Buying advice please - Page 4

SpyderMatt · 27 October 2020, 19:02

Just working on getting prices to spec out a (potential..) new RIB. XS vs Ribcraft looks to be the contenders at the moment. As I will not be a frequent user, are the following options worthwhile?
1) Fixed VHF - or just stick with a hand held which I already have ?
2) "A" frame - to me it just completes the look in SS, but am I being at bit vain at over £800 ?
3) in built fuel tank - I just don't like the on deck tanks but again, in practice is it really an issue ?
4) Under deck trunking - I don't like the cables being on the deck both as a trip hazard as well as getting soaked every time I take the RIB out - a genuine concern ?

Cheers all

smallribber · 27 October 2020, 19:05

Fixed VHF Yes and keep your handheld as a spare/emergency second one.

I am not keen on A frames Just makes it difficult for covers when storeing.

Fuel Tank - No comment

Yes under deck Trunking

That my 2 Pence worth

beerbelly · 27 October 2020, 19:30

fixed vhf yes plus handheld ( you shouldn't really be asking )
a frame not for me i have a light pole in stainless that also has the vhf Arial leaves room on the port side for an aux that wouldn't fit with an a frame
inbuilt fuel tank yes for me leaves plenty of deck space as i only have 5.5 metres theirs not much to start with
under deck trunking would have been nice but everything on the build was brand new and i was getting short on cash so opted for on deck trunking for now of course that can be changed at my leisure

chipko · 27 October 2020, 19:36

Nice one Matt. XS must have a full order book if Ribcraft are in the running price wise.

Fixed vhf over handheld...worth having but can always retro fit.

A frame...look nice, useful for mounting lights, aerial etc. If on a budget get the mounting points installed at build so you can retro fit in the future. Aerials and lights can be mounted without an A frame tbh. Ability to tow from the A frame needs to be specced at build.

For a small motor (under 80hp) portable tanks not generally a problem. A couple of 25l ones will give a decent range. In some ways much easier than fixed as no problems filling, emptying and redeploying old fuel.

Under deck trunking...not a necessity but a much tidier solution. Worth bearing in mind replacing fuel lines, cables, steering hoses etc. is potentially a lot more hassle...nowt a decent draw rope can’t handle though.

Last Tango · 27 October 2020, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budgie1

My 5M XS is fourteen years old had a hard life and the tubes are still like new

But fourteen years old is "young" in terms of RIBs. Mines (Hypalon) is still fine at twenty years old and I'm sure there's a lot older out there still going strong.
PU RIBs haven't been around for long enough to prove their long term durability.

HDAV · 27 October 2020, 22:09

Defo have fixed vhf even if you don’t pick the unit yet but make sure wiring for power and antenna are fitted

Single pole for antenna and lights is cool idea will you be towing get a decent post that clears the OB When raised

SpyderMatt · 31 October 2020, 19:10

Still researching, one thing I have just noticed, I appreciate you get more seats/fibreglass/extras on a Ribeye vs XS 500 or Ribcraft, but amazes me that (without engine) the current A500 comes in at 824kg vs XS500 at just 290 kgs...A massive difference for the same hull length..maybe explains why they're twice the price

GuyC · 31 October 2020, 20:41

Those figures won't be a like for like basis.

In comparison a Ribcraft 4.8 or a Searider 4.7 tend to sit on a 750kg unbraked trailer and the 4.8 is listed as a 210kg dry weight.

I suspect the A500 weight includes the engine and is a complete on the water weight.

beamishken · 31 October 2020, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyderMatt

Still researching, one thing I have just noticed, I appreciate you get more seats/fibreglass/extras on a Ribeye vs XS 500 or Ribcraft, but amazes me that (without engine) the current A500 comes in at 824kg vs XS500 at just 290 kgs...A massive difference for the same hull length..maybe explains why they're twice the price

I suspect theres something amiss with the ribeye stated weights as that is way over a hull only weight for a 5m boat. Its so far out it suggests there is something wrong with the figure & its not the actual boat only weight

SpyderMatt · 31 October 2020, 22:28

Yeah, I agree. Will check the numbers... thanks

smallribber · 01 November 2020, 07:03

Have you considered the Excell Ribs to throw another one in the mix

SpyderMatt · 03 November 2020, 20:57

So the choice at mom seems to be, with trailer for a similar spec:
- new XS500 with 60hp at @£21k
- new Ribcraft 4.8 with 50hp at £22500
- used (2016) low hours Ribeye A500 with 80hp at £29k

The Ribeye spec is great with bench and 2xjockeys plus better console and bow seat etc, but so much more ££ really not sure it's worth it..The XS was very basic with on deck trucking I didn't like but I'm sure a great boat on the water, Ribcraft haven't seen yet.

