Rayglass Protector

Old Codger · 27 June 2010, 00:35

Hi,
I'm new to the forum though I have been trawling the archives for a week or two now. I have just bought a second hand Protector 8500 centre console. The boat is now in Fiji (Denarau) and I will be moving it to Savusavu where we live (in the winter) next week.
I have owned sailing bots for most of my life but never driven a planing power boat and am, I guess a little nervous about it. Any advice on how to keep the boat the right way up on the water would be much appreciated. It seems that a couple of people bought Protectors last year. It would be great to hear from anyone who has one. Incidentally, there was a comment about Rayglass not being very forthcoming. I can only say that, although I was not buying a new boat, they (Lyndsay) couldn't have been more helpful.

willk · 27 June 2010, 00:41

Welcome to RIBnet, farflung fellow forum member!

That's much boat for a Rag and Stick man to upgrade to

I would seek out a fast craft user and get a bit of helm time in the lumps with them on board. You'll love it

Old Codger · 27 June 2010, 00:49

[QUOTE=willk;358371]

That's much boat for a Rag and Stick man to upgrade to

I didn't really see it as upgrading but I'm willing to be persuaded

Bam Bam · 27 June 2010, 18:11

[QUOTE=Old Codger;358372]

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

That's much boat for a Rag and Stick man to upgrade to

I didn't really see it as upgrading but I'm willing to be persuaded

Just looked at the Rayglass website and the 8.5 is a very nice boat. I have owned a couple of large motor cruisers (yawn) prior to getting a small rib and have never had so much fun in my life. As Wilk says, you will love it.I don't know how experienced you are with motor craft and I don't want to sound pedantic but a word of advice if you are unfamiliar. When approaching a mooring the same applies to both small and large craft as I am sure you are aware.... DON'T give it hands full of throttle, maneuver in tickover only until you get a feel for the boat. Good luck with the boat and have fun. Please post some pictures once you have the boat at home. Enjoy

biffer · 28 June 2010, 08:51

i can let you know in a few weeks how an 8.5 protector feels, i have 21 to look at and play with, i think i should have some idea when i've finished

Bam Bam · 28 June 2010, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

i can let you know in a few weeks how an 8.5 protector feels, i have 21 to look at and play with, i think i should have some idea when i've finished

That is a very large box full of toys you got there Biffer, do you need a hand playing with them

Steve_B · 28 June 2010, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bam Bam

That is a very large box full of toys you got there Biffer, do you need a hand playing with them

Join a long queue

Old Codger · 29 June 2010, 01:22

"i can let you know in a few weeks how an 8.5 protector feels, i have 21 to look at and play with, i think i should have some idea when i've finished"

Could I get some feedback after the first four or five?!! Not sure I can wait while you check 21.

biffer · 29 June 2010, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Codger

"i can let you know in a few weeks how an 8.5 protector feels, i have 21 to look at and play with, i think i should have some idea when i've finished"

Could I get some feedback after the first four or five?!! Not sure I can wait while you check 21.

i've had a look throu these boats and they look well put together, good fitouts and well made, they're not as deep in the "v" as my old girl so i'm expecting quick off the mark but a bit of a slam in a chop, can't have it all can we

MarkWildey · 29 June 2010, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Codger

I guess a little nervous about it. Any advice on how to keep the boat the right way up on the water would be much appreciated.

I would initially attend a course and learn the theory behind planing boats and how to handle them. Learning how your boat handles will come from experience and that should start in light waves and building up to more challenging conditions and weather. Your knowledge of waves, wind etc will be directly transferable to powerboats, so you'll be far ahead of a beginner.

On a flat calm day see how the boat handles at different speeds and trim, practice slow and high speed turns.

You have a great boat, enjoy it.

Mark

P.S. Please don't tell me you do spearfishing as I might have to come over and exchange some trips out on your boat fishing for my limited knowledge on boating

M.Thornton · 29 June 2010, 19:37

Met a guy on the Isle-of Man who has had a protector for a few years.
He uses it to tag basking sharks,he says it is a great boat

Blizzard · 29 June 2010, 20:10

Great boats, im sure Biffer will confirm the build and fit out standard. Seeing as I landed him with the task...
Well built and reliable...

Old Codger · 05 July 2010, 11:56

Thanks for the positive comments about the Protector. For anyone who's interested, we leave Godzone tomorrow for Nadi and load the boat on to the Lautoka-Savusavu ferry on Wednesday. The ferry trip is 15 hours (plus or minus a day). We briefly thought of driving the boat ourselves but decided with a new (to us) boat, new (to us ) waters and a novice skipper, we might do better sitting two decks up with a whisky in hand. I'll send photo's as the opportunity presents itself. Should we make it in one piece, any Ribnetters in the vicinity of Savusavu (The Hidden Paradise) are welcome aboard.
This is a magical part of the world (and the water is warm)

bingomike · 05 July 2010, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blizzard

Well built and reliable...

Is that biffer you are talking about LOL

biffer · 06 July 2010, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingomike

Is that biffer you are talking about LOL

i think the words ROBUST