Rib Advice

[purplerobbie]

I quite fancy a rib but know nothing about them.

I dont need a car anymore so i'm selling it and thought i might buy a rib with the money.

I have had tender size one before but fancy something with a trailer and a centre consul.
I would like to spend less than 10k for one. Its only really for a bit of fun towing toys and such like so don't want to spend loads so 5k ish would be nice anymore and i would have to put cash to it.

As for size i really have no idea? I could probably store one up to 6-7 meters but is there any reason to having a larger one?
Probably about 5 meter would be nice.

Engine size? I would like it to be good for 30+ knots what would i need to get one up to that?

So really have no idea if any of this if feasible?

Rob

[chewy]

Sounds feasible, how you going to move a RIB on a trailer though if your selling your car?

[purplerobbie]

Originally Posted by chewy

Sounds feasible, how you going to move a RIB on a trailer though if your selling your car?

We Have a camper
So for the crap days when i cant cycle i can use the camper and it will tow the rib. Or could always get a tow bar put on the wife's car.

Rob

[chewy]

A couple of Osprey's have popped up recently and would fit wat you need, plus 30kts size etc.
If you search eBay for Osprey or on here you should find them.

[purplerobbie]

But would it matter what size? I assume the longer and heavier it is the more HP it will need?
And what sort of HP will i need to get a reasonable speed?
Rob

[Poly]

Originally Posted by purplerobbie

But would it matter what size?

general principle is the longer the more comfortable the ride in choppy conditions.

I assume the longer and heavier it is the more HP it will need?

yes - although hull shape also makes a difference.

And what sort of HP will i need to get a reasonable speed?

Depends how big the boat is etc! I would suggest for a typical rib to get 30 knots then 4m => 40 HP; 5m => 70 HP ; 6m => 100 HP but that is very much a guestimate, and hull shape, weight etc make it impossible to provide a simple rule of thumb. DON'T rely on these numbers - but if you see a 5.5m boat with a 50 HP engine be doubtful it will do what your want...

Longer = more expensive, or in your case older/tattier.

[purplerobbie]

So what is a good all round length engine combo?

[9D280]

What's your definition of "good" - if it's max speed, go for the biggest lump you can fit to that hull. Fuel economy is a whole discussion in itself. Do you want to service it yourself? Are you bothered about the visual impact of your boat?........

If you have a scan down the side of the posts you'll see a lot of us have the "boat length" & "engine" boxes filled in. That should give you a reasonable feel for the sort of engine you'll need for a given hull size. Polwart's guide is a reasonable one as a high level "going in" point.

Also remember if you are towing it - what is the weight limit of your camper / wife's car? For example I could legally tow my rib with my car unbraked, but it woulld be strictly illegal even with brakes behind my wife's...... That might be a good starting point to figure out the max size of baot you can tow..

If you want it for fun / razzing then maybe the bouncier ride of a smaller hull might be better?

[chewy]

I think 5.5m is a nice length and with something like a 90hp would be good.
I like my SR4 as its easy to move on your own I can lift one side on my own when antifouling and it fits on the drive dead easy, downside is its cosy with two of you on board.