4M RIB Purchase - Hi from Canada!

Nova_CanadaRIB · 22 June 2020, 16:41

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at purchasing a RIB, main reason being that I have a mid size car and want to tow it to places. Didn't want to spend money on a large vehicle then a large and heavy boat etc...

Anyway, I found this local store, owner is very knowledgeable and they have been in business since 2004.

I'm looking at their 430 Rigid hull seabright marine, seabrightmarine, inflatable boats, inflatable boat, hypalon, RIB, RIBs, hypalon inflatable boat, hypalon inflatable boats, hypalon rib, hypalon ribs fitted with a Suzuki outboard.

They use ORCA 828 for the tubes on the boat. It is manufactured in China, how ever when I was looking at the welds for the Aluminum they seem extremely neat and strong.

I'm having trouble deciding between a 30 and 40HP for the boat. I'm not looking for it to be a speed demon. Just plane out and will mostly be going slow for fishing.

If anyone has any comments on the boat it would be greatly appreciated. Also looking for any needed accessories etc that you would buy with the boat. Either to protect it or for convenience.

okandeckboat · 22 June 2020, 16:52

Interesting boat! I was interested in them as well however I decided for my initial purchase to buy a used boat with motor etc as it was much cheaper. I have a 480 fibreglass hull with a Mercury 50 HP EFI and it is a good size for this size rib. I would recommend the 40 HP option for a 430 over the 30 HP. My 50 HP cruises at 23 MPH at 3000 RPM and at max 4900 RPM 34 MPH. 3000 HP and 23 MPH on relatively calm water is a comfortable cruising speed.

Nova_CanadaRIB · 22 June 2020, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by okandeckboat

Interesting boat! I was interested in them as well however I decided for my initial purchase to buy a used boat with motor etc as it was much cheaper. I have a 480 fibreglass hull with a Mercury 50 HP EFI and it is a good size for this size rib. I would recommend the 40 HP option for a 430 over the 30 HP. My 50 HP cruises at 23 MPH at 3000 RPM and at max 4900 RPM 34 MPH. 3000 HP and 23 MPH on relatively calm water is a comfortable cruising speed.

Thanks for the comments!

I was also looking at buying used as well. Unfortunately here in NS there are extremely few options available, and ones that are available are crazy expensive. Found a 2001 Zodiac 10 or 11 foot with a 2017 30HP Yamaha for $12,500. I'm sure it would go for less but still difficult justifying that price...

okandeckboat · 22 June 2020, 17:07

Having bought a 480 which is 15 feet 9 inches I am now thinking my next purchase will be a 17 footer with a standing helm. The 480 is ok in small waves but having a larger rib with a bit bigger tubes and a standing helm position is definitely a better boat without that much length increase or weight except it needs a larger and heavier engine. If you can go bigger than a 430 I would recommend it.

Nova_CanadaRIB · 22 June 2020, 23:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by okandeckboat

Having bought a 480 which is 15 feet 9 inches I am now thinking my next purchase will be a 17 footer with a standing helm. The 480 is ok in small waves but having a larger rib with a bit bigger tubes and a standing helm position is definitely a better boat without that much length increase or weight except it needs a larger and heavier engine. If you can go bigger than a 430 I would recommend it.

Thanks! Just got back from making the purchase.

I would have loved to go with the larger one but storage space at my yard, $$ and the size for towing it behind my Ford Fusion would probably send my wife into a fit.

We ended up splurging for the 40HP Suzuki though! This boat is rated for 7 people (It would be a tight fit) But my wife and I are very small and can sit together on the back bench ourselves which would leave 3 more seats if we wanted to bring anyone with us.

Just waiting now for my hitch to come in. Uhaul was booked over a month out so I ordered one online and will install it myself.