rib-x 4.8 or ribcraft 4.8 whats best?

[snowsports1]

hi from what I can tell these are very similar boats. with the same 60hp four stroke and cost put to one side, which is the best. I want a good all rounder for family fun.

[ashbypower]

Cannot comment on the rib x, but taught on a ribcraft 4.8 many times, and hated it, very narrow beam and moving around was always difficult, build quality was OK not the best and the way it was rigged was always trouble, there was always something needed fixing.
Just my experience of a well used 4.8

[Crusher]

What do you want to use it for? And where do you intend using it?


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[Rogue Wave]

no comparison in build quality at all Ribcraft is far superor

[spartacus]

If you're buying new, then this is an expensive package considering it's just under 5m. Ribcraft fit Suzuki DF60 (109kg), but boat is rated for 75hp if you were likely to be hauling heavier loads, or using for diving. Agree with earlier post regards build. It wasn't that long ago that owners of other Ribcrafts noticed the forward anchor hatch didn't even have Sikaflex beading to stop water ingress.

Having said that I've found my boat (2010) to be well made. No hull or tube issues. If you opt for double jockey set-up, then space becomes a premium. Definitely opt for wear patches on tubes. Windscreen is nice, but not practical. Under-deck fuel tank would be nice, but not essential. The portable tanks (25 litres) fit under the jockey console, but only after Ribcraft fleece you for the GRP fitting trays. The double A frame is also expensive. You have been warned.

I use the boat in the North Sea and west coast Hebrides Atlantic. Been out in some fairly rough stuff, and have been impressed with sea-keeping. It doesn't slap and handles well with 2-3 up onboard.

The Rapide 750kg trailer isn't a patch on a Rollercoaster or DeGraff. It's too narrow and the boat sits high.

Without trying to throw a spanner into the works - what about looking at the Ribquest 4.8m?

[Mollers]

Forget those two and buy the king of sub 5m. ;-)

[JamesF]

My experience of the Ribcraft is exactly the opposite of ashbypower's.

Our club has a Ribcraft 4.8 and two Avon SR4s. It's a lot wider than them (and the SR4.7 I had a go in once last year). You wouldn't get two seat pods side by side in it comfortably, but at 4.8m, I don't think I'd expect to.

The boat itself has been trouble-free for (I think) almost 20 years. Apart from one tube section that started losing pressure fairly recently, any problems have been engine-related.

It handles our occasional nasty, 6", short waves with aplomb too.

Whether it's a good family boat, I'm not in a position to say, as ours is a safety boat with a single seat pod.

I not sure I've ever heard of Rib-X. A quick Google search hasn't turned much up.

[snowsports1]

thanks for the replys, I need the boat for a family of 4 (9 and 7 year old children). in the south of france mainly, the sea always seems to be choppy. water skiing and general touring around. I had a bombard SB500 that was a bone shaker. I am not planning on diving, or intentially going out in big seas. Is a valiant V450 a compromise? If you google rib-x it comes up number 1 result.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by snowsports1

thanks for the replys, I need the boat for a family of 4 (9 and 7 year old children). in the south of france mainly, the sea always seems to be choppy. water skiing and general touring around. I had a bombard SB500 that was a bone shaker. I am not planning on diving, or intentially going out in big seas. Is a valiant V450 a compromise? If you google rib-x it comes up number 1 result.

what constrains you to sub 5m?

I have children not dissimilar ages. Not sure I'd want them sitting on tubes in chop for any reasonable distance. People here tend not to like benches but for a family of 4 on a wee boat its a practical solution.

[PeterM]

Ribeye 500. Small practical & goes well.

[snowsports1]

hi, towing weight limit and storage, I cant go much above 1000kg all up with trailer

[Max...]

I'd look at other options; having had a SR4.7 with two similar age kids it was a pretty cr@p 'family' boat...

[Mollers]

What are you towing with?

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by JamesF

I not sure I've ever heard of Rib-X. A quick Google search hasn't turned much up.

RIB X is a South African built boat and is UK brand name of Falcon have I said enough?

[Pikey Dave]

The 4.8 will be a squeeze with 4 on board + all the gubbins that comes with 'em, cool box, tubes etc. Don't forget the kids will get a lot bigger VERY soon.

[matt h]

if you want a 5m with a load of space U would look at the Ribeye 500. it has seating for 5 plus one up front

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

The 4.8 will be a squeeze with 4 on board + all the gubbins that comes with 'em, cool box, tubes etc. Don't forget the kids will get a lot bigger VERY soon.

Yeah..most of the comments aren't really about which is best..but the Limitations of a sub 5m size wise.
The RC 4.8 as well as performing Family duties OK performs well in the Rough,and has done the RB (a few times) and also has a few big boat features..(unlike the SR and others) an Anchor locker...a Bilge well/pump..IMO a must in any sort of of Sea,especially with a family...and of course the option of a Built it Fuel Tank..all of which do make the most of the limited available space
Oh and they hold their Value quite well too!

[parm]

i looked at both when buying my rib and choose the ribcraft and have nooo regrets

[Mollers]

As mentioned, both of these boats are going to be tight to bursting with a family of four onboard inc. kit. OP, why 1000kg tow limit?

[gary222]

My Ribcraft 4.8 is an old one without the built in tank or even a splash well,
Build quality must be good, it's still very sound. It has a 'box' with the petrol tanks in which I use as a seat.
Enough room for 4 of us to use on holiday with quite a bit of beach stuff onboard. Very dry ride and handles superb. Pops up on the plane quickly too. It was cheap but I am v pleased with it. I even like the mad tubes.....