5.5 vs 6

tom26 · 27 January 2019, 21:47

Hi

looking for some advice here, we are in the market for a rib, moving on from a 4m cabin boat and looking for something that can cope with bigger seas

I am looking at ribs that are far from where I live so trying to make some initial decisions based on photos

question I cannot answer is - is there a big difference between a 550 and a 600 length rib - I can see two for sale and the smaller 550 looks like easier to launch etc, there will be 3 of us in the rib most of the time so not so worried about space inside but how much seaworthiness am I missing out on if I go for the 550

Not sure if this is anything that can be quantified but thought I would ask

Ta

(on the market for a rib in Scotland if anyone has one for sale......)

Xk59D · 27 January 2019, 22:17

Generally speaking bigger is better as more length to span waves.

With the above said I would rather have a GOOD 5.5 than a crap 6m so depends what boats you are looking at?

Since you say you are from Glasgow and coming from a similar boat myself I was in exactly same situation when I first joined, I get the argument.

I bought a boat not many people like in an Avon adventure 5.6, I loved it as i came from a small cabin boat so any hull had a chance if being better.

3 people is fine on a 5.5m if just day trips, if taking a lot of diving gear then more space would be nice.

5.5m versus 6m will probably be similar to launch so i wouldn't get hung up on that, just make sure your licence let's you tow them and car will handle them.

What boats you looking at?

What do you have now?

What is your budget?

Pikey Dave · 28 January 2019, 08:11

I agree with Xk59D [emoji15]When it comes to sea keeping, I’d take a good 5.5 over a poor 6m any day. However, that extra 0.5m makes a big difference to the internal space, we have a 5.45RC & it’s ideal for the 2 of us. Put 4 on her & it gets “cosy”. The upside is she is easy to launch & tow, and that particular hull punches way above its weight.

tom26 · 28 January 2019, 08:24

Thanks both. It’s a ribeye that we are considering just now, alternates are brig or ribcraft. Moving on from a sailing boat and a bonwitco 440 which has been great but looking to go further, day trips only and no diving for me, prefer being above the water

Pikey Dave · 28 January 2019, 08:30

Not often you see Brig & Ribcraft in the same sentence [emoji848]

tom26 · 28 January 2019, 08:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Not often you see Brig & Ribcraft in the same sentence [emoji848]

Why not, am new to this area of boating and not sure what is good and what is not. All advice welcomed

Ribcraft 585 vs ribeye 550 or 600 vs brig 570 vs Avon 620 are the current not very short list

Pikey Dave · 28 January 2019, 08:59

They are very different boats. The Ribcrafts are more of a traditional commercial layout & construction. Tough as old boots, generally heavier, beautiful in the eye of the discerning beholder. If you’re buying new from the factory, it will be a bespoke build to your spec. Brigs are none of the above. All this has been argued to death discussed at length over the years. The search function will help & enlighten.
Out of your list, if sea keeping is important to you, the RC585 is a no brainer.

Pikey Dave · 28 January 2019, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

They are very different boats. The Ribcrafts are more of a traditional commercial layout & construction. Tough as old boots, generally heavier, beautiful in the eye of the discerning beholder. If you’re buying new from the factory, it will be a bespoke build to your spec. Brigs are none of the above. All this has been argued to death discussed at length over the years. The search function will help & enlighten.
Out of your list, if sea keeping is important to you, the RC585 is a no brainer.

All IMO of course [emoji6]

HUMBER P4VWL · 28 January 2019, 10:27

It's a fairly considered and experienced opinion to be fair. One I'd agree with.

Xk59D · 28 January 2019, 10:51

The choices you listed are very different but from what you are coming from they will all be an upgrade, just some more than others.

If you have the budget then I'd consider the ribcraft 585 as a serious option, maybe a redbay 6.1 worth looking at too.

Personally I would stick ribeye, Avon adventure and brig as going for similar market. Nothing wrong with that though if it suits your needs.

