I would greatly appreciate your opinions

[davidni]

Hi everyone.

I am new to the forum and about to buy my first rib.

Unfortunately it must be less than 5m due to storage restrictions at home. Crazy that we have an acre but all on steep hill so not useable.

Must be easily trailered and launched solo.

Usage is mainly myself and 2 kids...occasionally wife.

Introducing them to boating. Bit of exploring and play, some donut towing included.

Freshwater inland use and hopefully some coastal later in year.

Really will mostly be fair weather due to my boys but it does need to be capable of dealing with some rough stuff if needed. Basically needs to be a good handling boat.

Not a great deal on the SH market anywhere remotely near me except quite tired examples or very large expensive RIBs.

By complete coincidence, a mechanic friend of mine has taken in a ZODIAC PRO 2 420 with a 40hp 2 stroke on an indispension trailer. I think he was hoping to use it for summer but hes a complete water novice and has no time to learn.

Its bench seats with console to side - would have preferred centre console, but...

The tubes are immaculate, the hull is immaculate, the engine has some scuffs and scrapes but is not a real oldie. It was serviced last year. The trailer is in good condition and road ready.

All in all it seems well maintained.

He needs £2650 for it.

My research suggests its a good little starter RIB for my needs. what attracts me is the fact its all so tidy and ready to go. But then I thought 'why not ask you guys.'

I have not seen it in the flesh yet but he did email me almost 80 very detailed photos (hes 110 mile drive away).

What are your thoughts on this little rib?

[willk]

If it runs, then it sounds good at that money. It will almost certainly end up costing you another grand to get on the water, but that's the way of boats. Stick up a few photos for us to point at...

[davidni]

Appreciate the reply.

I will do as soon as get a moment.

Your scaring me...what do you would expect would cost another grand????

[office888]

Originally Posted by davidni

By complete coincidence, a mechanic friend of mine has taken in a ZODIAC PRO 2 420 with a 40hp 2 stroke on an indispension trailer. I think he was hoping to use it for summer but hes a complete water novice and has no time to learn.

Its bench seats with console to side - would have preferred centre console, but...

The tubes are immaculate, the hull is immaculate, the engine has some scuffs and scrapes but is not a real oldie. It was serviced last year. The trailer is in good condition and road ready.

All in all it seems well maintained.

He needs £2650 for it.

My research suggests its a good little starter RIB for my needs. what attracts me is the fact its all so tidy and ready to go. But then I thought 'why not ask you guys.'

I have not seen it in the flesh yet but he did email me almost 80 very detailed photos (hes 110 mile drive away).

What are your thoughts on this little rib?

That model has a field changeable tubeset.

It's a very nice little boat... with that setup, it should be capable of cruising at 24-31 mph depending on the propeller choice and loadout.

The price is very attractive too!

I'd go for it.

[willk]

Originally Posted by davidni

Your scaring me...what do you would expect would cost another grand????

Well, obviously I don't know the boat in question, but B.O.A.T. is an acronym for Bring On Another Thousand. You can sink a grand in a boat without even blinking...

[davidni]

Ah yes I see what you mean.

Yes I do agree with that.

Well, just off the phone with him and Im buying it for £2500 tomorrow.

[paintman]

Whilst we don't know what will come with it as its your first you'll need as a minimum lifejackets for all occupants, flares, anchor with chain & rope, decent waterproofs, first aid kit, waterproof bag(s) to put stuff in.
Amazing how quickly the cost mounts up!

[davidni]

Have everything except a flare kit.

Collecting this afternoon.

Tell me...those of you that have smaller ribs....what is your backup plan for engine failure?

There is no way this is being rowed to shore!!!

I have a small Yamaha 2.5 4 stroke in garage but I doubt it will fit on without being in the way.

Just curious as have never owned boat with just a single engine.

[davidni]

Originally Posted by willk

If it runs, then it sounds good at that money. It will almost certainly end up costing you another grand to get on the water, but that's the way of boats. Stick up a few photos for us to point at...

To be honest...I have no issues at all spending money on additional gear and safety stuff. Its money well spent really isn't it.

My biggest uncertainty is auxillary back up issue...it already has a 40 on back so that's good bit of weight and there wont be room to store anything on board. And I'm sure towing kids on a donut using a bridle puts a fair amount of additional strain on a transom? I def wouldn't fancy depending on oars!!! What do people do with smaller ribs?

[mattwarner]

I believe the tried and tested way is to chuck an anchor out followed by waving frantically to anything else on the water! sooner or later someone will pick you up and tow you in especially with young kids on board, get a VHF and you can put a call out for assistance.








As it happens I am big into building high end rc model boats and with lithium batteries and brushless motors 5-10hp power systems are now cheap as anything, I am looking at building a very portable tow system for my 3.4m rib so will let you know how it goes!

[tonymac]

Originally Posted by davidni

To be honest...I have no issues at all spending money on additional gear and safety stuff. Its money well spent really isn't it.

My biggest uncertainty is auxillary back up issue...it already has a 40 on back so that's good bit of weight and there wont be room to store anything on board. And I'm sure towing kids on a donut using a bridle puts a fair amount of additional strain on a transom? I def wouldn't fancy depending on oars!!! What do people do with smaller ribs?

Make sure the radio works. Chuck an anchor in and keep waving at others.Oh and make sure the engine is serviced properly!

Good luck!

[davidni]

Yes the vhf is something I want to get but having difficulty getting on one of the courses as they seem to be booked till end of summer period.

[blootac]

It's legal to use the VHF without the license for distress purposes.
So I'd get one now and do the course when you can. It's better than not having one at all.
Either buy or print out and laminate the RYA distress procedure.
Mayday Cockpit Card | Equipment | Shop | RYA

[davidni]

I didn't realise that so thankyou.

Getting back to the boat. Due to collect soon.

Based on what I described its usage for...you think its a good choice?

[Roflhat]

There was a guy up here with a pro 4.2m, he had a yam 60 4-stroke on it which could easily take it to 40 knots or carry 2 adults, 3 kids, a dog, donuts, waterskiis, food + water, tents etc. at about 20 knots. Very versatile boat, it took plenty of abuse and a fair few dings and scrapes but held up alright.

[Searider]

Originally Posted by davidni

I didn't realise that so thankyou.

Getting back to the boat. Due to collect soon.

Based on what I described its usage for...you think its a good choice?

Hi David,

Sounds like it will be ideal for the inland / calmer stuff that you say will be its main use. Possibly not as good as some in the rough stuff - but a good package and if it's in good condition a good price.

Ideal boat to learn on and at that money if you decide you would like something a little different then you'll get you investment back.

[davidni]

Ok, so had to delay collection as he had to head away for work.

I did spot something else locally - putting in another thread. Just really want to buy once and buy right. Please add your thoughts...

MOD edit: The Thread http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/is-this-...eal-68136.html

[ShinyShoe]

You have an aux. So question which will accommodate the aux the SR4... People use skinny aux or a bracket or the Pro - not sure what people do.

2 stroke aux can be lashed inboard and moved out when required but not as slick when the brown stuff hits the windmill