What sort of rib for a family

MVW · 10 May 2013, 14:58

Hi - i'm new to the site and to ribs in general. My son-in-law and i have got our RYA quals and i'm looking to buy a rib which will suit both our desire to go fast around the solent but will also offer options when we take out the family for a pootle.

My question is to gather some views on the best rib to go for - i think i need one which offers depth from deck to top of tube so smaller kids will be safer - so far the RibEye 650s seems to offer that but is expensive. i have a budget circa £25k and want something with low hours and fairly recent (under 5 years old). i would welcome your considered opinions on what to go for.

Just to help, i like jockey seats (bad back) but would need bench seating at the back for our ladies/children - probably up to 6 people on average. over to you guys

henryfreston · 10 May 2013, 16:59

I did my RYA level 2 power boat couse in a Ribeye 600 playtime there is one for sale on ebay now: Ribeye 600 playtime rib 2007, just 40 hours from new!! | eBay, was very impressed. It had a 100hp yamaha on the back.

Had jockey and bench seats

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 17:00

What are you going to do-trailer, drystack or mooring? £25k will get you a large choice of 2nd hand ribs ranging from 6m to 8m and you may not want to tow an 8m about.

How long are you planning to keep this boat?

My thinking is, if you buy a 5 year old boat with PVC tubes (ie a ribeye), in 5 years time you might be into needing a retube.

MVW · 10 May 2013, 17:09

Guys, appreciate the quick responses. I'm not going to trailer as having to get organised will mean I won't get on the water that often (we live 90 miles from Portsmouth). Interesting about PVC tubes - I thought the more expensive boats would by Hypalon.

I guess the question I need answered most is about the internal depth of the boat - what alternatives are there out there?

Appreciate all the guidance

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 17:18

There are hypalon Ribeyes (memory isn't good as to which one) Have a chat to Ella on here .

How old are the younger children? Are you worried about them falling overboard while stationary?

MVW · 10 May 2013, 17:25

Yes, it's a worry but to be honest both my wife and daughter don't exude confidence. Youngest is only one year old but I hope this to be a family activity for years to come.

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 18:10

I'm going to be brutally honest.

In my opinion you shouldn't put a one year old in a rib. Get a hard boat with more freeboard, or come back to the idea in 3 to 4 years.

thomas · 10 May 2013, 18:52

Only the Ribeye A series have plastic tubes, their bigger boats are rubber and I think it's an option on Zodiacs, better an old Ribeye 650 than a new 600.

Most importantly sea trial and see how they perform, also, take on board advice you get on here, last year someone asked the same question, got excellent advice and bought something that is probably worthless by now.

My daughter was brought up on boats since birth, big boats mainly but I wouldn't have taken her across the Solent in a rib, she's have been fine in a calm harbour though.

MVW · 10 May 2013, 19:01

Guys, tks for the guidance. The girls will probably only pootle when it's calm but its a good point.

chris.moody · 10 May 2013, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas

Only the .
Most importantly sea trial and see how they perform

Definitely sea trial any model you are interested in.

gotchiguy · 10 May 2013, 19:10

For £25k you could probably have a new 6.5m Osprey Vipermax specced up exactly as you want it but with a second hand engine.

landlord · 10 May 2013, 19:12

Why not jump on a RIB with spare seats for the Round Island for Macmillan at the end of the month. If the weathers good there will probably be 50+ RIBS to look at and chat to the owners.

http://www.rib.net/forum/f18/round-i...3-a-52535.html

If you ask on the thread for a seat you'll probably get a few offers

whisper · 10 May 2013, 19:28

I have a Ribcraft 585 for 2 adults and 2 children

The Slug had a Parker 630 inboard diesel with his Mrs and a very small child

MVW · 10 May 2013, 19:35

Again, many thanks for your comments

willk · 10 May 2013, 20:01

Just a thought: http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/redbay-...rib-54137.html

A "drop in" bench seat can be added...

whisper · 10 May 2013, 20:15

Parker 650 for sure.....

Have a look at this one:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f16/farewel...gic-42753.html

Andre has another demo rib that might be for sale

whisper · 10 May 2013, 20:23

Dude, buy this!!!

Ribcraft RIB for sale , Ribcraft 585 with Suzuki DF140 4 stroke - Boats And Outboards

I had a go on it at the Southampton boat show and it is awesome!

thomas · 10 May 2013, 21:50

Nice looking boat but why the fk has the plotter been put as far away from the helm as possible????

PeterM · 10 May 2013, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

Dude, buy this!!!

Ribcraft RIB for sale , Ribcraft 585 with Suzuki DF140 4 stroke - Boats And Outboards

I had a go on it at the Southampton boat show and it is awesome!

I'm liking that!....no helm looks at the plotter..they are looking ahead while the crew watch the plotter... :-)

thomas · 10 May 2013, 22:31

Not in my world, my Mrs tends to be my crew and when it comes to navigation...... well, enough said - mainly use it for depth and speed these days tend to know my way about.