Just Bougt two rib boat s intrigued so far

[deshet]

I bought two ribs for the cummins power plants.

They seem like they would make great bay boats or island hoppers. I was already a 3 boat owner prior to the ribs. I am Thinking about keeping one but know that I shouldn't. Mine are 7m Willards with very few creature comforts.

They remind me of my 18' Parker a boat I wish I still had. I have never ridden on a rib boat but have been on a panga which I assume is similar.

I spear fish occasionally and have difficulty getting into my current boat from the water. I assume the rib would be much easier.

I am extremely tall and wonder if the ribs come up high enough to fill safe on the water. Everything I read says they are extremely safe but navigating a center console while chasing down fish is different then chasing criminals from a seated position.

I guess I will stay here awhile and learn from those of you on this sight. I have my ribs posted in the for sale section but haven't made my mind up yet about keeping a hull.

Thanks,

[paintman]

What arrangement do you have for getting back into the boat & what difficulty are you having?

[office888]

Pangas have similar planing characteristics, but RIBs will ride a ton smoother in rough seas.

In a properly designed RIB, the tubes will greatly aid shock mitigation to where an operator will typically subject the boat to rough conditions outside of their training capabilities.

[deshet]

My other boats are larger wide beam fishing boats.
9-12' beams maybe 36" gunnels
We always keep 1 person on the boat to help retrieve people
No swim platforms or ladders
We usually climb in through the transome

I have seen ribs do some crazy things. The US navy seals train near where I live. I have seen them escort carriers in from deployment.

If they are Navy proof they are pretty tough.

It is crazy how much horsepower people put behind these boats.

[office888]

Originally Posted by deshet

My other boats are larger wide beam fishing boats.
9-12' beams maybe 36" gunnels
We always keep 1 person on the boat to help retrieve people
No swim platforms or ladders
We usually climb in through the transome

I have seen ribs do some crazy things. The US navy seals train near where I live. I have seen them escort carriers in from deployment.

If they are Navy proof they are pretty tough.

It is crazy how much horsepower people put behind these boats.

Armstrong Nautical Products RIB Boarding Ladders
Problem solved

[deshet]

I am pretty sure I can get into the rib without a ladder. That was kind of my point.

I do appreciate the link.

A portable latdder is not a bad idea at all for the other boats. I do have one but having an excuse to keep another boat is great also.

Thanks

[ncp]

The tubes on a 7m Willard are well out of the water. With fins on and a strong kick, I could get up and over the tubes from the side (but I'm 6'5 and a strong swimmer).

I had a swim step fabricated and an Armstrong ladder mounted.

[deshet]

Do you get a lot of crazy looks when you go out with your boat?

I have never seen a private person with one only law enforcement or military.

I would want to paint mine just to avoid confusion.

Is your cummins powered 180hp?
I believe saw an ad saying they had close to 300 mile range.

[ncp]

Originally Posted by deshet

Do you get a lot of crazy looks when you go out with your boat?

I have never seen a private person with one only law enforcement or military.

I would want to paint mine just to avoid confusion.

No, never bothered painting it. No, most people thought it was pretty cool when they saw me at the dock. There are a few in San Diego - I'd bet somewhere in the 5-10 range.

Originally Posted by deshet

Is your cummins powered 180hp?
I believe saw an ad saying they had close to 300 mile range.

I sold it a few years back. I had the fuel injection pump rebuilt and spec'd to 210 hp.

300 miles is a bit optimistic. I believe the tanks are 34 gallons. Some people claim 4 mpg but I was seeing under that most of the time based on how I ran it. My best tank was about 120 miles and I ran out of fuel at the mouth of the harbor on my return. Who knows? Maybe it's not actually 34 "usable gallons".

[deshet]

I wonder are they all built the same.
34 gallon seems like a small tank especially for a working boat.
120 miles range is really good.
What was your top speed and average cruise speed with pump turned up to 210?

[ncp]

Originally Posted by deshet

I wonder are they all built the same.
34 gallon seems like a small tank especially for a working boat.
120 miles range is really good.
What was your top speed and average cruise speed with pump turned up to 210?

http://www.rib.net/forum/f36/prop-sl...6bt-50174.html