2016 Ribeye TS350 advice

[floatsy]

Hello all

First time here and first potential RIB purchase. I am currently in talks with a someone about buying their 2016 Ribeye TS350 and have struggled to find any decent reviews on line. I can just about find the tech info but no real life reviews.

The boat is intended for some family fun (five of us) in around the Falmouth area. I know it’s on the small side but I intend to use it solo for exploring and fishing trips so like the idea of keeping thing compact.

Any advice on performance/handling and would be fantastic.

Thank you for your time

[Pipster100]

To be honest, it's more of a tender for larger boats than a family RIB, you'd be extremely cramped and in any weather dangerous with 5 onboard!! If you want to keep it compact then look around the 4.8m mark

[spartacus]

Agree with Pipster that 3.5m will be tight as a gnat's chuff with 5 on board, in what I assume is 2 adults and children? Might be doable until the wind picks up, then it's no fun.

Ribcraft 4.8 is good compromise especially if you think it's going to be a long term investment rather than a summer toy. Kids grow fast, so that's the best way to approach it. Almost impossible to find a boat with adequate seating for all, but then Ribcraft did this. Means youngest get a seat, and those more able sit up front next to the helm with suitable handholds.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f8/ribcraf...ted-79500.html

Oh and max out the engine. The Ribcraft at this size is used as safety boat and not uncommon to see a lardy Honda 50 on the stern. Max it with a new 4-stroke Yammie 70hp.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by floatsy

Hello all



First time here and first potential RIB purchase. I am currently in talks with a someone about buying their 2016 Ribeye TS350 and have struggled to find any decent reviews on line. I can just about find the tech info but no real life reviews.



The boat is intended for some family fun (five of us) in around the Falmouth area. I know it’s on the small side but I intend to use it solo for exploring and fishing trips so like the idea of keeping thing compact.



Any advice on performance/handling and would be fantastic.



Thank you for your time

The ts range are great tenders, we have a 280 as a tender for our boat & regularly have 4 folk, 2 adults & 2 kids & occasionally the dog (labrador) obviously its usually just from Anchorage or visitor mooring to shore so always sheltered. Occasionally I'll take the two boys for a fishing trip whilst mum relaxes & the 3 of us can fish ok in good weather.
The 350 with 5 will be cosy but will accommodate you in sheltered areas on good days but you wouldnt want to be out for long with 5 aboard. If the plan was to taxi everyone to a beach for an afternoon occasionally then on good days it will work but if you think your all going for an all day jolly sat in the boat you need to think again. If your main use is single handed launch for a coastal fishing trip alone or with another then it will work. It all depends what your planning to do with the boat. Only you can decide if it suits your main use.
Theres another thread on here someone asking if an almost 6m boat will be sufficient for cruising & a lot of folk saying its too small. Only you can decide what you want from your boat. On the plus side those ts tenders sell like hot cakes so as long as you dont pay over the odds you'll easily resell or trade up for something larger if it doesnt suit


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[floatsy]

Spartacus & Pipster

Thanks for the great advice on size and especially safety!

The Ribcraft 4.8 looks amazing and definitely something to aspire to. I’m currently running an old 2.3hp Johnson so the thought of a 4-stroke yammie 70hp gives me tingles in new places.

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.

[floatsy]

Beamishken

Thanks for the message. The boat is very much intended for quick beach hops and exploring in sheltered areas and the occasional fishing jolly on my own or with my daughter. I can foresee that a larger boat will be necessary as we become more experienced and confident, I better start saving now!!!

Do you think £1350 for boat and trailer sounds about right?

Thank you for your time.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by floatsy

Beamishken



Thanks for the message. The boat is very much intended for quick beach hops and exploring in sheltered areas and the occasional fishing jolly on my own or with my daughter. I can foresee that a larger boat will be necessary as we become more experienced and confident, I better start saving now!!!



Do you think £1350 for boat and trailer sounds about right?



Thank you for your time.

1350 with a trailer assuming its decent is a good price, the boats were pretty expensive when new.
In comparison a 3.6 quicksilver is 3k and a 3.4 highfield is 2.4k both without consoles. You don't say if yours is a console or tiller version obviously a console version will be more

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[floatsy]

Thanks Beamishken, helpful advice and info.