New to this game...

airbus330 · 19 April 2012, 21:57

and in he market for a RIB up to 5m for use in the Bristol Channel.
Have spotted plenty of contenders, but this caught my eye on fleabay, any comments as to why I shouldn't would be gratefully received.....

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

plus any suggestions for alternatives also gratefully received.
Have about 5k to spend.

Many thanks, Al

Kernow Buoy · 19 April 2012, 22:07

Had a 535, criticsm's would be seating a bit low, narrow, so not much deck space & lack of storage.
Other than that, cracking boat, very competant hull, excellent build quality, I'd expect about 32 to 35 ish knots out of that one which looks in very good condition

Having had a closer look at the pics I see there's a cable conduit running along the deck, that might be worth a query, I thought the Ribtec's had under deck trunking (at least both of mine had) the console is definately a Ribtec one.

HUMBER P4VWL · 19 April 2012, 22:28

Looks clean! Worth an inspection

Mollers · 19 April 2012, 22:43

I'd definitely go and have at look at that one, it looks bang tidy. That is a good combination and i reckon, correctly prop'd, 35+knts should be possible.

The Ribtec 565 is a cracking little boat.

Tim M · 20 April 2012, 00:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernow

Having had a closer look at the pics I see there's a cable conduit running along the deck, that might be worth a query, I thought the Ribtec's had under deck trunking (at least both of mine had) the console is definately a Ribtec one.

The older ones (up to about 2000 I think) didn't.

airbus330 · 20 April 2012, 07:48

Thanks for those very positive replies,Getting up to see it is the only problem, but I'll work on that one. Any thoughts about the price, if the boat has been retubed, should I be concerned about who did the work?

Tim M · 20 April 2012, 08:12

I reckon it's priced about right. Always good if you can get some money off! The original tubes would have been made by Henshaws, and I reckon there's a good chance they did the replacements. Good luck with it.

Kernow Buoy · 20 April 2012, 08:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

The older ones (up to about 2000 I think) didn't.

Not sure about that Tim my 1996 was under deck as is my 1995 585, Biffer was able to tell me how they were ducted on construction (he used to make them)

Tim M · 20 April 2012, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernow

Not sure about that Tim my 1996 was under deck as is my 1995 585, Biffer was able to tell me how they were ducted on construction (he used to make them)

Interesting! I've sold four of them (585s) over the last few years, and only the most recent one had a cable duct. Guess it must have been an optional extra?

Kernow Buoy · 27 April 2012, 14:38

It's back on ebay

Rib Inflatable boat | eBay

and this one's appeared too

RIBTEC 535 RIB | eBay

If it stays at that price that's a real bargain

airbus330 · 27 April 2012, 14:48

Yes, thats a cheap one. Its funny, unless its a Humber or virtually brand new, nothing much is selling at the moment.
Anyway, I have decided to hang in the market a bit longer and get something with a 4t outboard. After a few goes in different boats last week, 2t is a bit loud for me and the missus.
Any comments and suggestions still gratefully received.

ps what do you think of this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AVON-SEASP...#ht_603wt_1397

Pikey Dave · 28 April 2012, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbus330

2t is a bit loud for me and the missus.
Any comments and suggestions still gratefully received.

Try an Etec

If your ultimate budget is £5K, then look at boats in the £4-4.5K bracket, trust me you'll spend another grand on it when you've bought it, regardless of what condition it's in.
Welcome to our world

airbus330 · 28 April 2012, 13:58

Why an ETEC,are they unusually quiet? It's always sensible to have a bit over for unexpected repairs, but what common problems have you found on a newly acquired RIB which would swallow up so much mone?

Pikey Dave · 28 April 2012, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbus330

Why an ETEC,are they unusually quiet? It's always sensible to have a bit over for unexpected repairs, but what common problems have you found on a newly acquired RIB which would swallow up so much mone?

Etecs are very quiet, at tickover you have to check the tacho to see if it's still running. At full chat, you can still have a normal conversation (even with 2 going like the clappers

)
Re; the expense, you buy the boat & suddenly you realise that you need, engine service, trailer bearings, lifejackets, flares, insurance, waterproofs (or a Black Shadow, Nooooooooo

) bigger car, bigger drive, bigger hangar doors

etc etc.............

spartacus · 28 April 2012, 18:12

Can't see you getting a 5m RIB and 4-stroke in decent condition for £5k, however you might land lucky. There's a 5.5m Humber Destroyer with Tohatsu 70hp 2-stroke here for £5,500: USED BOATS FOR SALE Devon Cornwall | Ash Marine

Or older style Zodiac Pro (4.7m and Mariner 60hp). It's more a fair-weather RIB (shallow V hull). Pennine Marine Ltd > 1996 ZODIAC PRO II 470

airbus330 · 28 April 2012, 19:02

There are some around like this:
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace
is they are a hell of a long way from me!
I had budgeted for the extras, so my 5k is only for the boat and motor.
I'm still quite drawn to this:
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace
even at less than 5m, but it looks like you can get a good 6 on board without a crush!

Kernow Buoy · 28 April 2012, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbus330

I'm still quite drawn to this:
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

when you posted the link to the Ribtec you had ringing endorsements, the link to that one has provoked stony silence.

Boats&Outboards · 28 April 2012, 19:41

What about this one ? Apparently it's a 2000 model. Looks a better option that that Avon you've found.

VALIANT 4.9M RIB Boat. 70Hp SUZUKI 4 Stroke outboard.

http://bit.ly/J9VEgp

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

airbus330 · 28 April 2012, 19:55

Ok, getting the hang of this now, ribtec good, Avon bad, although as Avon is the household name it's a bit of a surprise, but I suspect if I searched the forums here I would find out why. That Valient is the first of the two links I posted above, but I can't find much info on them. But if anyone can vouch for the brand this might be my chance.

Boats&Outboards · 28 April 2012, 20:13

Avon ain't bad. just the one you found is not the most competitive boat if your looking for value-for-money IMHO

Didn't realise you had posted the Valiant up already. They are decent enough boats and the Suzuki is generally a very good engine.

It's the one I'd choose between that and the Avon.

Another option is the Zodiac pro9 just listed on here without a motor. You should be able to re-engine that for £5,500 all in. Then you've got a great little package.