Buying an RIB, Need advice.

[Otis K.]

Hey guys, i am up in Alaska. I run my rib out of Prince William Sound and i am looking to buy a bigger rib that can handle very rough seas and can get me home safely.

I am currently looking at two different ribs:


A 25ft Barberry Cove
Alaska | 2010 Custom Barberry Cove Aluminum Rib for sale | Clam Gulch, AK


A 21'1' Highfield ocean master DL 640.
Deluxe 640 - Highfield Boats

Both are going to cost nearly the same price. I want a bigger rib than 21ft but i am leaning towards the Master simply because the hull deadrise is 24 degrees from bow all the way to stern. I don't think the Barberry Cove has enough DeadRise in the hull. It has a little bit towards the bow but flattens back out at the stern, if you look at the pictures you will see.

My question for you all is which RIB would be safter and/or how would handling in rough seas differ between the 2.

How will the 25' barberry handle in rough conditions witht he hull flattening towards the stern.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Otis K.

bigger rib that can handle very rough seas and can get me home safely.

If you are looking for a boat to handle very rough seas, then neither of those fit the bill, you're gonna need a bigger boat A bit of additional deadrise here & there is moot.

[Otis K.]

Thank you for your opinion.

[boristhebold]

Are you sure you want to be out in 'very rough seas', depends upon your definition I guess, so cant really comment. Alaska is a beautiful place, spent a lot of time there and loved it, amazing scenery and wildlife.

[Otis K.]

Apologies, perhaps I should not of said, "Very rough Sea's". What I mean is which boat would handle rough seas better should that time ever come, which in my case 12-14 foot choppy swells is pretty bad..(maybe I am a wimp). I have been through them with my Hurricane numerous times and I know a bigger rib is safer.

Hull deadrise is important for being able to straight-shoot over swells back to shore.

I am just looking for everyone's 2 cents is all.

[Poly]

Its difficult to say how 4ft of extra length compares to a different hull shape. You'll have different engines. Different deck layouts (and finishing detail). Different tube materials. 2nd hand v'd new. Different fuel consumption. Different tank sizes so range. Other than the fact they are similar cost, aluminium hulls and available in your part of the world its not obvious how you've narrowed your choice to these two.

[Otis K.]

I can understand why it is difficult for a definitive answer. If i could get any RIB, it would be the Zodiac Hurricane 733. The reason why i am narrowed down to these two choices is that RIBs are very limited in the U.S, even more so in Alaska price is also being a factor. I am very pleased with the Zodiac Hurricane 500, i just need something bigger than 16ft, 21ft being a significant gain.

I will just have to use my best judgement on Hull design and factor in all of the specifications i can to my benefit.

Thanks guys.

[willk]

I think that you're not going to know until you test drive that Barbary Cove (Barberry/Barbary Cove - the Vendor can't spell ).

From what I can see, Barbary Cove specialised in aluminum workboats in various forms - that may well be their only foray into the RIB market. The tubes are set high - running in a cross sea, this will result in a certain "tippiness" but may not be a serious issue. If the boat drives OK, I wouldn't hesitate for a heartbeat before taking it over the Highfield. PU against PVC tubes and 100% bigger tank a major plus. I'd ask what the boat was doing before the motor was fitted in 2014 - if it was unused in a shed, that's a plus as well.

[office888]

Why aluminum?

[jonp]

A little more background on what you will be using the boat for would be helpful. How far offshore and your own experiance in boat handling are major considerations as a novice can soon get a 30ft boat in trouble where experianced rescue crews can work out of tiny boats.

You mention 12-14ft chop-swell, which do you mean chop or swell. 14ft chop will be uncomfortable in most boats but 14 ft swell depending on the distance of the sets can be almost unnoticeable.

At my local bar crossing we have several fatalities per year as well as many capsizings. When the going gets really tough it's the 4m ribs that do all the rescues as the bigger boats are useless under extreme conditions.

Not sure if you intend heading out in bad conditions but when the weather turns bad 99% of the time we have been warned via the radio forecasts first. A strong gale can also be seen approaching and normally takes a while for the ocean to become dangerouse (enough time to get home or take shelter somewhere).

I fish anywhere between 20-50nm offshore in the Pacific Ocean where large ground swells travel for hundreds of miles.I would rather be in my own small 550 pro than the 8m dive ribs I work on, just because of its light manoverabilty.

Depending on sea direction a game plan of alternativ harbours is always part of my plan, rather than fight against the sea I work with it.

This is my local bar crossing on a good day with a 6ft swell.

Jon

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zD8N5025BOM

[tworotorturbo]

I think both would be fine in hairy seas, the bigger the better of course. The Highfield is pretty light, not sure of the weight on the 25' rib but something heaver should ride better. I had a 20' RIB that weighed 800lbs then had another 20' RIB that weighed 1500 lbs. The extra weight felt a little better.

The flat bottom end of that 25' looks just the Safeboat 250. I think a few users here mentioned that a 733 rides a lot better than the Safeboat.

I would say just wait for a 733 if that's what you really want, one will pop up soon and you will definitely be able to get one for less than what you will pay for one of those two ribs. If you find one on the west coast I can check it out for you. I would even bring it to WA for you if you let me joy ride it for a day down here I have a 22' Hurricane that will be on the market soon too, for something around 1/3 of that price. Good to see some Alaskan Ribbers by the way, I just sold my SR6 to someone not too far from you.

[Otis K.]

If anyone wants to sell a 733 or 650 in Alaska, please let me know.

I can't find RIBs here, not for an understandable price. Choices are very limited. Aluminum is nice for teaching and of course time in general. My hurricane 500 has sucked up some water I'm pretty sure, it is a lot heavier then it should be. I still love it anyway though, would love a 733.

I appreciate the comments and info.

[jambo]

http://www.rib.net/forum/showpost.php?p=696196


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[tworotorturbo]

1996 Zodiac Hurricane 733

I think this seller might be a forum member too. A bit south of you but might be worth the drive (the guy who bought my SR6 drove from Alaska, not too far from your area).

[Otis K.]

He must of sold it or doesn't want to, it isn't on Craigslist. I would buy that in a heartbeat.

[tworotorturbo]

Originally Posted by Otis K.

He must of sold it or doesn't want to, it isn't on Craigslist. I would buy that in a heartbeat.

Which one? Ryan's or Todd's? I see Todd's on CL still.

[Otis K.]

Originally Posted by tworotorturbo

Which one? Ryan's or Todd's? I see Todd's on CL still.

Alright, cool man i am looking at Todds right now. I wonder if he would put it on a barge and ship it to Haines, Alaska if i paid him extra for it.


Do you know the guy? I am going to call him tomorrow morning, i know that it is very cheap to ship from Bellinghim to Haines.

[tworotorturbo]

I don't know him but I think a few guys here do. Both of those hurricanes look really nice, good luck!

[tworotorturbo]

Did you pick one up? Theres an aluminum hulled Hurricane on CL near you.

[Otis K.]

Just bought a Hurricane 733 from the Coast Guard. Inboard 200hp turbo Diesel Version, great boat man. I appreciate your info you gave me man.