|215697|814407&id=814292

It all really depends on your preference and your vision. I am not familiar with Aquamax, but some of the things you want to look for in a RIB are hypalon tubes, and a good warranty. It all depends on your budget.

Good luck and keep trying to find the right RIB, there is one out there!

John

[jefflee2k]

I live in Texas and work in Lake Charles, and I'm also looking for a Rib for the same reasons. I stumbled accross this site while doing my research, and have gotten some great info. I was also looking at the AquaMax, but can't find any information about it. On my first and only post someone replied that it may be so cheap b/c it is a Korean or Chinese knock off. If you google "Chinese inflatable", you will find lots of similar boats on commercial trade sites. I think you may even be able to order one without being a dealer. Since I'm new to inflatables, I'm not sure what to make of the Asian products, but haven't necessarily ruled them out. Another boat I've considered is the Advanced Cat from West Marine. It is from a reputable manufacturer, but it is not a typical Rib hull. It is a Catamaran style with aluminum hull. Not sure how well it will hold up in the Gulf. You can also try craigslist.org. I have been watching listings on the whole Gulf Coast. All in all, I think that I am going to be patient and hold out for a good Rib over the traditional fiberglass boat. They are perfect or the gulf in summer weather, will get into inshore water that an offshore boat can't, easy to trailer, and way cheaper operate. If you are going to atke it offshore, you will be able to outfit your rig with a brand new outboard, for the same price as a 15 yr old motor on a larger boat. That is a lot of peace of mind, not having to worry about mechanical problems. Sorry this is so long, just haven't met anyone else in the area that doesn't think I'm nuts for wanting a Rib. Good luck.
Jeff

[prairie tuber]

The Advanced Cats from AMI marine are also manufactured in Asia - Taiwan if I remember correctly. I test drove an advanced cat a couple of summers ago. I was hoping to test the 4.6 m version with the hard floor, but the only model the dealer had available at the time was the 3.3 meter air floor version. The only application where I would recommend an air floor folding inflatable boat is if it is used strictly as a tender.

[mcinfantry]

ive got an avon 5.4m about 20 miles from baton rouge. everything i own is for sale, what you looking to spend?

[mmsilbo]

I bought an Aqua Max inflatable. The boat is excellent and teh service is excellent. It seems that all products these days are made in Asia and they are not made in this country. So, the manufacturers often sell to other companies who put private labels on them. Buying the expensive name brrand products is paying for the advertising, name branding and dealerhips of the expensives brands. Anyway, the Aqua Max Boats are good. I recomment them. I also have the Tohatsu motor which is is great.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by mmsilbo

I bought an Aqua Max inflatable. The boat is excellent and teh service is excellent. It seems that all products these days are made in Asia and they are not made in this country. So, the manufacturers often sell to other companies who put private labels on them. Buying the expensive name brrand products is paying for the advertising, name branding and dealerhips of the expensives brands. Anyway, the Aqua Max Boats are good. I recomment them. I also have the Tohatsu motor which is is great.

I take it the dealer told you that. There is very little coming out of Asia that can compare to the big names (who incidentally don't appear to need to advertise intensively).