Newbie Question: When to retune?

[GunnerStu]

Title typo...not a great start! I’m looking at buying my first RIB and with soooo much to consider (cost and outlays being the most) What should I look for in terms of tube condition, age and the potential of having to retube? I understand that this will vary based on UV exposure etc but a rough swag will help, TIA

[Pikey Dave]

How long is a piece of string?
A well looked after set of Hypalon tubes “should” last 20-25 years. A similar set of PVC tubes, 10-15 years. Those timescales can shorten dramatically depending on the original quality of the tubes & the care they’ve received during their lifetime.
Stick those tubes out in the sun on a mooring and you could be looking at a 60% reduction in their lifespan.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by GunnerStu

Title typo...not a great start! I’m looking at buying my first RIB and with soooo much to consider (cost and outlays being the most) What should I look for in terms of tube condition, age and the potential of having to retube? I understand that this will vary based on UV exposure etc but a rough swag will help, TIA

It's a question (and others!) asked by every used RIB buyer with limited experience....and one they eventually answer for themselves...try to see as many RIBs as you can...Coastal Brokers/Marinas/Dry Stacks are good places,there are always a few options for sale.
Speak to owners and if poss get some Sea time on some different models/makes and you'll soon pick up on what you need to know....Untill you feel confident in your judgment...(people you can trust can help a lot!).., Hold off buying the first ones you see!
Engines...Layout and Hull ...Manufacturer...Electrics.. ect are much more of a minefield than Tube condition

[Sandman]

My rib is 33 years old and the original tubes are still in great condition but I have seen the same model and age of rib where tubes are a right mess. As above it just depends on how the boat has been cared for and where it has been kept.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Sandman

My rib is 33 years old and the original tubes are still in great condition but I have seen the same model and age of rib where tubes are a right mess. As above it just depends on how the boat has been cared for and where it has been kept.

Fair play that is going some!

Personally I'd much rather have a good used well maintained RIB from a respected Maker with pedigree...than a Brand New shiny Low Grade Mass produced imported model which to the Novice may SEEM to have all the Bells and Whistles.
It always concerns and upsets me at Southampton Boat to see young Wide eyed family's crawling all over low grade models of inferior design and dubious craftsmanship while getting the full on sales blurb....often on Craft for the price of which they could get a really good well founded better handling and far superior used model...and keep a good re-sale value on down the line

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Fair play that is going some!

Personally I'd much rather have a good used well maintained RIB from a respected Maker with pedigree...than a Brand New shiny Low Grade Mass produced imported model which to the Novice may SEEM to have all the Bells and Whistles.
It always concerns and upsets me at Southampton Boat to see young Wide eyed family's crawling all over low grade models of inferior design and dubious craftsmanship while getting the full on sales blurb....often on Craft for the price of which they could get a really good well founded better handling and far superior used model...and keep a good re-sale value on down the line

How does a new maker gain a pedigree and get respected then ?

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by Bigplumbs

How does a new maker gain a pedigree and get respected then ?

By producing good quality sensibly priced boats that stand the test of time...

There's some new, shiny overpriced junk out there.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Last Tango

By producing good quality sensibly priced boats that stand the test of time...

There's some new, shiny overpriced junk out there.

I think you need to think about your answer again and wonder how that happens if you only expect people to buy once they have attained that status...….. If you advise people not to buy when they are starting out and no one does they will go no further

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Last Tango

By producing good quality sensibly priced boats that stand the test of time...

There's some new, shiny overpriced junk out there.

There is certainly some heavy, industrial, old tat that is never delivered on time that looks like a eastern European tractor that people seem to love and if you ever criticise it you get shot down by so many fan boys that wont try anything new.


Bring on the shiny new stuff by different people I say and let us have some choice

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Bigplumbs

I think you need to think about your answer again and wonder how that happens if you only expect people to buy once they have attained that status...….. If you advise people not to buy when they are starting out and no one does they will go no further

Unless of course wise experienced people were to spot the good build quality, innovative features, excellent design and buy one. That would then lead to establishing some pedigree.

It’s not often Maximus and I will be in staunch agreement but companies with inferior product who prey on newbies are a blight on the industry. If your new brand is doing something genuinely good, you’ll soon attract the right people to get a reputation for design and build not bling.

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by Bigplumbs

I think you need to think about your answer again and wonder how that happens if you only expect people to buy once they have attained that status...….. If you advise people not to buy when they are starting out and no one does they will go no further

You're point is someone has to take the gamble, be the "guinea-pig"

I'm just not going to advise the OP that it should be him.