Ribcraft 5.85 or 6.5?

dvt · 07 February 2007, 13:54

I am looking to upgrade my Zodiac MkIIc to a Ribcraft, and am torn between the 5.85 and 6.5. As mentioned on this forum, there's a dearth of information on Ribs here in the US (though I'm a long time inflatable fan originally form New Zealand), so here I am.

My use of the boat would be running to the channel islands off California(not to be confused with the "other" channel ) 30 to 60 miles off shore, usually in 2-3 ft swell, with 2-4 ft wind waves.

how does the 5.85 handle those types of conditions? - is the 6.5 considerably smoother (due to its increased length?).

Bottom line is I'd like the 5.85 if it would handle these conditions relatively comfortably and safely, due to the ability to store it more easily, but would go to the 6.5 to get a more comfortable ride.

Thanks all

Dave van Toor,
California

John Kennett · 07 February 2007, 14:12

Either will be a good choice. The 585 is very capable, but you will definitely get a better ride from the bigger boat. That extra 2' makes a big difference.

If you can sort the storage out, you're likely to be be more satisfied for longer with the 6.5. If you can't then you'll still do fine with the 585.

Have fun!

John

Mollers · 07 February 2007, 14:16

I think you've kinda answered your own question. The RC 585 is good (I was out in one this weekend in big sea). The 6.5 is going to be better. If you are restricted by garage length then the RC 585 is one of the best of it's size. Don't discount the Osprey Vipermax 5.8. It is the well kept secret of the industry. Distibution and sales issues have now been resolved. It's a stunning boat. When I bought my VM 6.5, Osprey's were rarely mentioned, now they are raved about. Happy residuals.

Downhilldai · 07 February 2007, 16:49

Mollers - Do Osprey have a US distributor?

nugent · 07 February 2007, 17:01

http://ospreyowners.webeden.co.uk/
lookie here for best info details

Mollers · 07 February 2007, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Mollers - Do Osprey have a US distributor?

Prob not, but such obstacles can be overcome relatively easily.

mike · 07 February 2007, 21:43

hi
I'm sure that over here the 585 and the 6.5 are different boats with the 6.5 being a newer generation and based on a faster ride. This is my understanding at least.???
The range goes 5.85/6.3 and 6.8.
I have spoen to a few 6.3 owners and they love the boat, its a superb platfom and the internal size is only 10cm short of the 6.8 due I think to the fact that the ovehang on the tubes is the differnce.

For the job you have in mind I'd go bigger, but if possible speak to ribcraft and also test the boats.

jyasaki · 08 February 2007, 16:55

Hi, Dave;

Personally, I'd go bigger if your wallet and garage can afford it. Seas can get kind of ugly in the SB channel. You'll want more boat on those occasions (and having extra deck space is always a good thing.)

Diving, cruising, or purely transport? Just curious.

jky

Channelwatch · 08 February 2007, 17:15

Hello Dave,

We agree, go bigger if possible. We have 7.8M Ribcraft and love it.

Give us a call as we put lots of hours on our RIBs and most of it is buzzing back and forth to the Islands. We'll share our thoughts and show you the Ribcraft.

A RIB is a great way to enjoy the Islands. You'll love it.

dvt · 08 February 2007, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Hi, Dave;

Personally, I'd go bigger if your wallet and garage can afford it. Seas can get kind of ugly in the SB channel. You'll want more boat on those occasions (and having extra deck space is always a good thing.)

Diving, cruising, or purely transport? Just curious.

jky

JKY - mainly Diving. Get out to Catalina & San Clemente fast, dive & come home.

jyasaki · 09 February 2007, 02:21

Well, the length will have a direct relation to speed you can run for given sea state (unless you discount beating the crap out of everyone on-board.)

But, as I implied earlier, finance and other real-world limitations may have you settling for less than optimal (or, in my case, both did.)

Should be a good thing, though; I'm heading down for a Peace boat trip over the Presidents weekend (the second of my bi-annual bug trips.)

Luck;

jky

Channelwatch · 09 February 2007, 16:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

I'm heading down for a Peace boat trip over the Presidents weekend (the second of my bi-annual bug trips.)

Luck;

jky

JKY - Peace out of Ventura? Let us know when you're going to be down here and let's go for a spin on a Ribcraft Mitigator.

Dave - Come up as well and let's go play for a bit.

jyasaki · 09 February 2007, 17:36

Hi, Dave;

Might take you up on that, if I make the drive by myself (we sometimes carpool, and some folks may have to be at work the day following the return. Not me, man.)

I believe we head out Friday evening, and return Monday afternoon (that would be the 16th thru the 19th.) If I'm alone, I'll probably get a room somewhere for Monday night, and plan on driving back up to the Bay Area on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I'll let you know if looks like a possibility;

jky

Channelwatch · 09 February 2007, 18:40

jky - even a quick ride late friday if you get in town early enough. We have several boat repair projects in the works and are always on call so don't put aside too much time as we may not have a lot of free time.

Keep in touch and we'll see if we can include Dave.

Take care,
Paul

Tibs · 13 February 2007, 20:38

Having spent much time on the 5.85 and 6.5, you won't find too big of a difference between the two; mainly more deck space, which was my biggest deciding factor. The ride of the 5.85 is remarkable - better than any other 19' I've experienced. Like some of the other guys said, if the wallet can handle the 6.5 go for it, if not the 5.85 is one!

Have you contacted the guys at RIBCRAFT yet??

dvt · 13 February 2007, 22:38

Tibs - thanks

I'm hearing this alot, that the 5.85 is just a hugely fun boat.

Yep - in talks with Ribcraft. Great guys!