Looking for the ideal Rib for scuba diving.....

DiverDMD · 27 February 2012, 01:51

what advice could you give me regarding:

Brand?

Length?

Engine size?

Extra Equipment?

Thanks in advance......

captnjack · 27 February 2012, 05:31

Might help to know, your budget, where you plan to use it, how many divers, how far you need to go to the dive sites, and a few more details...

thomas · 27 February 2012, 09:35

The most important consideration is the temperature of the water you intend to use it in, it really needs to be in the region of 29ºC - I once dived from a boat and it was below 20 and it was not pleasant at all

Starovich · 27 February 2012, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas

The most important consideration is the temperature of the water you intend to use it in, it really needs to be in the region of 29ºC - I once dived from a boat and it was below 20 and it was not pleasant at all

How does the boat type have anything to do with the water temp? the water will be just as cold if you dive from the shore, or a boat, unless you have one of these fancy ribs with hull attached water heaters......

thomas · 27 February 2012, 11:36

Not too sure how it works, but as a diver I'd alway choose to dive from a boat where the water is warmer. Love the idea of fitting a heater, trouble is most divers are tree huggers and would object.

DiverDMD · 27 February 2012, 15:04

Guys thanks for the answers so far, here is my situation.

I would be diving with my son, so at least two divers, live in New England thus the vessel would only be used in the spring/summer months.

Water temps vary from 45-68F/7-20C

We probably would not venture more than 5 miles from shore

I would want to get something safe and comfortable, but don't think I need a 30 footer

As far as budget, I don't even know what a decent set up is, but let's start with $20,0000.

Thanks for any inputs.....

jyasaki · 27 February 2012, 16:33

The ideal boat is one that someone else owns and maintains, that is lent to you.

You say at least 2 divers; what is your projected max?

For diving, look for a boat with lots of deck space. My 18' RIB is fairly beamy (makes a barely-legal tow, except for my trailer guide-posts, which put it over - don't tell anybody), and has the console pushed back such that the pilots seat is against the transom. Frees up a lot of space forward for stowing gear, gearing up, etc.

If 2 (with the occasional 3) is your max number of divers, something like a 15.5' Zodiac RIB would do quite well, and should be available used for something less than your $20K budget.

But, as to your original question, there is no "ideal". Just a matter of what you can live with.

jky

captnjack · 27 February 2012, 16:46

Lots and lots of deck space, the molded-in GRP liners are just horrible for stowing tanks.
The tiniest console you can find, you don't need more space than radio, compass and depth sounder/GPS and a few switches.
Anchor locker (a big anchor too).
If its a GRP hull a rub strip along the keel line.
Max HP for the hull.
Relatively small tubes low to the water you can "swim" over avoids needing a ladder.

You can plane 2 or 3 divers in a 12.5ft SIB with 25hp...

DiverDMD · 27 February 2012, 16:48

Thanks guys, any specific brands better than others?

captnjack · 27 February 2012, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiverDMD

Thanks guys, any specific brands better than others?

Its not so much brand as model. Most brands have "yachty" versions which have lots of molded in features which just get in the way compared to their open floorplan "workboat" versions.

I would take a trip down to Defender in CT and look at what they have. Last month they had a demo Ribster for sale which minus much of the jockey seating would have made a great dive boat. In my experience, jockey seating takes up alot of deck space which tanks also demand.

http://www.rib.net/forum/f47/zodiac-...rib-45497.html

Peter_C · 27 February 2012, 17:10

Material preference would be for Hypalon. Longevity and strength are two good reasons for it. PVC works pretty good these days though, especially if it is kept out of the sun, and it is more cost effective.

A nice reliable four stroke motor on the back and as suggested max HP for the boat. Think fuel economy too these days.

Space is the issue with RIB's, and all the thoughts above are important. The conditions you plan to boat in will dictate size, along with what you plan to tow with. How large of a boat are you looking for?

There are lots of good brands of boats, so my response will be what comes up and will it work for your needs. Do you like the color? <Majorly important for the ladies.

