Retube costs?

[Den]

Hi all, going looking at a 7m Humber destroyer with the intention of possibly buying my first rib! Any tips on what to look for? And if she needs new tubes how big of a job is it? Big step to take but can’t wait to own one!

[Orwell boy]

https://www.ribretubes.co.uk/gallery this may help

[Den]

Thanks[emoji1360] I’ll make sure the tubes are good so!!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Den

Thanks[emoji1360] I’ll make sure the tubes are good so!!

Ball park figure is £1k/m of boat length. So you need to budget £7k for a retube.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Ball park figure is £1k/m of boat length. So you need to budget £7k for a retube.

That's a bit (plenty) strong Dave...get a much better deal than that if you shop around in the quiet months
If the Tubes are Shot....unless the Boat is otherwise very sound...CHEAP!...and exactly what you want!...
I'd start saving some penny's for more/better options.

[mikehhogg]

bring someone with you who is knowledgeable about ribs. at first glance and without a sea trial you may be buying a pig in a poke and the tubes may be the least of you worries.

[Den]

Thanks all! There’s also a 7 m Excalibur coming up soon so I might hold out for that..?

[Den]

at first glance what ye guys think

[GuyC]

It's an ex dive boat so if you are diving, it will be fine but if you are planning on doing family stuff, the inside might need to be reconfigured.

I think the tubes on dive boats tend to suffer quite a hard life.

I like the commercial look but it's not for everyone.

Everything on a boat is expensive but engine and tubes are probably the top two.

[Den]

Originally Posted by GuyC

It's an ex dive boat so if you are diving, it will be fine but if you are planning on doing family stuff, the inside might need to be reconfigured.

I think the tubes on dive boats tend to suffer quite a hard life.

I like the commercial look but it's not for everyone.

Everything on a boat is expensive but engine and tubes are probably the top two.

Yeah, I actually have been picking up bits along the way, I have a double console, 4 jockey seats to put into her,to make her a bit more user friendly, I love the commercial look! how do you know if the tubes are in trouble tho? Just fading.. or tears? Leaks...How do you check if they are secure to the hull? Sorry for all the questions

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Den

Yeah, I actually have been picking up bits along the way, I have a double console, 4 jockey seats to put into her,to make her a bit more user friendly, I love the commercial look! how do you know if the tubes are in trouble tho? Just fading.. or tears? Leaks...How do you check if they are secure to the hull? Sorry for all the questions

Tubes dont tend to come loose often look out for heavy abrasion to the tube top & thinning of the rubber at the top of the tubes it degrades with uv and eventualy wears through to the canvas underneath also check the area at the rear of the tubes where it attaches to the hull & be very wary of patches in this area its hard to repair and gets a hard time especially if the boat has been used underinflated or left on a mooring for long periods.
Also check the same at the bow area but that area doesnt usually get as much hammer.
Avoid boats that have had painted tubes, the paint is usually covering shot tubes & be suspicious of large recently applied wear patches on top of tubes these could be hiding degraded tube tops

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Maximus

That's a bit (plenty) strong Dave...get a much better deal than that if you shop around in the quiet months
If the Tubes are Shot....unless the Boat is otherwise very sound...CHEAP!...and exactly what you want!...
I'd start saving some penny's for more/better options.

I did say “ budget price” if he’s got £7k in his head & it costs him £5k then he’s happy. If he’s got £4K in his head & it costs £5k, then he feels he’s been stiffed. It all depends on the spec he goes for. You can soon chuck a grand at wear patches, HD material upgrade, rubbing strakes, handles, bow rollers, lifelines, PRVs etc.

[Ribtecer]

^^^ PD is right.

I'd look around for one in better shape. There are more sellers than buyers, here anyway. And then a cheeky offer - the day I bought mine it was snowing and the seller wanted rid - perfect.

Spending a bit more time and money to get one that is a sound platform to build what you want, rather than completely starting again is well worth while in my view.

