Boat Suggestions

[RIBOSK]

Hi,
I am looking to buy a RIB 6-8.5m for the Puget Sound with a pilothouse that could protect at least 4 from the wind and rain (my family). Ideally without beds, toilet, ect. below the dashboard, can handle rough water, good handling, outboard, and used.
Please post any suggestions.
Thanks

[Poly]

Do you have a budget in mind?
New or second hand?
Views on engines - in/out, diesel/gasoline, single/twin?
Desired speed?
Style / finish - e.g. family/comfort or industrial/commercial?

[RIBOSK]

Originally Posted by Poly

Do you have a budget in mind?
New or second hand?
Views on engines - in/out, diesel/gasoline, single/twin?
Desired speed?
Style / finish - e.g. family/comfort or industrial/commercial?

Below 70k. Definitely twin gas outboards used.
Around 40 mph
Family/ comfort with a utility aspect.

[Poly]

You've got quite a specialist list of requirements there. Sounds like something along the lines of a Protector might suit - although there aren't too many around especially in budget. Something like this: 2001 Protector 28 Targa Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[RIBOSK]

Originally Posted by Poly

You've got quite a specialist list of requirements there. Sounds like something along the lines of a Protector might suit - although there aren't too many around especially in budget. Something like this: 2001 Protector 28 Targa Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Ya i have been looking at those boats, they are awesome!
Also wondering about a center console boat with an aftermarket pilothouse or a custom made one. Do you know anyone who makes those mass produce or custom?

[Poly]

If you search the forum (for pilothouse or wheelhouse) i think there is someone who makes them in the US. They aren't as popular as you might expect for a number of reasons:

- usually seen as ugly
- one size fits all usually means one size doesn't fit anyone very well
- heavy so slow the boat down and might screw up the COG
- people like "the wind in their hair" - boating "indoors" is totally different

If you look at what MOST people want a RIB for then a pilothouse isn't really necessary and comes with some downsides. There ARE a few brands of ribs over here (northern Europe) which have small cabins (usually 2 berths and maybe a toilet) or a wheelhouse. It may not be totally crazy to import one to the US - but I think you would have some CG / Customs issues? Probably the most 'successful' is the Redbay range - but really their market penetration is limited beyond Scotland and Ireland (in part because the weather is crap here and so there is a bigger pull for shelter and sturdy boats, but also because part of their offering is the relationship redbay's staff build with their customers).

I had hoped you might get some more responses from your side of the pond. If you want me to move this to the "North American" forum to get "local answers" let me know.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Poly

Probably the most 'successful' is the Redbay range - but really their market penetration is limited beyond Scotland and Ireland (in part because the weather is crap here and so there is a bigger pull for shelter and sturdy boats, but also because part of their offering is the relationship redbay's staff build with their customers).

Last launch went to Montenegro. Boats shipped to St Helena, Seychelles, Australia, Gibralter, Faeroes, Sweden, Norway etc etc. I think the US is a no-no because of Protectionist policies and of course, the old Yamaha issue. The market they can't seem to crack is you Poly...

BTW, are you saying that I should update my status to "Between Relationships"?

[willk]

Have a peek at this, OP.

Red Bay Powerboating - YouTube