What would you go for ?

36valley · 03 November 2020, 21:03

Ribcraft.

beamishken · 03 November 2020, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyderMatt

So the choice at mom seems to be, with trailer for a similar spec:
- new XS500 with 60hp at @£21k
- new Ribcraft 4.8 with 50hp at £22500
- used (2016) low hours Ribeye A500 with 80hp at £29k

The Ribeye spec is great with bench and 2xjockeys plus better console and bow seat etc, but so much more ££ really not sure it's worth it..The XS was very basic with on deck trucking I didn't like but I'm sure a great boat on the water, Ribcraft haven't seen yet.

What would you go for ?

Having driven an xs 500 back to back with a 4.8 ribcraft I don't think theres much in it but both had the same 60hp yam engine so my money would be on the xs with the 60 plus 1k change
But I would spec the xs in hypalon

spartacus · 04 November 2020, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyderMatt

So the choice at mom seems to be, with trailer for a similar spec:
- new XS500 with 60hp at @£21k
- new Ribcraft 4.8 with 50hp at £22500
- used (2016) low hours Ribeye A500 with 80hp at £29k

What would you go for ?

Go back you your initial brief. You said: "it needs to be easy to trail and launch - so I'm guessing about 5m works? - and should be able to be fun i.e. Decent speed on the plane, with 4 adults onboard."

I'm biased having owned a Ribcraft 4.8m from new in 2010 which I rigged myself, so I know the pitfalls, but 4 people on board is still tight.

Now if I were in a similar position I wouldn't be spending that kind of money on a boat with just 50hp. Interestingly Ribcraft can alter the layout to add a single jockey console with two side by side jockeys behind. Means everyone gets a seat and if there's a fourth person, then they sit on the tubes next to the helm. Two x 25 litre portable fuel tanks are relegated to the stern, but there may be an option for an integral fuel tank version. Then the engine, max it out with a Yamaha F70.

That said it's still tight on 4.8m. Look at Ribcraft 5.3m.

smallribber · 04 November 2020, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyderMatt

So the choice at mom seems to be, with trailer for a similar spec:
- new XS500 with 60hp at @£21k
- new Ribcraft 4.8 with 50hp at £22500
- used (2016) low hours Ribeye A500 with 80hp at £29k

The Ribeye spec is great with bench and 2xjockeys plus better console and bow seat etc, but so much more ££ really not sure it's worth it..The XS was very basic with on deck trucking I didn't like but I'm sure a great boat on the water, Ribcraft haven't seen yet.

What would you go for ?

Excel 520

SpyderMatt · 04 November 2020, 13:26

Thanks Spartacus, the 3 jockeys is the layout priced for both the XS and Ribcraft.
Re engine size the biggest Ribcraft currently offer is a 60, but another £750...it all adds up !

535 is too much dosh for a new RIB, never get it authorised...

69cmw · 04 November 2020, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpyderMatt

535 is too much dosh for a new RIB, never get it authorised...

What about a rib a couple years old? Let
someone else take the initial depreciation hit

Pikey Dave · 04 November 2020, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cmw

What about a rib a couple years old? Let
someone else take the initial depreciation hit

My thoughts too, problem is the second hand market is hot & the prices are high. If you’re prepared to wait, there’s not much difference between new & nearly new. Buyers seem to be paying a premium for being able to “sail it away”. Can’t see much changing whilst COVID continues to dictate where people take their hold.

SpyderMatt · 04 November 2020, 18:11

I am a huge fan of secondhand, both cars and boats, and came into this not intending to buy new.
But there is so little out there and I only want to buy @3/4 years old max as I don't want any hassle from repairs/dodgy kit, life's too short...
Thats why I saw the 2016 Ribeye come up, i.e. saving well over 10k on new, so thought I would ask opinions on here vs XS and Ribcraft new.

Tbh one benefit of new is that i actually don't want it until Spring next year, so a wait would suit me fine re build time and financing payments.