Barnstormer?

JSP · 20 September 2008, 18:18

I'm coming close to deciding on what RIB to buy. I never rush into anything

Just found a RIB for sale made by Barnstormer. Tried searching the net for more info on the boats or company who make/made them but all I came up with was remote control boats ???

With the risk of offending the owner, here is the advert.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F189554
and on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...:B:BCA:GB:1123

Anyone know anything about them?

Pete7 · 20 September 2008, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Anyone know anything about them?

Err, no and that engine is probably 30 years old. Looks like someone has copied either a flatacraft or the early 4.9m Tornado, it could be well made or someone knocked it up in their garage over a weekend.

Look the boating season is about to come to and end. Well worth keeping an eye on e bay and B&O but in two months time when sellers become desperate, so hold tight and don't rush it. A nice 4.7 / 5.4m Avon or small BWM will be along shortly.

By chance here is an original Tornado:

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F192968

Oh and someone needs a new tape measure if this is 4.5 metres

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14

Pete

Tim M · 20 September 2008, 20:18

That RIB (or one very very similar) has been sold on several times in the last year. It was on ebay last year, in Norfolk. Was quite tempted at the time as it was cheap and close to my parents place.

I wouldn't buy it. You could get a 4m Searider with a half decent engine for not a huge amount more.

Nasher · 20 September 2008, 20:53

That is actually a Flatactaft Force4 GT with the seats, windscreen etc removed and a jockey dropped in.

Nasher

JSP · 20 September 2008, 23:04

I've seen it listed 2 or 3 times on ebay. Thanks for that lads.

Pete,
I've been looking at that boat that you think maybe a tornado. Only thing putting me off is the very shallow hull. But it looks a good buy.

Chris · 20 September 2008, 23:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Pete,
I've been looking at that boat that you think maybe a tornado. Only thing putting me off is the very shallow hull.

You were about to buy an ironing board with tubes I am sure the Hull on that tornado will be much more suitable.

JSP · 20 September 2008, 23:35

Which one do you mean Chris? The barnstormer or the Ex RNLI training boat?

Cheers

Nos4r2 · 21 September 2008, 09:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Oh and someone needs a new tape measure if this is 4.5 metres

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14

Pete

And the RNLI when the transom falls off!

JSP · 21 September 2008, 09:30

How can you tell that from a photo mate?

Flaming hell! Trying to find the right RIB is 10 times harder than when we where looking for a Motor yacht for my parents to live on!

Feels like I'm getting into the same kind of realms as classic car buying.

This RIB on ebay,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14 , what do you think to that. Says it has many patches which doesn't sound good and the engine can stall when idle. The engine doesn't bother me too much as I enjoy messing with them but tubes worry me. Can tubes be patched and still give a good few years of service?

Some one pass me a bottle of Jack D!

Nos4r2 · 21 September 2008, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

How can you tell that from a photo mate?

Flaming hell! Trying to find the right RIB is 10 times harder than when we where looking for a Motor yacht for my parents to live on!

Feels like I'm getting into the same kind of realms as classic car buying.

This RIB on ebay,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rib-4-5-meter_...d=p3286.c0.m14 , what do you think to that. Says it has many patches which doesn't sound good and the engine can stall when idle. The engine doesn't bother me too much as I enjoy messing with them but tubes worry me. Can tubes be patched and still give a good few years of service?

Some one pass me a bottle of Jack D!

Is that the right link? I meant the second one which is the same one you quoted in reply. (i'd avoid the 1st one as it's got inner tubes!)
Reasons I'd avoid it-
The guy is clueless for a start if he thinks it's a 4.5 metre-It's a 5.4 Searider-rated to max 90hp and 175kg. That motor will be overweight for the boat as well as overpowered. It's ex military so will have been well abused to start with,then used as a dive club boat which probably means even more abuse.

Tim M · 21 September 2008, 11:03

It's not particularly pretty either!

I would just sit tight and wait for the perfect boat to come along. There should be a good few bargains to be had now the season is coming to an end. I picked this 4m Searider up complete with 3 year old Yamaha 25hp 4 stroke for £1800. You'll find something like this a lot more reliable than a lot of the crap on ebay.

Chris · 21 September 2008, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Which one do you mean Chris? The barnstormer or the Ex RNLI training boat?

Cheers

The barnstormer

JSP · 21 September 2008, 22:02

You know what lads, I am so glad I found this forum. I could have bought a donkey a few times now if you lot hadn't give me such good info.
Thanks!

JSP · 21 September 2008, 22:28

I think I maybe limiting my search. I'm only really looking on ebay, boats and outboards and boatshed . Any other good sites?

codprawn · 21 September 2008, 23:12

All good sites. There are usually quite a few for sale on Ribnet and try

http://www.adtrader.co.uk/

Chris · 22 September 2008, 20:18

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F192712

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/OWL319

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/PCW023

Some reasonable looking boats on B&O and with cash in hand you will probably be able to get the prices down quite a lot.

Chris

JSP · 23 September 2008, 10:21

Thanks for the links.

Chris, I've been looking at the two seariders there but hadn't seen the humber. Looks an OK boat, have asked for more photos'. Thanks mate.

retrorib · 07 October 2008, 20:00

hi guys just to let you know i bought that barnstormer rib. the hull is a avon the tubes where made by a company called barnstormer which i think no longer exists. the engine is a 2 stroke 60 hp mariner/yamaha and its age approx 13 years old ( who said 30 years old sort your facts out matey) the boat is great handles just like a avon i should know i have had 4 of them. i however have done a few mods on the boat but i think the £1500 i payed for the boat was a bargain . i challenge anyone to find better for little money. you wont because i have looked all over the uk and they all have their quirks. i feel sorry for the guy that got the bad bad advice form the not all knowing!!!!!!
thanks guys i will like to hear some feedback if you know anymore about the subject.
richard

Chris · 07 October 2008, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by retrorib

i feel sorry for the guy that got the bad bad advice form the not all knowing!!!!!!

I think I would have rather had the Avon Tim M posted above than some dodgy half breed off ebay.

Bumstormer might be a better name

doggypaddle · 07 October 2008, 20:26

I dont think i will be swapping my SR5 for a "barnstormer" anytime soon

I am sure you will enjoy using it and if youre happy with what you paid for it then thats all that matters. dont be too quick to diss the advice you get on here though, sure like any forum there is always wheat and chaff, but i must agree with the majority, the advice given was sound. the season is coming to an end and there will be better ribs available in that price range, especially with the "credit crunch" and the cost of fuel.
Hope you enjoy your boat.