Impossible question.....

[mrgrumpy]

I realise that there is no definitive answer to the question I pose but I would value your opinions as one brand appears much like any other to me. In the New Year I will be purchasing a 6.5-7.0 metre rib for use primarily with the family (6 people) for ringo pulling and occasional trips with the boys. Does any of the following brands have any issues or characteristics that means they would not be unsuitable for my needs or are generally not a recommended rib....I will not be tackling anything too rough for a while yet.....The six brands that have caught my eye are:
1) Avon
2) Solent
3) Ribcraft
4) Vipermax
5) Destroyer
6) Ocean Pro

Numbers 1,2 and 3 seem favourite but I am keen to hear your experienced views and I will also consider other options. Does anyone have a view on what my pecking order should be in terms of ride and suitability.....I'm also thinking about a 115-150 hp fourstroke.
Thanks in advance...........

[timw]

For your requirements, you should buy a Ribeye

[ribfan]

I've used my 6.5 Ribcraft for two seasons with great sucess. It is well mannered in any sea. We always feel safe in it. The part and build quality is high. I would recommend the Ribcraft.

www.eclecticwonders.com uncommon art

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by mrgrumpy

I realise that there is no definitive answer to the question I pose but I would value your opinions as one brand appears much like any other to me. In the New Year I will be purchasing a 6.5-7.0 metre rib for use primarily with the family (6 people) for ringo pulling and occasional trips with the boys. Does any of the following brands have any issues or characteristics that means they would not be unsuitable for my needs or are generally not a recommended rib....I will not be tackling anything too rough for a while yet.....The six brands that have caught my eye are:
1) Avon
2) Solent
3) Ribcraft
4) Vipermax
5) Destroyer
6) Ocean Pro

Numbers 1,2 and 3 seem favourite but I am keen to hear your experienced views and I will also consider other options. Does anyone have a view on what my pecking order should be in terms of ride and suitability.....I'm also thinking about a 115-150 hp fourstroke.
Thanks in advance...........

You're inviting a load of replies from guys 'bigging up' which ever brand they own. Any of the middle four are good boats. What sort of budget are you working to? Mine will be for sale around Feb.

[MikeCC]

Are you planning on buying new or used?

For a RIB up to 7 metres, you'll want the higher powered engine - I'm sure others would go higher still - 200+.

Seating/console options can make a big difference to both comfort and cost! Worth looking at some of the pics on here to see what might suit. You'll probably want to get one that's got enough beam to take side-by-side seats comfortably.

You should take some of these out to make your own comparison for ride and handling preferences.

[mrgrumpy]

Used is my preference.....the budget is 20k (ish).....

[mrgrumpy]

Mollers.....is there a reason why you have discounted the Avon and the Ocean Pro?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by mrgrumpy

Mollers.....is there a reason why you have discounted the Avon and the Ocean Pro?

If you use the search facility on this site, you'll bring up hours of 'interesting' reading on the previously mentioned manufacturers.

[Nos4r2]

Nothing wrong with Avons (as long as you buy a Searider ) though they aren't exactly 'family' boats.

[Tim M]

I just wrote a very lengthy response but my computer went crazy so I lost it, so in brief:

Ribcraft or Solent would be my choices.

Ribcraft: very solid, more expensive than Solent, more rugged. Overall - very well made boats.

Solent: bit more leisure oriented. Very fast (well, mine is!), look nice, bit cheaper, annoying niggles, although the two boats I know of with similar niggles have had a lot of use and abuse.

[Erin]

I had Ribcraft, Osprey and Solent on my list, but I was buying from new and wanted to be specific about spec.

[The Garfish]

Originally Posted by Tim M

I just wrote a very lengthy response but my computer went crazy so I lost it

sow ther iz a godd arfter orl

gaRf

[C2 RIBS]

Not sure you will find the answer here as we all have our own preferences and some views will be driven by business links and finance. I would say that a visit to The London Boat Show in January to view everyones RIBS and their layouts might give you the final choice.

[matt h]

Ribcraft Ribcraft Ribcraft!!!

[apinspo]

Having used different boats alot over the years ( avon, humber, osprey, lencraft, ribcraft) the boat i'd go for is the ribcraft. my mate bought a new ribcraft in july and i since after getting one, there a fantastic boat very solid and the finish is very good on them, but thats my onw personnal choice, you'll just have to see what boats come up in you budget range

[Rogue Wave]

When you say six brands have caught your eye 5 and 6 I presume is one brand i.e Humber? From your indented use I would say that rules out an Avon Searider and the Avon Adventurer isn't a great boat in the water.

Which leaves it to Solent, Ribcraft or Osprey which are boats with superior quality to the Humber. ( humbers are cool boats though)

Ospreys are superb sea boats
Solents are very nippy and well made boats
Ribcrafts are a good mix between the two

Engine size I suspect you'd find the perfomance of a 115 4 stroke limited after a while so I'd at leat look for a 140 4 stroke, but then I'd prefer a 150 Opti for that size boat

If you are looking at the used market with 20 k in your pocket Don't discount the Ribtec or XS 6.5 If new then Parker are well worth a look If you could go to 7.2 then the Shakespear 720 is a cracker and could fit in your budget.

When buying used only allow for 25% of the electronics value in the price you pay, As it's likely to have been superceeded and is out of warranty

Also The Solent is a splash of the Tohatsu one design which was a very well made boat. Laminating by Porters and toobs by Henshaws , so it may well be worth piclking up a good Tohatsu and slapping a new lump on it

[Mollers]

[QUOTE=Rogue Wave;231596]
Ospreys are superb sea boats
Solents are very nippy and well made boats
Ribcrafts are a good mix between the two


Within those three it's probably best to go for a boat that best suits your needs in all other depts. ie. engine, seating, console etc., rather than go for one of the above and narrow your search criteria to a point where you'll need the services of Paul Daniels.

[biffer]

as a rib manufacturer i would suggest you go and try some of these boats to form you own opinion, biff

[mrgrumpy]

I intend to.....It never hurts to have the list shortened by people who have a great deal more knowledge and experience than I do though. Salesmen can make you believe all sorts of garbage.

[mrgrumpy]

I'd like to thank you all for your time, guidance and extensive knowledge....much appreciated by this rib virgin.