Two divers off a boat 5 miles from shore would make a PLB aka EPIRB a good idea. One for each person. Plus maybe a Nautilus Lifeline. We lost a highly experienced local diver 5 miles offshore. We will never know what happened as he was never found, just his boat. Be careful, and make sure someone knows your dive plans. Carry the proper safety gear, SMB, signal mirror, multiple flashlights, whistle, etc.

DiverDMD · 27 February 2012, 17:29

Great info. guys.....

I was thinking about a 18', for mostly local shallow lobstering and spearfishing dives.
I am thinking a boat would make easy access for dive locations that don't have practical beach entries.

So our dives would be in 30-60' depths fairly close to shore, I just want a boat to access those sites that beach entry divers can't reach.....

Can someone help me build one, or tell me what to look for that would exceed my needs?

Again, thanks for your help and patience with a newby.....

ribfan · 27 February 2012, 21:00

Ribcraft is almost in your backyard, Marblehead, and makes a high quality rib. I would recommend contacting them. They also broker used boats. We have been very pleased with our 21'.

RIBCRAFT Rigid Inflatable Boats by RIBCRAFT

Bill

DiverDMD · 27 February 2012, 22:13

I have called Ribcraft today and talked to a sales rep.

Look like great boats, but the 19' runs new between $40-75K the 21' more.

I think for my needs I would be happy with a 18-19' Zodiac which I am hoping would be a bit less expensive.

I guess the Ribcraft are the Ferrari of RIBs..... I may still go up to their plant and see them, but don't think it would be my first RIB....

captnjack · 27 February 2012, 23:14

New your budget is going to limit you to something around 16ft. With motor, trailer and simple electronics.

Used gives you much more flexibility, possibly up to 19ft or so but you need to be cautious not to overspend on junk.

ribfan · 28 February 2012, 02:06

If for no other reason than learning about them, or perhaps they have a used boat, it's worth the visit to Marblehead to see the Ribcraft facility. The more you see the easier it is to know what you like and would want to have or not want to have in a boat. The Defender sale at the end of March is another great opportunity to see a bunch of ribs.
Good luck.

Ian M · 28 February 2012, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

For diving, look for a boat with lots of deck space. My 18' RIB is fairly beamy (makes a barely-legal tow, except for my trailer guide-posts, which put it over - don't tell anybody), and has the console pushed back such that the pilots seat is against the transom. Frees up a lot of space forward for stowing gear, gearing up, etc.

Interesting. In the UK most dive RIBs that I have seen and been on have the opposite approach, with the cox position as far forward as possible. Gear and divers mostly go sternwards of the cox, giving the divers and kit an 'easier' ride. Having now made the switch to 'leisure' RIBs I go out in cnditions which would be completely unacceptable to a diving party. The helm position on my boat is further sternwards than any UK dive RIB I have seen. As Ribcraft is a UK company, DiverDMD may get this view given to him.

cgoing · 28 February 2012, 13:19

I sent you a PM. Let me know if I can do anything to help.

Stringer Bell · 28 February 2012, 15:16

If you are freediving, any RIB is great. You can just kick up and sit on the tube. However, if you are scuba diving, very few smaller RIBs (if any) have a dive ladder you can use to get out of the water with the gear on your back. Few larger RIBs have ladder too, the design of the boat is just not open to easy ladder installation. Your option on scuba is to slip out of your BC, clip it off to the boat, climb in over the tube, and then pull the gear on board. Its not easy and it gets old quickly, especially in that cold NE water.

jyasaki · 28 February 2012, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringer Bell

Your option on scuba is to slip out of your BC, clip it off to the boat, climb in over the tube, and then pull the gear on board. Its not easy and it gets old quickly, especially in that cold NE water.

De rigeur here in Central California. Not all that big a deal. Easier if you drop the weights in the boat before trying to lug the rig over the tubes though (and one of the reasons I had a ladder made for my boat.)

I also find it's easier to kit up in the water. No fighting to maintain balance in swell and chop while gearing up. Not so easy to do with Peter_C's tech gear though.

jky