Maximus · 28 January 2019, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

All IMO of course [emoji6]

AND...QUITE few "others".. on here I'm pretty sure too Dave!

spartacus · 28 January 2019, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom26

In the market for a rib in Scotland if anyone has one for sale...

You're doing the right thing in forming a short-list, and I appreciate a lot of the boats you'll come across aren't close to you.

Ribs will vary considerably condition-wise depending how they've been maintained. Has it been on a swinging mooring its entire life or tucked up in a barn or garage over the winter? Finding Ribcrafts and even Ribeyes in Scotland is going to be a tough call as most of the boats you'll see are down south. You'll need to travel. You can ask Ribnet members if they are close to take a look for you, I've offered to do the same myself. It's just that, an overview, nothing more. You want paperwork (and lots of it) and an engine report.

Ribeye themselves refurbish RIBs and right now is the time to buy before the boating season gets into full swing. They have a 2011 A600 and Yamaha F100 for £23,895.

Best of luck with the search.

Xk59D · 28 January 2019, 15:22

24k for a 2011 ribeye. Is that a new engine or trailer, tubes etc? Or just a full on refurb?

A good place for a nosey is largs marina in the RIB compound, lots of boats there you can have a look at if you just want to see some and compare quickly.

Ofcourse people own them so you cant get up close but you can perhaps judge some brands and sizes then go shopping.

The OP is welcome to see my ribcraft but I doubt it would be on the options list so wont learn much.

jambo · 28 January 2019, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

It's a fairly considered and experienced opinion to be fair. One I'd agree with.

Me too !! Biased of course but I know exactly what my rib can do and be safe

spartacus · 28 January 2019, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xk59D

24k for a 2011 ribeye. Is that a new engine or trailer, tubes etc? Or just a full on refurb?

Probably just a full clean, engine serviced, etc. I think it's all original. Actually it's £24,845! Link here: https://www.ribeye.co.uk/approved-used-boats/ribeye-a600-0

As a comparison there's a 2018 A600 with a F115 for £40k.

Xk59D · 28 January 2019, 17:06

An alternative for 25k...

https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...ssional/244515

jwalker · 28 January 2019, 18:18

If internal space is important to you, be aware that advertised boat length is not always a good guide. Ribs are usually measured end to end but some have a large tube overhang at the bow or stern or both. Consequently, you'll need to pay attention to design when comparing length. For sea-keeping ability the hull length is more important than overall length. Also look at the stern, generally a boat with a deeper V will give a more comfortable ride. It's not always the case but it is a clue.

spartacus · 28 January 2019, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xk59D

An alternative for 25k...

https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...ssional/244515

I like it, especially with the Suzuki 140hp. The Ribeye has a heavy Yammie F100 which by all accounts is a lardy lump.

The rear bench seat on the Ribcraft is poor in my opinion.

The Ribeye, passengers look like they are seated lower down, it's moulded wrap around seats. Think Ribquest do something very similar.

spartacus · 28 January 2019, 19:35

Don't know much about Viking Ribs (5.8m), but looks like a lot of boat for the money. Located in Inverness. There's a Gemini Rib in the same yard with twin Honda's, but I'd give that a miss. Viking 5.8Mtr Rib With Yamaha 80HP Outboard Engine Priced at £9,800-00

Phil M · 29 January 2019, 12:39

I think its fair to throw Humber into the discussion. Yes, they are not as high quality as Ribcraft (so I believe, as I've never inspected a Ribcraft close up) and yes, mine from new had a few silly issues but the Destroyers and Ocean Pros handle rough seas very well and are generally solid. All my issues were minor and easily rectified by the way. The up side is they are priced accordingly and there are some big discounts available at the moment too.
Rib World - New Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBS)

There is a well spec'd 5.7 Ocean pro on for £13.5k. Stick a trailer and Merc 150 on and give a few grand for bits you're at about £29k. Might be some discount to be had on the engine ant trailer so could possibly get it for less.

Just my slightly biased opinion.

Phil M