1st rib,for spearfishing

[arrowloopboy]

Evening all,
I'm tinkering with the idea of getting my first rib,for inshore spearfishing and general messing about in.I know next to zero about rhibs.It would be to transport 2 or rarely 3 spearos(were 17,18 stone guys).I dont want anything too big as i own a 17ft centre console Trophy fishing boat,i'm thinking something about 13/15ft range and a max of 40hp.
As its for spearfishing,i'll rarely be out in rough seas, F3 or less usually,but i wouldn't mind it to be able to handle a bit of rough stuff.
I've no budget set as such and occasionally import containers from the u.s ,so an American boat wouldn't be out of the question.
Centre console is a must,and a bit of speed would also be nice.
What would ye reccomend ?

Regards,Andy

[Locozodiac]

Ideal would be a 430-450 light weight center console rib with a 40 HP, at affordable package : XPRO Defender RIB » Seaswift Boats

Or check Defender USA, lots of rib brands to pick from...

Happy Boating

[Starovich]

2nd Hand Avon SR4 would work, 40hp would give aplenty of power.

[martin p]

I use a zodiac pro 420 with a evinrude etec 40hp for exactly that purpose. i wouldn't go any smaller, deck space is the biggest issue for getting kitted up. Organisation of fins and guns is a must, im thinking of making a custom set of brackets for the a frame to solve that problem.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by martin p

I use a zodiac pro 420 with a evinrude etec 40hp for exactly that purpose. i wouldn't go any smaller, deck space is the biggest issue for getting kitted up. Organisation of fins and guns is a must, im thinking of making a custom set of brackets for the a frame to solve that problem.

That sounds pretty good advice to me
I did alot of spear fishing at one time from a Zodiac 'Squidgey' i.e inflatable keel with only a 20hp Blueband merc. As most S.F will be Close to Shore and in good weather..when you've got decent Vis! I think the main Criteria will be to get a good package and value for money..(AND getting good Dive Buddies that are willing to share surface time!)Its surpriseing how far you can snorkel when the going is good!...most of the Better known makes will be fine...depending on budget things like residual value and running/maitanance costs should also be factored in,and the fact that alot of the time you will be at idle and slow speeds may prompt you to think about a 4stk engine..something looking back I wished I'd had the option of!.