Buying a new rib

oogopach · 12 January 2006, 17:42

Help and guidance needed.

I'm looking to buy a new rib. I want something smallish about 5.5/6mtr max.

Lots of single handed so want something I can launch and recover easily, so not too big and heavy.

Looking at Ribeye, but have read lots of conflicting comments on this forum.

I really want something fast 40knts+ and stable.

I have had boats before so have some experience.

Only want something I can blast around the Solent in, IOW/ Lymmington/ Brighton/ Poole etc. Will be based in Portsmouth..

Any ideas/guidance would really be appreciated.

Thanx

Jimbo · 12 January 2006, 18:31

In that size range, to my mind you'd be well advised looking at the Ribcraft 585. They can be found at www.ribcraft.co.uk.

Well built, tough sea boats, with a dry ride yet fast stable hulls. DJL on here has just ordered one with a yammie 150 on the back, and many other forum members own them.

Solents also well worth a look.

simmons0 · 12 January 2006, 18:45

http://www.solentribs.com

Obvious bias, but it sounds like it'd fits your bill perfectly. Very fast hulls, light weight, built in Portsmouth. Take a test drive, they have a demonstrator on the water almost all the time.

ashbypower · 12 January 2006, 18:55

Check out XS were biased but !!

http://www.xs-ribs.co.uk/details.php

on the 550 link the first boat is ours

More piccies on our site. There a Solid build dry ride fun rib.

Brian

tim griffin · 12 January 2006, 19:02

New Solent 585 fantastic boat could be what you are looking for , I am very tempted to buy one for the school . Give them a call after the LBS as Lee is there at the mo arrange a test drive with Kevin and let us know what you think.

Rogue Wave · 12 January 2006, 19:30

whats your budget

oogopach · 12 January 2006, 19:51

Thanx for all the advice so far, I will lok at all of the suggestions.

My budget is 22k max, so am hoping that that is enough.

Aren't Ribcraft owned by Ribeye??

Rogue Wave · 12 January 2006, 19:56

no they are owned by Ribcraft

Ribtec are owned by Ribeye and there a league of difference between these brands. The Ribcraft being the better

theres a decent ribcraft in the forsale section also these
http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11669

LeewayComposite · 13 January 2006, 12:21

Take a look at this site

http://www.leewayribs.co.uk or http://www.leewaycomposites.co.uk

you could have a 45kts rib 6.3m and have 7k change. they are in the solent area....

Andy Moore · 13 January 2006, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by oogopach

My budget is 22k max, so am hoping that that is enough.

My cruising area will be the Solent and my activities will be similar to yours. I am soon to take delivery of an Avon 6.2m. My budget is similar to yours.

oogopach · 13 January 2006, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeewayComposite

Take a look at this site

http://www.leewayribs.co.uk or http://www.leewaycomposites.co.uk

you could have a 45kts rib 6.3m and have 7k change. they are in the solent area....

Thanx for the information. What is the max engine size for the 6mtr, your site doesn't say.

LeewayComposite · 13 January 2006, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by oogopach

Thanx for the information. What is the max engine size for the 6mtr, your site doesn't say.

Max size to conform to the r.c.d is 140hp..

with 115 she will do 55 miles per hour

oogopach · 13 January 2006, 12:39

Hi Andy,

Why did you settle on the Avon? Did you particularly want the Avon or did you look at the whole market?

Andy Moore · 13 January 2006, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by oogopach

Hi Andy,

Why did you settle on the Avon? Did you particularly want the Avon or did you look at the whole market?

I chose Avon because I trust the make. We have always had them as tenders for our yacht and they seem to go on for years.

It would be fair to say that I did not research the whole market. It made it an easier decision when I found out that there was an Avon dealer here, on the Island. I popped in to see them and they were very helpful and talked me through the various options etc.

I was going to get the OptiMax 115hp but I wanted the SmartCraft dials that come as standard with the 135hp. So I chose the 135hp.

I am still happy with my decision, but I guess the proof of the pudding will be in the eating!