Small Diesel RIB

Biggles · 21 May 2005, 23:51

I am looking at upgrading to a diesel RIB.

Can anyone tell me what is the smallest inboard RIB you can buy ?

I see Humber offer the 6.3 m Ocean Pro at a reasonable price, but is their a smaller RIB ?

I would like to get a Diesel RIB with 4 jockey seats 2 x 2 behind a double console. Anybody got any ideas.

Regards Nick R.

Hightower · 22 May 2005, 00:07

I would guess that you'll not be able to go below a 5.5m Rib, Nick. You just won't get the beam to accomodate a double console with anything smaller. The XS 550 is a really beamy boat, but I've never heard of a smoker in that size.

You fed up with your searider already

.

Andy

bogib · 22 May 2005, 00:13

Solent Ribs do 6 metre one with Mercruiser 1,7 diesel 120 hp and it gives a nice and decent speed as well about 40 mph.
SimmondsO has got one and I am sure Harry will be more than happy to tell you all about it.

Bogi

slimtim · 22 May 2005, 00:26

Didn't avon make a small diesel RIB? I'm not sure if it was just in the development stages but it was on a thread a while ago.

Tim

slimtim · 22 May 2005, 00:27

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....ll+avon+diesel

try that

Biggles · 22 May 2005, 01:12

Hi Andy,

Not fed up of the Sea Rider, Just yet. But planning for the future.

I want a boat that is fun, reliable and econimical. I don't know if you can get such a boat but I'm starting to look now and plan 2 years ahead. I don't have bottomless pockets and want the next boat to last a few years.

I also want to be able to launch on quite a poor slip on my own. Hence the small size of boat. I also understand that even though Diesel is likely to lose its priviliged price position in the near future its still more economical than a traditional outboard, although slower and not as good looking.

I guess I'm just trying to cover all avenues.

bogib · 22 May 2005, 01:22

Good points Biggles

Situation over here at the moment boatowners have payed less than 30 p for their diesel litre while we outboarder (petrol guzzlers) are paying some 90 p a liter.

As from July 1st this should change or we the guzzlers will raise up to our two feet and protest as we should get our fuel down to 30 p price mark

Bogi

rbw156 · 22 May 2005, 09:04

I've been doing some research as I'm thinking of upgrading from my 4.5m RIB. You are correct that the smallest Humber that will take a diesel is a 6.3m.

http://www.explorer-marine.co.uk/ sell a large range of diesel RIBs. The smallest is 5.5m

However, the conclusion that I've drawn is that you need to do at least 100 hours per year to recover the higher purchase and installation cost. Also, what is the latest on red diesel?

Regards

Rich

JIY · 22 May 2005, 11:09

A note of caution - I owned a Ribcraft 6.8m Offshore fitted with a Volvo KAD32 diesel. A nice boat, but definitely stern-heavy because of the weight of the diesel - hard work in a head sea. Waterline length and hull volume is all important when fitting a diesel engine, so small is not necessarily beautiful!
The Mercruiser 1.7L diesel is a popular choice in small RIBs and is certainly lighter than most diesels, but personally I'm not convinced that it's a good engine.

I love my 8.5m Tornado with 250hp Yanmar diesel

, it's a beautifully balanced boat and very economical (5.5 gph @ 32 knots), but if circumstances ever force me to change for a smaller RIB I would go for an outboard installation, to avoid being stern-heavy again.

Colin F · 22 May 2005, 11:22

I own a Ribcraft 6.5m with a volvo D3-160. It doesn't appear to be stern heavy, but then the engine is 175kg lighter than the old KAD series. You do need to take into account the lost space inside from the diesel. I reckon there is as much space in mine as a 585 with an outboard. I am currently getting 36 knots out of her although the anti-fouling may knock a knot or two off

I'm really pleased with her

There are some pics in the gallery

simmons0 · 22 May 2005, 11:56

Solent 6m with the merc is great. Quick, handles well, looks good.
Also, while we were looking at ribs, humber would put the merc 120 into a 6m Destroyer aswell as the 6.3 ocean pro.

Ezgoing · 23 May 2005, 23:15

Biggles

Redbay regularily do 6.1 and 6.5 with Diesel. I think they are expecting a trade in of one soon. Try www.redbayboats.com. They make great boats but website isn't always up to date.

rgds

Andy Gee · 24 May 2005, 08:42

Coastline have one in this month Rib Int., get a good review (mind you who dosent

). I've been out in a few of their outboard powered boats and they are nice in the sea. Might be worth a look as it was certinally a good price.
Andy

craigdavis · 24 May 2005, 08:46

I have seen that Ribtach have done a small inboard diesle boat. I think it was a 585 with a volvo engine it looked very nice.

phildefer · 24 May 2005, 17:19

Does maintenance of the diesel engine and leg is less expensive than an outboard engine ?

Thanks
Phil

Biggles · 24 May 2005, 18:34

Craig,

I like the look of the Ribtec and would be interested to get some more details from them. Unfortunately their web site is down for maintenance and has been for a couple of weeks now. I shall keep trying though.

Regards Nick R.

Biggles · 24 May 2005, 18:45

Craig,

I've been trying to access the RIBTECH site, but its currently under reconstruction.

I would certainly consider a RIB tech.

Regards Nick R.

Alan · 24 May 2005, 19:01

Ribtec did do a 585 or 6m RIB with the Volvo 105hp engine some years ago which was featured in several magazines. I think it went to a Yacht Club in Suffolk cos the last time I saw it was at Felixstowe Ferry a few years ago. That engine has been superseded by the new Volvo's & the 1.7 Mercruiser etc etc.

AFAIK a diesel engine is more expensive than an outboard to maintain. Of course this is just received wisdom and hearsay so in true rib.net style I will state it as an absolute fact and get into a massive flame war with anyone who dares disagree with me!

(But there is some logic about an outboard being easier to access than an inboard diesel that would lead me to think that I am speaking somewhere near the truth.)

swginn · 24 May 2005, 21:50

Some info on Ribtecs here www.oceanquayribs.com

That website has been under construction for 3 or 4 months at least now!!

Solent Ranger · 24 May 2005, 23:28

I heard today that a certain owner of a certain London footbal club who has a passion for toys is having a "small" rib designed. 10 metres with twin 240 Yanmars on Hamilton jet drives - all purpose designed with touch key switches etc. Current cost? Around £250K and rising. Hmmmmmmmmm, I wonder if they need a test driver