How Big Next Rib

[smallribber]

I am thinking of buying my next Rib. I already have a few fiberglass boats (19 foot Fletcher GTS, 17 Foot Fletcher Bowrider and 16 foot Fletcher classic speed boat). I also have my little Valliant 3.4 m rib with 15 hp Mariner 4 stroke manual start and tilt.

I love this little Rib as it is so easy to launch on my own, Uses only 5 - 8 ltrs of fuel in a whole day, easily gets on th plane and will do about 21 mph. It is rigged with a centre console.

I will keep this little Rib but now want something a little more sea capable but still not too big. This will generally only have me or me and the wife on board.

What size would you experienced guys suggest. I was thinking something in the 4.2 - 4.6 m category. I have a 75 hp 2 stroke merc that I could put on it so what size of Rib would suit this engine

Thanks in advance

Dennis

[spartacus]

If there's just the two of you most of the time, then a Ribcraft 4.8m should be on your list. It's rated to 75hp, although is well matched with 60hp. Deep V hull, available with twin jockeys, etc. Only trouble is finding one. I'll keep an eye out.

[spartacus]

This is sold - but is the sort of boat I'm describing.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...ib-/1186858610

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by spartacus

This is sold - but is the sort of boat I'm describing.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...ib-/1186858610

Many thanks for this but I think maybe that is a little on the big size.


This is what I have at the moment

Dennis

[henners115]

I have an avon sr4 deluxe all rigged for sale? very nice boat and very stable - flooding hull all working.

[Phil M]

As a bit of a gauge, my zodiac 530 pro (5.3m length, 2.3m beam) came with a 75hp 2st on it. It was no rocket ship but would plane with 6 on board and hit a respectable top end of about 32mph (with 2 on board). I've launched and recovered single handed without too many problems. A 4.8 would go really well with a 75 on the back.

Phil M

[Ian M]

It depends to a certain extent on where you launch, but I always launch my 6.5 metre single handed. Once you get a routine I find that others 'helping' does not speed up the launch
Decide what your intended use is, so that you have an idea of size and budget, and then go and try some boats in the size range you have picked. It can be surprising what a test run will do to modify your expectations.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Bigplumbs

Many thanks for this but I think maybe that is a little on the big size.

Dennis - I'm struggling to think of a rib that won't be minimum of 4.8m if your planning to use your Mercury 75hp. Sure you can go smaller, but the engine will exceed the hull and transom rating and all the consequences of over-powering, etc.

The 4.8m I use with my brother, mainly for fishing and we've been out in some fairly rough stuff. I can't speak highly enough of its sea-keeping abilities, but once you're on the water, then the boat doesn't feel so big.

It's no lightweight granted. It can be towed on a 750kg unbraked trailer, but unless you can launch and retrieve yourself on a slip then I'd look at something smaller. We've retrieved on a low tide from the beach with ropes and it's definitely a 2-man job.

My advice for what it's worth is to identify a budget early on then look at size. Also consider selling the Mercury engine rather than trying to find the boat to match it. Most second hand boats will come with an engine, and there's always a demand for mid-sized 2-strokes in decent condition.

[Deno]

An avon sr4.7 is rated to 70hp / 130kg but I think people run larger motors on them. Would be a little shorter and a good bit narrower than a Ribcraft so less internal space but most came with a 2 seat console as standard. Brilliant seaboat.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Deno

An avon sr4.7 is rated to 70hp / 130kg but I think people run larger motors on them. Would be a little shorter and a good bit narrower than a Ribcraft so less internal space but most came with a 2 seat console as standard. Brilliant seaboat.

Great ribs but almost impossible to source. Think a RIBcraft 4.8m is difficult to find, then start looking for a sr4.7!

[Andy_Rs600]

Dennis,

Ribcraft 4.8, SR 4.7, XS 4.6 or 5. All would be a good step up in seakeeping from your current boat. Those are the smallest you will be able to go with a 75hp engine. Most of the above would be rigged as standard with 40-60hp engines.

These sizes are all very popular with sailing clubs as instructing boats for exactly the reasons you are looking at - easy to launch single handed, enough space for 2 people, easy to handle. If you try to look for something smaller you may we find you end up buying a bot that is almost identical to what you have now in terms of performance and handling.

[Deno]

https://www.freeads.co.uk/uk/buy-sel...s#.WZK9eP6WyUk

Needs a new proper console but rare to find them in white grp. This could be a very nice 4.7.

[JimRib]

There's a ribcraft 4.8 hull on eBay that would make a nice boat with your 75hp on the back and a bit of tidying work

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by JimRib

There's a ribcraft 4.8 hull on eBay that would make a nice boat with your 75hp on the back and a bit of tidying work

Maybe better check who is selling it 1st .....

[Searider]

5.4m Searider would go well with a 75hp.

However - that 4.7m Searider looks like a billy bargain.