Ribcraft 5.45m on ebay

[tinker]

Ribcraft 5.45m on ebay
Thinking about upgrading, anyone know about the Rib above, called king fisher. Take it from a bit of research that the model of engine is generally ok, trim may be an issue with model, so requires bit of close attention? ribcraft seems to be a highly thought of make, any comments on the 5.45 m version, will of course take a look before bidding. Would you insist on seeing the boat in the water running before buying? Any thoughts on value? would guess around 5-7k but who knows with ebay thanks in advance

[havener]

You could always ask him if it's anywhere near Gillingham

[matt h]

i think they look great, Bembridge outboards have had one fpr sale for nearly a year, whats that all about!!

[ADS]

I imagine it will go for £8k, looks like a Leeway composites rear bench seat in it. Those 75's are good strong engines, if abit agricultural.

[Daibheid]

I suggest you ask for pictures of the 'professionally done' repairs. Some of these can be pure craftsmanship and others can at least devalue the boat if not pose a health hazard. Ensure the pix show exactly where the patches are - the ideal is the accidental top-side puncture with areas like hull joint and rear cones being less desirable.

I agree with ADS on the 75s and they're easy to look after although I'd expect it to be more adequate than exciting on that size boat.

[Downhilldai]

RC 545 was developed as a dive boat, with wide beam and good load carrying capacity.
Ribcraft no longer feature it in their blurb - I expect when the 5.3 was introduced, the 5.45 fell between two stools (5.3/5.85), particularly as Ribcraft's market became more focused on the leisure user in recent years.

[tinker]

"Gillingham, is it near Southampton?" getting a bit excited, getting loads of stick from the ebay wind up set? inbox must be full .
E mailed him on the patches and positions, good point.
Developed as a dive boat? Would that indicate a heavier construction, perhaps to heavy for a passat tow vehicle? Thanks for the comments.

[mike]

Hi,
re the repairs, not the best finish I have seen ie they are square and not rounded on the edges but even if they are poor a true repairer could sort it out.
heavy duty lay up yes but a passat should have no bother.

seat in back (not at all my taste) definately retro fit so possibly not bonded to deck.

My advice therefore is definately go and look at it, try it if poss (offer a few quid for fuel) then YOU will know if its for you and that everything works. If the owner won't demo it walk away even though they are nice boats as there are always other fish etc etc.
Tubes are losing colour a bit and appear scratched worth looking at as if they are deep scratches may need more money spent etc etc.
regards
mike

[matt h]

spoke to dorian at Ribcraft and he said, they are the same hull as the 6.5 just shorter,

[tinker]

Removed from ebay as sold to a friend, phoned and he sold for £7000, must have been a good friend.. oh well back to 4m zodiac with 1500hp