Ribtec 655 opinions

[andyjcox1]

Hi all,

I am in the hunt for a RIB, between 6 and 7m, for use as a family boat and possibly some use as a training RIB.

I want twin jockey seats and a rear bench seat and a deep V hull if possible, or at least a hull capable of taking a good swell F6 etc.

My budget (10-15k) limits me from my ideal boat, so its currently narrowed down to Ribeye 600, Avon adventure 620 and I have recently seen a RibTec655 which looks a nice tidy boat (2005) with a Mercury 2 stroke. A quick google of the ribtec turns up some not too great reviews, namely being a bit heavy and not too well put together. I always thought they were Ok, but having never been on one I wondered if anyone had any opinions.

Also, anything else to consider, what would you go for?

Thanks, Andy

[HUMBER P4VWL]

For a 6m, £15k would get you a good 2nd hand 5-7 year old 6m with low hours in good nick, at this point (5) the engines come out of warranty even if extended and the boats will at least half from their purchase price. You see a few around the £15-20k mark. But that's some of the more expensive/wanted Ribcraft, Scorpion, Revenger, Redbay boats that are nearer the £20k. If you look at boats like the Humber, Ribquest, Osprey, Tornado etc you may get a good un for £15k, by knocking a high teened priced boat down. They're still deep V generally (not all models) and well built.

For a 7m, you're starting to either be a little of the mark, or you need a much older boat.

[thomas]

I've had a Ribtec 585 and have a 655, the 585, I'd say they're too light rather than heavy and both well made. My 585 had a 115 four stoke and was a bit tail heavy, it just needed some weight in the nose to balance it.

When I sea trialed my 655 is felt a little light at the front too, but with no anchor in the locker, once a couple of anchors and chain were stuck in is was rock solid.

IMO the shape of the Ribtec hull is one of the most comfortable out there.

[CJL]

Originally Posted by thomas

I've had a Ribtec 585 and have a 655, the 585, I'd say they're too light rather than heavy and both well made. My 585 had a 115 four stoke and was a bit tail heavy, it just needed some weight in the nose to balance it.

When I sea trialed my 655 is felt a little light at the front too, but with no anchor in the locker, once a couple of anchors and chain were stuck in is was rock solid.

IMO the shape of the Ribtec hull is one of the most comfortable out there.

Agreed 100%

Chris

[chris.moody]

I have helmed your 655 Thomas while owned by Ian W and it handles waves really well, like a rib bigger than its 6.5m size.

[hamster]

As above


Have driven a few 655's with different set ups from twin engines with seating for 8 to similar set ups with single 4 strokes and 2 strokes. Twin 4 strokes or big heavy Honda 4 stroke handle just as well as single opti if only a little slower off the mark. My favourite set up one of these has been twin yam 60 4strokes. Good for 35 Kts and a pleasure to drive.

All handled faultlessly and as said previously felt like a much bigger boat the way it took the sea.

Never had any issues with build quality even on boats used heavily for training.

Would rather be out in a f6 on one of these than the others you mentioned.

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[Russellbarnes]

I've moved to Ribs from Sport cruisers and have bought an Avon 620. Ive just come back from a blast over the Solent this evening and the sea is a little choppy. The Avon cuts through the water in a wonderful fashion, very steady and with the Yamaha 150 off the back has plenty of power. Much more responsive than the sports cruiser. My friend and i compared it to a Caterham car - quick, super responsive and very sure on the water.
I looked at the Ribeye and in many ways their seating is better suited to families - I've got 2 kids. However, the Avon is built very well and the hull and tubes look to be of a high quality.