Seating on RIBCRAFT 5.85

[Chopppywaters]

Hey I just customized my RIBcraft 5.85 and im waiting for a final quote but in the mean time what seating options would accomodate to the most seating with still enough deck space?

ugh lol just tried to attach pictures but they are too big, so ill just try to explain the seating verbally. I got a 2 person console that comes with a front bench seat and 2 jockey seats side by side. I can also add a bench behind the 2 jockey seats or 2 more jockey seats (not sure what to do there) or leave it empty but that would mean people would have to sit on the sides. Is sitting on the sides of a RIB very dangerous? Any help would be great lol thanks!

[roycruse]

Ive just ordered my New Ribcraft 5.85 from here in the UK - They are on 2 weeks holiday at the moment so probably wont start building for another week yet - we will probably be getting our boats about the same time.

I went for a slightly different layout than you. I didnt really like the idea of driving the boat from an off centre position (being a heavy bloke) so i opted for the single driver jocky then 2 X 2 man jockeys behind that.

Its alot cheaper than going for the double side by side console and luckily what i wanted anyway...

here is a pic of a 5.3 with the same layout as i have chosen for mine so presumable there will be a bit more space either behind or in front or both.

[boatbuoy]

Get stringers fitted so you can whip the seats out. No, Sitting on the sides is not dangerous, unless you have an incompetant skipper, who does take in the consideration of his passengers. It is safer if you have children to get them sitting well inside the boat. Also important to make sure there are points for people to hold on to. Some peopole like the toe straps too. In theory, seats will mean you can go faster and rougher, more safely.

[boatbuoy]

A two man console gives space for a navigater, a packet of jaffa cakes and a cup of tea on the dash! Thats why we have that on our Ribtec!

[Chopppywaters]

hmm im not a big fan of the 1 man console...(although it is much cheaper), not sure why heh i like to have someone next to me to talk to while im driving though Also if get...hit with a random object from the ocean my co pilot there can steer for me lol

[Chopppywaters]

i also didnt get a windshield heh...anyone have any problems with no windshields?

[roycruse]

I got the windshield for this one as i was cought out along way from home in my last rib and it started to rain.

we tried to push through the rain but at 20+ knots its like someone trying to shove hot needles in your eyeballs.

a pair of sun glasses would have done helped - but i forgot them.

with the screen ill have sopmething to duck down behind if this happens to me again - im also hoping i will be able to attach a clip on mirror to the frame around the sheild for when im towing the kids oin the ringo or a skier.

[boatbuoy]

Nope, not at all. They tend to get quite hard to see through. In rough waters, if the boat doesn't have a screen I just wear a ski mask.

Does mean you don't have anywhere to put your jaffa cakes though.

[roycruse]

Originally Posted by boatbuoy

Nope, not at all. They tend to get quite hard to see through. In rough waters, if the boat doesn't have a screen I just wear a ski mask.

Does mean you don't have anywhere to put your jaffa cakes though.

id never even thought of the jaffa cake thing

what a bonus - (dont tell Ribcraft though - they might charge extra if they realise)

[boatbuoy]

I've had many a light snack wedged between the Windscreen, and the GPS!

[Chopppywaters]

heh i use to wedge my glasses and goggles between the GPS and windshield on my old boat

[geoff]

We have side by side jockey seats at the front and bench seat at the back. Great combination because I often sit with a novice at the wheel but I have control of the all important throttle. Young children love to sit at the back when its rough with an adult. Now that our children are older I often take a back seat where its comfortable and keep an eye on my 16 year old at the wheel who is in "control".
IMHO this is a good all round combination. And if you want to fish you can lounge on the bench seat, very comfortable.

[Seaharrier]

A large double console can be very useful when ribbing in cold weather. It gives your legs and lower body some more protection against the cold and the rain.

[Chopppywaters]

doesnt look like theres alot of room to get up to the Bow on the boat...or maybe you can hurdle the console

[roycruse]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

doesnt look like theres alot of room to get up to the Bow on the boat...or maybe you can hurdle the console

thats another reason for getting the single console - you get a load of extra deckspace - and you can actally walk to the front of the boat instead of having to climb...

[Seaharrier]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

doesnt look like theres alot of room to get up to the Bow on the boat...or maybe you can hurdle the console

That’s why there are patches on the tubes and inox grab handles on the console for. Usually while we are navigating we are not constantly running from front to back .

[Chopppywaters]

here in the U.S. we like to play hide and seek on our RIBs while going 50+ knots

[Seaharrier]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

here in the U.S. we like to play hide and seek on our RIBs while going 50+ knots

In that case you should definitely go for a large double console. it gives you more hiding spots!

I could fit one kid in the trunk under the front bench of the console, one adult or 2 kids in the console. In my rear trunkthere is place for 6 adults or if you organize them well maybe 8.

[Chopppywaters]

hahah

[mike100]

We are just about to add another two jockey seats and an A frame, not a bad setup for a 5.3 Ribcraft