Ribtec 5.3 Refurb

[Ribtecer]

Hi, I am part way thru a refurb of a Ribtec 5.3 that I bought last winter.

Every boat is a compromise!!!

I wanted to build a nice unit to use when I want, but it not to be costing money when its not moving. I want it for lunch in Cowes, come out with you guys on some trips around the Solent - that sort of thing.

I choose this boat because it is light and falls beneath the 750kg requiring a braked trailer. I have had one before and a also a Solent 540 which is basically the same boat, they handle very well for their size and they are easy to trail.

I bought the boat from a lovely guy from this parish and I am delighted with my purchase, the rib has not seen much use over the years and it is as dry as a bone from being stored inside.

My first requirement after buying the boat was to source a replacement engine as the 60 it came with was to small, I love two stroke Yamaha's and went on the search for a 90hp. I found one at Rob Perry Marine in Devon and after a visit and a demo, I bought it. Rob seemed a great guy, I hope the engine is as good as I think. The 60 Mariner sold quickly on Ebay. (I was amazed how much I got for it).

I needed to have somewhere to do the refurb, so next I had to build a shed for the rebuild and somewhere to store it afterwards.

With that done I stripped out the Rib and started on taking up the Treadmaster flooring. I am going to put done a real teak deck and then reassemble the boat with new seats and electronics.

That's about it so far, if there is interest out there I shall update as and when.

Many thanks - so glad to have a Rib again - Every man should have a boat!!!

[Ribtecer]

Hope this is of interest!

[Simonh66]

Nice work shop!
Good luck with the build see you on the Solent next year

[jeffstevens763@g]

Great shed look forward to the build

[charlie turner]

Looks good! ,I bought a 5.3 ribtec couple of months ago with a 80 Yamaha very similar to your layout!
Keep us updated [emoji2]

[Ribtecer]

Thanks fellas.

You guys crack me up, I came on here to show my rib and you like my shed more.

I think I'll go on shed.net and show my Rib ������

[Phil M]

Love a good shed (and Rib) build. This is mine a few years ago (shed build and rib refurb).


Phil M

[Ribtecer]

After stripping the boat out and re-flowcoating the inside of all the lockers, I flipped it and started work on the underside. it had had a bit of damage repaired with white gelcoat, so I ground all that off and repaired it properly with some red that matches better.

I had to learn a bit about gelcoat, and the guys on here gave me a crash course on how to do it, and to be fair - it came out well.

With the boat now off the trailer I have taken the opportunity to give it a good going over as well. It's a Indisuspension Roller-coaster 1, many of the rollers where loose on their axels (hence the damage to the hull) sorted that and now putting new hubs and bearings with bearing savers, new mudguards, which I already had, and my old faithful galvanised 8 spokes wheels that I hand carried back from the States for my old Rib a good few years ago, so pleased I kept them. I don't think this trailer has had any love for years, every moving part was screaming for some grease.

As soon as the trailers rolling again, I shall flip her back upright and start on the inside.

Cant wait to get her going!!!

Edit, photo 1 & 2 are before starting work, 3.4 & 5 are after.

[jeffstevens763@g]

cracking finish on that hull top job, still like your shed

[Ribtecer]

New hubs, bearings, bearing buddies, new mud guards and my old galved wheels on the trailer.

50 year old teak being ripped down for the new real teak decking.

Loving this project!!!

[Ribtecer]

Double post - sorry

[two stroke mick]

Well done. Did you spray the hull paint the hull or use flowcoat?

[Ribtecer]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Did you spray the hull paint the hull or use flowcoat?

Neither, its the origanal gelcoat. I ground out some previous repairs that had been done with a white repair kit, and refilled with red, then I sanded it all back starting with 400 grade silicon carbide paper going up to 1200. I then used a colour restorer followed by three coats of marine polish.

I then cleaned the tubes from the hull to the rubbing strip with TFR

Lastly I have fitted a stainless steel keel strip.

I wouldn't order a red Rib, but it does look nice.

Now for the inside

[jameswallace]

Hi Toby. Amazing job. So glad you’re happy with the boat and its gone to the right home

[Ribtecer]

This was never going to be the fastest rebuild in the history of Ribnet. I have a lot of other stuff going on as well. However I am now cracking on a bit. New teak deck all cut and dry fitted, and now the port side has been epoxied down. The starboard side is now prepped and hopefully I should get that done tonight.

Should be ready for Christmas.

[Ribtecer]

Why did that photo go upside down?

[Ribtecer]

Can't wait the put the engine on.

Does anyone know if the bolt patterns are the same?

[Ribtecer]

Teak floor coming together now.

Belt sander went pop today. New one coming tomorrow.

I love this boat and the rebuild is such good fun. The next steps should be quite dramatic in terms of appearance.

[Ribtecer]

The weather is slowing me down now.

Constant rain when I want to be beltsanding outside.

Get this last bit done and the re-rigging can be done inside, irrelevant of the conditions.

Dry fitting of the consule and seat to position everything before final sanding;

[xpertski]

Looking great! I’ve resorted to getting a temporary tent garage to finish mine - love the teak [emoji106]