New Hobby

TM1 · 12 June 2018, 21:01

Hello all,

My name is Troy. I have owned boats but never a RIB. I recently moved to the coast of Georgia and have decided that I need a new hobby... a RIB boat. I plan on using it for adventure camping, towing the kids on a tube, and fishing. I have been stalking RIBnet for a while trying to educate myself on my new hobby. I figured it was time to join. I am currently looking to purchase a Zodiac 12 Man with a 60hp Yamaha 4 stroke. I am concerned about the motor being underpowered and the life of the tubes. I plan on traveling to look at the boat in the next week or two. Any feed back and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I look forward to the fun!!

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Troy

TM1 · 13 June 2018, 00:46

Here is a Pic of the RIB a plan on looking at. Any feedback would be greatly welcomed!

TM1 · 17 June 2018, 18:05

Happy Father's Day! I hope that all of you are doing well.

Can any member please tell me why my original post has been viewed 183 times and no one has responded? Not one welcome, suggestion, recommendation, or affirmation of how great owning a RIB is.

Last Tango · 17 June 2018, 19:43

My apologies. I never saw your post first time round. Welcome to the forum.
I'd think the lack of response is due to the premise "if you don't have something positive to say, best say nothing"
Ribbing is great I've owned around 15 different boats over the years (four of them at the one time) and I've settled with the Rib I have now. So definitely the way to go.
Regards the boat you're looking at....12 Man? absolutely not and 60HP will struggle on that boat even lightly loaded. By all means have a test run in it but I'd think it will be disappointing.

Brian · 17 June 2018, 22:50

I suspect many of your “views” are in fact web crawling bots and not real views by members at all.
But a hearty welcome anyway.
PS I am not a web crawler thingy.....

John Kennett · 18 June 2018, 12:15

Hi TM1

That boat should suit your purposes pretty well (it’s called a “12 man”, but you wouldn’t want to have anything like that many on board by the way).

It’s a 5.2m RIB and with a 60hp outboard it is going to be underpowered, even lightly loaded. It will work, but won’t make you grin much. You’ll struggle in bigger seas too as it won’t have the acceleration needed to deal with waves comfortably. A 90hp motor would be a better match.

I don’t know how far away from you it is, but it might be worth getting a sea trial if you can so you can see for yourself. You may decide that it’s enough power for you, or you may not. Buying now and upgrading the motor in the future might be an option.

office888 · 18 June 2018, 12:37

Morning, welcome!

I'm not sure if you're aware, but Z-Nautic Group (Zodiac/Bombard/Avon) has a US factory in Summerville where your hull is made.

The Pro 12-Man = Pro 550.

I used to dive off of one with a 70hp. Light load w/ big prop, ~30 mph. Heavy load (4 divers with technical kit) w/ small prop, 23 mph

It's the smallest "Pro" boat available with an integral fuel tank, so it's one of my favorites.

office888 · 18 June 2018, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by TM1

Here is a Pic of the RIB a plan on looking at. Any feedback would be greatly welcomed!

Judging by your picture, your tubes appear to be CSM/CR construction. Known as "NEO", or the trademarked name "Hypalon".

They're either Aeraazur (Zodiac Aerospace) or Pennel & Flipo Orca material.

charliee · 18 June 2018, 12:58

There you go - the experts have spoken, welcome to the forum - happy boating.

TM1 · 19 June 2018, 03:24

Thank you all for the responses!

I am excited to purchase my first RIB and get on the water. I am finding out that finding a good boat in south Georgia is tuff. I understand that Zodiac has a manufacturing facility up the road in South Carolina. I wish they had a factory direct sales lane. Thanks to this forum I am learning more every time I Log In.

All of your information is greatly appreciated!!

Troy