Newbie w/ ?? 7-8.5m RIB

PirateSR480DB · 11 February 2008, 20:20

Hello all from TN in the US. I am considering adding a RIB to our 'fleet'. We boat all over TN, FL, and the Bahamas on a 50' Sea Ray. We currently carry a Zodiac ProJet 350 RIB onboard, but we are considering a 24-28 foot (7-8.5m) RIB to tow behind the Sea Ray. I'm interested in a RIB vs. a conventional boat for the tow-ability both on water and on road.

I have LOTS of questions.

1. I've owned (and currently own) several Zodiacs so my first thought was to look at larger Zodiacs, but I don't see much mention of them here. Why?
2. What boats do you recommend for recreational diving, family transport in the islands?
3. Several dealers have recommended a single engine as opposed to twins. Thoughts?
4. Several dealers have recommended E-Tecs instead of 4s. Thoughts?
5. If you recommend Euro made boats, how do you recommend I overcome the distance for support?
6. What do you see as the pro/con for a RIB vs. conventional boats? Why are you guys so pro RIB?

Thanks very much for your time and thanks in advance for your opinions.

landlord · 11 February 2008, 20:46

Hi Pirate

having worked in your neck of the woods for many years I would suggest you look at a fast chase boat such as Jupiter, Boston, Contender etc. I used to drive the larger private yachts (165') around Fl, East Coast, Bahamas and leward Islands. RIBS are great where you may encounter rougher seas on a regular basis. For what you have described a deep V chase boat may be more suitable especialy with a T top.

Chase boats have a greater number of service centres than RIBS in your area of ops, are easier to maintain / repair and no tubes to degregate from excessive heat / sun.

If you speak to the manager at Sampson Cay Marina, Bahamas. He has been running a Protector 8.5m RIB for the past 3 / 4 years. Might be worth getting his input as to how well the vessel has lasted.

Good luck with your choice !

PirateSR480DB · 12 February 2008, 00:24

Thanks for the reply Landlord. I'm surprised by your comments. Where, in your opinion, would a RIB make more sense than a conventional CC like a Contender, Intrepid, Venture, etc?

For that matter, I have concerns that the weight of a conventional CC would be prohibitive for regular towing with the Sea Ray...... I'm nowhere near the 165' range of the vessels of your former command.

Limey Linda · 12 February 2008, 01:12

Hi Pirate
Suggest you have a look at the Ribcraft USA web site. They do both commercial and leisure ribs. They have a "build your own RIB" feature on the site and I have heard that their support is very good although they are based in MA. I would go with a large single outboard with a 15hp kicker. I do not think ETECS are a good choice. Go Suzuki or Verado.
Welcome to Ribnet
T.

PirateSR480DB · 12 February 2008, 22:17

Limey- Thanks for the point to RibCraft. I just had a great conversation with Adam there and he is sending photos and ideas.

Why do you recommend the kicker?

Limey Linda · 12 February 2008, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by PirateSR480DB

Limey- Thanks for the point to RibCraft. I just had a great conversation with Adam there and he is sending photos and ideas.

Why do you recommend the kicker?

I have spoken to Adam Moore on several occasions and he is a good guy to deal with. Not too high pressure. Regarding the Kicker: your should get very reasonable performance from a large single, but if you want the security of two engines then a main and a kicker is the way to go. Much more efficient from a power to weight ratio standpoint and fuel and maintenance are A LOT lower; not to mention initial cost of motors and rigging. However, once you go above 28/29 feet then performance will suffer. It is somewhat a personal choice thing.
Best of Luck
Tony

ProtectorUSA · 17 February 2008, 16:36

Hi Pirate

Have you checked out our boats before? www.protectorboats.com

We have center consoles 22, 25, and 28' and cabin boats 28 to 41'. Feel free to send me an email if you have any specific questions.

Poly · 17 February 2008, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProtectorUSA

Have you checked out our boats before? www.protectorboats.com

Have you checked out a RibNet trade membership? http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4921

ProtectorUSA · 17 February 2008, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Have you checked out a RibNet trade membership? http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4921

Not yet, but I will. Thanks

PirateSR480DB · 17 February 2008, 21:35

Thanks Protector. I checked your website and sent an email.

Chris · 17 February 2008, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

I do not think ETECS are a good choice. Go Suzuki or Verado.
Welcome to Ribnet
T.

Porquoi ?

Limey Linda · 17 February 2008, 23:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Porquoi ?

Patched up old technology and any engine design that needs to have it's plugs indexed must be borderline. Just my opinion.

Chris · 18 February 2008, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Patched up old technology

What technology are you referring to, if its the DI technology then the Etec was redesigned from the ground up with new injection systems, EMM, Oil injection system, new pistons and blocks, new Trim/Tilt, What else is there

[B]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

and any engine design that needs to have it's plugs indexed must be borderline

Why?

PirateSR480DB · 19 February 2008, 00:26

After reading everything I can get in front of me and talking with anyone knowledgeable about OB engines for the last several months, it's become apparent to me that there are no 'bad' engines available. That said, I must admit that I am attracted to the ETecs because there are SO many less moving parts when compared to any 4s. Not a deal killer/maker since if I find the right boat with Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, etc., I'll proceed, but, given the choice, I like the ETecs for comparative simplicity and lighter maintenance costs.

PirateSR480DB · 19 February 2008, 00:30

Anybody have any comments on the Protector boats?

I'm very impressed with everything I found at Ribcraft (design, execution, customer service, etc.), but their designs are a bit more commercial in their appeal and my family is looking more for an island cruiser.

Thanks to all that have replied / participated.

codprawn · 19 February 2008, 00:48

Protectors are great but very expensive. They originate in New Zealand. A bloke on this site used to have one and loved it. Quite fancy one myself but there are plenty of other nice boats around!!!

have a look at Revengers - stunning boats. I think there may be dealers in the USA???

columbiachop · 19 February 2008, 02:11

nautica ribs are much more family friendly as far as seating etc. much more yachty looking as well. i hear good things about them and they also have hypalon tubes.

Limey Linda · 19 February 2008, 02:18

For Revenger boats you should contact Gordon McMath who I think has a office in Miami. He is a member of the forum.

landlord · 19 February 2008, 22:08

Protector make great RIBs and are on my shopping list for my next vessel. Expensive maybe but no more than other high end RIBs.

codprawn · 19 February 2008, 22:45

http://www.revenger.co.uk/revenger31/rev31inb.html

Just looked at the Protector site again and I still think the new Revengers will take some beating. A much deeper V and higher power and yet still a nice family boat!!!