New Boat

[johnskip44]

I am looking at buying a new boat, around 6.5m and am looking at Humber and Ribcraft. Is there much to set these two stables apart? Any other manufacturers I should consider?

[matt h]

[BogMonster]

Maybe a few, but people would need to know what you are going to use it for first. What are your priorities - wave jumping with a couple of mates or a safe family day out with young kids on board, inshore flat water or taking on the Atlantic, these sort of choices can give you very different answers.

I had the two brands you mention on my shortlist of three, and ordered an Osprey Vipermax, because in the end I decided that is what I really wanted, but would have been happy with any of the three and had very good responses from both Humber and Ribcraft and Humber was the cheapest of the three by some way. Many UK based suppliers couldn't give a stuff about export orders but that was certainly not the case and I had a significant amount of info from both.

Which model Humber are you looking at?

The thread covering my thoughts and choices is here which may be useful to you: http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=34067

and some of my boat in build and testing http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=36616

Like you, I have to ship mine a fair old distance, so I haven't seen it yet but am very much looking forwards to getting it

As you are in Oz, make sure whatever you get has got pressure relief valves on the tubes

[joakimhansson]

Originally Posted by johnskip44

I am looking at buying a new boat, around 6.5m and am looking at Humber and Ribcraft. Is there much to set these two stables apart? Any other manufacturers I should consider?

I just read the test in ribmagazine with humber 5,7m, 6,5m and 8m leisure versions. Looks good, and you can get the same hull with little more workstyle and your own choises of consoles etc. To a good price.
And they most of the time have new boats for sale, to good prices.
And if you want to export the boat to oz, and the price will still be good...why not

In Australia you must have many good builders, i know rayglass (protector) but can´t you find any more???

[BogMonster]

May also be worth talking to Campbell:

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26149

He imported a Vipermax from UK to Oz so will know of any issues with import processes etc. He bought his from Jono Garton who I don't think does boat sales any more.

[johnskip44]

Thanks for that, not sure why my profile had me down as being in Oz but I am actually from the Hebrides. Joined today and prob was not paying attention!
I am looking for a 6m+ boat for cruising around the West coast of Scotland, I am keen on the Humber Ocean Pro and think that would fit the bill. I had wanted twin outboards but have been put off by the associated costs. The options list at Humber is very tempting but it does not seem to take much to blow the budget!!

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by johnskip44

Thanks for that, not sure why my profile had me down as being in Oz but I am actually from the Hebrides.

'Spose you wont be bothering with the Protector then?

[Cypman]

I do admit to being slightly biased but I would purchase a Humber 6.3m (or larger) Ocean Pro with a dual console and 4 jockey seats. A Suzuki DF140 is large enough but the DF150/175 is better!!
Humber have lots of discount on already built boats, have a look at what is currently available. They may not be as pretty as some manufacturer's boats but they are strong and very seaworthy.

[Steve_B]

Dont rule out a Parker, they export to all over the world.

Talk to Andre

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by 250kts

Dont rule out a Parker, they export to all over the world.

Even Scotland?!

[martini]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Even Scotland?!

No, the last one they tried to import was intercepted by a Customs Redbay

[willk]

Originally Posted by johnskip44

I am looking for a 6m+ boat for cruising around the West coast of Scotland, I had wanted twin outboards but have been put off by the associated costs.

Hmmm, You need a hardy wee RIB with an auxiliary. I'm sure I've seen one somewhere...

Originally Posted by martini

No, the last one they tried to import was intercepted by a Customs Redbay

Yes, we run them off ;-)

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

Hmmm, You need a hardy wee RIB with an auxiliary. I'm sure I've seen one somewhere...

Leave out the kiosks and aft sofas and your boys can make a smart looking boat.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Leave out the kiosks and aft sofas and your boys can make a smart looking boat.

I have the same sofa. It is actually a GRP locker with a comfy lid. Clips out in 60 seconds if you need the deck space. I kept mine out last season for diving etc., and in this year for the longer cruises. It's very useful, in or out

I picked that photo 'cos I knew you'd like the colour scheme...

[willk]

Anyway, I'm being rude again Mollers. Your turn...

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

I have the same sofa. It is actually a GRP locker with a comfy lid.

Very practical.

There's a Stormforce 6.5 down at Mylor marina, it's a good looking rig.

I'm being nice, I think.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

I'm being nice, I think.

So it would seem. But don't write it off just yet, it's like healthy food, there's no instant gratification.

Tell you what, I'll go for a cuppa and you sell him an Osprey while I'm gone...

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

Tell you what, I'll go for a cuppa and you sell him an Osprey while I'm gone...

I leave that to 'Team Osprey' these days.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

I leave that to 'Team Osprey' these days.

Yes, sorry, I forgot.

"We are The Borg"

[boristhebold]

Perhaps consider a cobra 6.6m if it's for leisure.