My boat was a great starting point, sad, mucky with dated kit and damage to the deck surface, the gelcoat underneath and trailer etc, all stuff I could fix myself. But under all that it was a dry under used little gem that has come up beautifully. Yes I've spent £££ but then the engine swap was only a £600 difference and after that it was a £100 here and £100 there, over time you don't even notice it and now I have a great boat for not a lot of money.

Good luck with your search, where are you looking?

[Den]

Originally Posted by Ribtecer

^^^ PD is right.

I'd look around for one in better shape. There are more sellers than buyers, here anyway. And then a cheeky offer - the day I bought mine it was snowing and the seller wanted rid - perfect.

Spending a bit more time and money to get one that is a sound platform to build what you want, rather than completely starting again is well worth while in my view.

My boat was a great starting point, sad, mucky with dated kit and damage to the deck surface, the gelcoat underneath and trailer etc, all stuff I could fix myself. But under all that it was a dry under used little gem that has come up beautifully. Yes I've spent £££ but then the engine swap was only a £600 difference and after that it was a £100 here and £100 there, over time you don't even notice it and now I have a great boat for not a lot of money.

Good luck with your search, where are you looking?

Ya I’ll keep a look out but , the Humber is still worth a look, might be in great condition after all... I’m in the south of Ireland, ideally lookin for something 6-6.5m

[Waterman]

I had my Ribtec 655 retubed a couple of years ago by a guy in Co Laois.
Very reasonable and excellent quality, all materials were purchase from Henshaws in UK.
Not sure if he’s still in business but PM me if you would like more details.

[Den]

Originally Posted by Waterman

I had my Ribtec 655 retubed a couple of years ago by a guy in Co Laois.
Very reasonable and excellent quality, all materials were purchase from Henshaws in UK.Attachment 131849Attachment 131850Attachment 131851Attachment 131852Attachment 131853
Not sure if he’s still in business but PM me if you would like more details.

She turned out well! I will be on to you if I do need to go down that road, but as I haven’t bought yet I’ll try and avoid it!!

[Iron Dials]

There’s a company in Sligo doing retubes, probably worth speaking to.
I’m guessing the additional cost would be a deal breaker versus the cost of a similar rib that didn’t need new tubes.
The rib market here comes to life in a couple of months and briefly.
I’d keep my powder dry and see what turns up.
Re-tubes, layout modifications all add cost that you are unlikely to recoup, particularly if they aren’t done professionally.
I’d make a list of “wants” and go looking for that.
There’s no big difficulty brining a boat over from the uk (at the moment...). The choice is bigger, as is the market.

Happy shopping.

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by Den

Ya I’ll keep a look out but , the Humber is still worth a look, might be in great condition after all... I’m in the south of Ireland, ideally lookin for something 6-6.5m

I think you are already picturing yourself driving a big, orange, Tonka-toy alike (all positive attributes IMO) Humber. It's exactly what I do but it's probably not healthy .

[Den]

Originally Posted by GuyC

I think you are already picturing yourself driving a big, orange, Tonka-toy alike (all positive attributes IMO) Humber. It's exactly what I do but it's probably not healthy .

Always wanted a big rib! Since I was in school and used to watch a local guy with a tornado and two 115 Yamaha 2stokes. My idea of heaven!! Been to look at a blue Excalibur too tho! Right boat, wrong engine! (Johnson)

[Ribtecer]

I think your sensible to go and look at the Humber with the Yam, just be prepared to walk away even if it's what you do want but the deal isn't right.

If the tubes are that bad tell him and leave, if he wants to sell it he has to be realistic, and he might not want to loose you.

I like to be respectful and nice when there and negotiate afterwards via text messages, this takes all the emotion out of the deal.

Took me about three weeks to buy my current boat from 1st seeing it to taking it away.

This is the right time of year for the BUYER.

Keep us updated, on paper it is a nice engine.