New to the Site Buying Advice Please

[Jameslong]

Hello all

I have been reading various information on this site for the past few months particularly during lockdown. I have now decided to join to hopefully get some advice. I am thinking of buying a Rib for pleasure use. Having been searching the used boat market I see that there seems to be little out there for sale.

I am thinking of a Rib in the 5 - 6 m length with outboard motor.

I am thinking I would like to buy new and have a budget of around £20,000 - £30,000.

I have some experience on the water but not a lot regarding Ribs.

Any advice on which make of Rib and Outboard would be greatly appreciated.

James

[TimB]

I have just been pricing up a new 5.3m ribcraft, less vat as I would be importing to Ireland the EU bit. Around 31K give or take the finer bits I may have missed. But a couple of good makes are obviously RIBCRAFT and also XS RIBS. I'll then have to pay 23% Irish VAT when I get it back.

[Jameslong]

Originally Posted by TimB

I have just been pricing up a new 5.3m ribcraft, less vat as I would be importing to Ireland the EU bit. Around 31K give or take the finer bits I may have missed. But a couple of good makes are obviously RIBCRAFT and also XS RIBS. I'll then have to pay 23% Irish VAT when I get it back.

Many thanks for the information. I have looked at Ribcraft and XS. I feel that Ribcraft while I understand a respected brand they seem a little 'Work Boat' oriented to my eyes. XS seem to be a little more refined and more for the recreational boater.

I have also been looking at Excel and Highfield which look like good recreational boats.

[spartacus]

Healthy budget.

If you're just starting out on this decision making then pause for a minute and consider all the other variables.

Buying the boat is half the battle. The other part is storage, towing, where you're likely to boat, and what you want from it.

I'm biased with Ribcraft, but would have gone bigger, but it needed to fit in a domestic garage, so suited me. You can of course save a considerable about of money if you rig it yourself with engine and electrics, so something else to consider if you opt for new.

You want a deep V hull around the UK, especially the further north you go. The weather dictates sea states, and it won't be the first time I've called off because it's blowing an absolute hoolie!

Choices, then Ribcraft 5.3 and Ribeye A600 both offer side side helm seating, Ribquest 5.8, link here: https://ribquest.com/boats/used-template-page-to-clone/

There's also Zodiac/Avon MilPro 4.7m. Decisions!

[Jameslong]

Originally Posted by spartacus

Healthy budget.

If you're just starting out on this decision making then pause for a minute and consider all the other variables.

Buying the boat is half the battle. The other part is storage, towing, where you're likely to boat, and what you want from it.

I'm biased with Ribcraft, but would have gone bigger, but it needed to fit in a domestic garage, so suited me. You can of course save a considerable about of money if you rig it yourself with engine and electrics, so something else to consider if you opt for new.

You want a deep V hull around the UK, especially the further north you go. The weather dictates sea states, and it won't be the first time I've called off because it's blowing an absolute hoolie!

Choices, then Ribcraft 5.3 and Ribeye A600 both offer side side helm seating, Ribquest 5.8, link here: https://ribquest.com/boats/used-template-page-to-clone/

There's also Zodiac/Avon MilPro 4.7m. Decisions!

Decisions yes that is problem. There are many to chose from.

As far as storage I will be towing and keeping at home. I want more of a leisure style rib and don't think I will be going out in the real rough stuff. This boat will mainly be used in the South of the UK and towed to destinations as part of that new thing called a staycation. I am recently retired so want to travel about a bit doing some boating and want to buy a decent new set up to start with.

If necessary I could stretch the budget a bit but don't want to drill too deep into that pension lump sum

[36valley]

Originally Posted by Jameslong

Many thanks for the information. I have looked at Ribcraft and XS. I feel that Ribcraft while I understand a respected brand they seem a little 'Work Boat' oriented to my eyes. XS seem to be a little more refined and more for the recreational boater.

I think you may have that the wrong way round!

I own a not quite two year old XS 650, and whilst it is every thing I want out of a recreational rib, it's definitely not more refined than a Ribcraft.

[Wave Rider]

Humber Leisure Pro 570-800. I have never seen one for sale.

[HDAV]

Before you get too excited check the lead time on new builds and engines.....assuming you want to be in the water before 2022?

[lakelandterrier]

There are lots of threads about choosing RIBs so a trawl through the search function my help.

You are regularly trailering & launching recovering each time I would suggest that a sub 6m boat is the max for single handed operation, so consider if you'll be going out solo or with crew.

I wouldn't discount 2nd hand to begin with, it's less money, it will deprecaite less and if you haven't experience of ribbing, and find it's not for you you will lose less money. It may well allow you get on the water quicker - i.e. this year as lead times for new build are quite long as HDAV's said.

Many brands out there, you have identified Ribcraft and XS. If you're looking for a "leisure" rib the there are other brands - Ribeye, Ribquest Highfield and Brig may all be worth a look.

I'd try to get sea trials in as many types as possible to help you make the right decision. It will all come down to budget and whit is important to you.
good luck

[Jameslong]

Many thanks for all the advice. I have been looking a little more and this Excel Virago rather takes my eye. Looking at the various prices which is a little confusing I think I could get it all in with an engine and trailer for below £25,000 which suites my Budget well. I like the new for 2021 version.

From reading other threads on here I see that several of you have their Sib and speak highly of it so I hope the Ribs are as good.

https://www.excel-inflatables.co.uk/...virago_520.php

[Jameslong]

After much Phoning around it seems like buying a new Rib is very difficult. I think I might have to widen my Search and go for a solid hull boat instead

[TimB]

A rib is a solid hull boat.

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by Jameslong

After much Phoning around it seems like buying a new Rib is very difficult. I think I might have to widen my Search and go for a solid hull boat instead

Right now buying any boat is going to be a problem especially if you want one with an engine.......

[Jameslong]

Originally Posted by HDAV

Right now buying any boat is going to be a problem especially if you want one with an engine.......

An Engine would indeed be a useful addition

[jokee]

Tim B.
That 5.3 Ribcraft for 31K - is this Stg or Euro and what do you get. Engine, trailer, VHF, GPS, Boat covers etc

[TimB]

Sterling less vat, but then add Irish vat plus exchange rate, reckon you are looking at 41k euro.

[TimB]

Sorry that was boat engine trailer electronics based on the price list they sent me