Seaworthiness!

Jimmy C · 07 April 2006, 10:15

Hiya all,
been swatting up on a suitable boat, and i really want something that can take pretty much anything the weather throws at it, deep hull, quite a high nose, plus in the 5-6m bracket. Seen quite a lot of variation, but my current favourite is the 535 ribcraft, any other recommendations?
Looking for outboard, two smaller twin engines i.e twin 40's or 50's
Cheers
Jimmy

Tim M · 07 April 2006, 11:14

The ribtec 585 is a very nice seaworthy boat. Much more space than the 535.

roycruse · 07 April 2006, 11:23

Did you mean Ribcraft 5.85 - they do a 5.3 and a 5.85 but not a 5.35

If you did mean the Ribcraft 585 then its a fantastic boat

Pete7 · 07 April 2006, 11:56

Was there a reason for twin 40s ? if not how about something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-3-M-RIB_W0QQ...QQcmdZViewItem

xpertski · 07 April 2006, 13:22

i owuld consider humbers, notably either a destroyer or ocean pro, i admit im biased because we own one, but absolutely love the boat, and enspires shed loads of confidence offshore!!! you have a budget?
if buying new, there (in my opinion) isnt a boat which comes close to a humber when you talk in terms of capability, robustness, price and offshore capability! certainly worth considering!
the 585 is a great boat though, and you wouldnt be dissapointed!

Jimmy C · 07 April 2006, 13:35

Yeah some nice toys!
I do have a budget, but i was looking at lower end, as i like to tinker and am quite happy to do some work if needed to get it up to scratch.
The ebay boat is nice, but its just outside my budget, although less would need to be spent on it, since its good condition.
Have been looking at the Humber destroyers, and ocean pro. They look like just what i want, but again sadly outside current budget. Maybe if i flog this mariner 40 thats sitting in my garage, i'll be able to afford it!! Jimmy

Jimmy C · 07 April 2006, 13:47

Also the idea was 2 engines, as if going offshore etc and one seriously buggers up, then i could get back. As my budget doesnt stretch to a brand new verado or something similar!

Pete7 · 07 April 2006, 14:17

Ah, sounds like you need a nice project then:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-5mt-Osprey-R...QQcmdZViewItem

This is an Osprey 18, predessor to the 5.2m Sparrowhawk, so 1987 - 1990 ish.
It should be cheap and since you have a Mariner 40 hp already ...... also its in Sarfhampton I would go and have a look, with cash, to end it early. Its been for sale for a year by the way

Pete

farrellm · 07 April 2006, 14:30

I am about to invest for the first time in a RIB. I am looking at a Lencraft 5m with 40hp Mariner 2 stroke, it is in excellent condition. Engine ex RNLI - 12 MTHS, boat about 3 yrs old. I plan to use it for some off shore cruising along the south west coast of Ireland. Will also get my 2 young sons 13 & 16 trained to use it as well. Would like to hear if you think this would be ideal, in particular the engine size. Will also plan to pull some toys. First step, what do you think ?

Tim M · 07 April 2006, 15:37

40hp on a 5m with three people and toys sounds a bit underpowered to me. I have a 4.1m with Mariner 40 and thats fairly slow even with just 2 up. Whats the max engine for the boat? Something like a 75hp might be more suitable if the boat can take it.

Jimmy C · 07 April 2006, 17:14

Pete, how do you know that the osprey has been on sale for a year? Superior connections! What do you reckon just from looking at it? and how much is it really worth if the engines run well as is stated? Bearing in mind a 'slow puncture' could be anywhere from a couple of hrs to a few weeks.
Also this is one of the first ribs i've seen with a solid nose? maybe i havnt been looking hard enough!
Jimmy

Pete7 · 07 April 2006, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy C

Pete, how do you know that the Osprey has been on sale for a year?

It was advertised on Boats-for-Sale.com, all through last summer but without a photo. However how many orange Ospreys with twin 40s are there in Southampton? so pretty sure thats the one. Think it was up for £4500 but clearly didn't sell.

Quote:

What do you reckon just from looking at it? and how much is it really worth if the engines run well as is stated?

Often asked question on Ribnet and difficult to answer, what someone is willing to pay for it I suppose, but say £500 for each engine if they run well, and the hull £800 - £1000. Trailer? well they are having a laugh, but if you do get it have a chat with Rogue Wave on here as he has some Galv chassis and axles going cheap. He is in Drivers Wharf, Sarfhampton, but I won't hold that against him or his choice of football team who are going down this year

now that we have our manager back.

Quote:

Also this is one of the first ribs i've seen with a solid nose? maybe i havnt been looking hard enough! Jimmy

Do a search on Ribnet for "Eagle" or "Sparrowhawk" or:

http://www.ospreyrib.com/frameset.htm

and the new UK site under developement I think: http://www.ospreyribs.co.uk/

Pete

farrellm · 08 April 2006, 11:35

As it is my first go at it I am a bit nervous that anything bigger than say a 50hp might be a bit much for 2 teenage lasds to deal with. It will take a 75 hp if needed. Should I go with a 40 or will I regret it ?

Pete7 · 08 April 2006, 18:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by farrellm

Should I go with a 40 or will I regret it ?

Yes and you will be looking for a larger engine in a couple of months. 75 hp should give a top speed of 35 mph in the flat calm and be enough for water skiing or towing rings and alot of fun with the lads.

Pete

farrellm · 09 April 2006, 00:37

Thanks for the advice - Will look now at 50hp +.