Bombard Explorer WB 420

Sirius_Bane · 22 July 2004, 20:38

Hi there. Im planning on buying my first RIB next spring and want to know what you guys think of the Bombard Explorer WB 420?
People have already recommended to me other brands like avon and valiant but Valiant isnt available here in Vancouver, Canada and an Avon is out of my price range.

Heres a link to the bombard wb 420

http://www.zodiacmarine.com/eng/Bomb...?num_modele=36

Thanks guys!

Sirius_Bane · 24 July 2004, 00:08

Does anyone have any advice?

bogib · 24 July 2004, 00:45

Zodiac does mainly market there Bombard rib range in the US and Canada so we are not familiar with them over here. Perhaps you should look at www.ribcraftusa.com as they are UK design made in Massachusettes so not to far from you mate.

Bogi

bogib · 25 July 2004, 01:37

Sirius Bane did you have a look at Ribcraft website ?
(sorry forgot Vancouver are on the west coast, so Ribcraft is therefore not close to you)

Bogi

Sirius_Bane · 25 July 2004, 06:20

Ya thanks for replying anyhow. Ya I checked out the Ribcraft site. They are both too expensive and too far away. I need the boat to be no more than $8000 Canadian ($6052 american, or 3300 British pounds) The explorer 420 would be ideal if its a good boat. Or I might look at the Mercury (Quicksilver) 430 Heavy Duty SIB. It looks like a fine boat. I can get one for 3000 Canadian here.

bogib · 25 July 2004, 10:53

You could perhaps check with Quicksilver dealer as in Europe they make descent RIBs as Marine Power (Brunswick Company) owns several RIB boatbuilders in Europe and they may have it available to you through their system ?

Bogi

marbra · 26 July 2004, 20:26

I was able to pick up a 480 Bombard 1990 in excelent shape with 60 hp motor and trailier for $8000 Can. It was a great boat. Had it in Tahsis ( Vancouver Island) for a week and traveled to the outside waters everyday with 5 people. Kept it for 3 years and then moved up to a avon 545 seasport.Inflatables are the way to go.................

Mark

Alan · 26 July 2004, 21:09

I thought the Quicksilver RIBS were basically rebadged Valiants as I believe Brunswick (Merc. parent co) own Valiant.

swginn · 27 July 2004, 00:55

Yep, I thought this too, Alan. However after looking at www.marinepower.com (europe) and www.mercurymarine.com (usa/canada) its is clear that quicksilver make only inflatables and valiant make only ribs. Its quite possible that most of the tubes and fittings are shared though as they are both owned by Brunswick.

The quicksilver heavy duty does look a good boat and will certainly last. Have you looked at these though? Maybe a possibility if they are cheap. These are essentially the smaller Valiants rebadged for the US/Canadian markets.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/rib_series

Sirius_Bane · 27 July 2004, 06:09

The valiant RIBs offered in North America are too small. Ill probably go with the mercury (quicksilver) 430 HD i can get it with console and 25 hp 2 stroke for under 7000$ canadian. Else ill go with the bombard 420 wb.
Im going to be purchasing in the spring anyways.

keithm · 17 August 2004, 13:08

Bit late for my reply sorry but I've been away. I bought a Bombard 4.85 in April/May with a DF50 Suzuki.

I like the boat. its a good family boat, however she doesn't like choppy waters much (quite a shallow hull) and she slaps back into the water after take off- So people on deck in the front get an uncomfortable ride.. Part of the problem with mine is I think the seating/console arragnement which puts all the weight into the back. Would be better with a jockey arrangement situated more to the front.

So people on deck in the front get an uncomfortable ride.

I'd be keen to know how you get on

Sirius_Bane · 18 August 2004, 06:09

Thanks for your imput. It helps since you have one yourself.
Im looking into the Quicksilver 430 now with a 25hp s stroke.
Its a lot cheaper. I can get both for under 6000$ Canadian.
But good to know your experience with a bombard wb tho. I appreciate that.
Thanku