Small Rib Builders

Landlockedpirate · 28 August 2013, 12:55

I have decided to upgrade the sib we use when camping and I am now looking for a small rib. Spec needs to be around 3.6-3.9m open deck and light enough for 3 people to lift (without engine). I need it to take a minimum of 25hp, but higher would be better. I only use it a couple of times a year for exploring rivers and beaches and some light duty ringo/kneeboarding.

It would be better if it took a short shaft engine so I can use an existing Yamaha 25hp 2 stroke that I have.

Looking for ideas of ribs or manufactures, the only 1 I can find so far is the Xpro 380.

Cheers

Budgie1 · 28 August 2013, 13:40

I had a Valiant 3.8M few years ago with standard shaft 25hp Mariner, fantastic little boat used it for knee boarding, ringo's etc and both my teenage kids learnt to wakeboard with it

Nick Hearne · 28 August 2013, 13:44

I do like the look of the Ribeye tenders too

T 365

T 400

Landlockedpirate · 28 August 2013, 20:37

Cheers guys, like the look of the Valiant, but the 380 only takes a 20hp and the 400 is too heavy.

Love the Ribeye as well, the 365 is the right weight and cab take up to a 40hp

. But its a longshaft, so I would need a new engine as well.

sailit · 28 August 2013, 22:09

there is the older zodiac yachtlines where open decks and 3.8m long they couold take up to a 40hp engine but i have only seen 2 ever.

PeterM · 28 August 2013, 22:14

What does a 3.5m humber take/weigh?

Budgie1 · 29 August 2013, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landlockedpirate

Cheers guys, like the look of the Valiant, but the 380 only takes a 20hp and the 400 is too heavy.

Love the Ribeye as well, the 365 is the right weight and cab take up to a 40hp

. But its a longshaft, so I would need a new engine as well.

Not disputing the RIBeye may be the better option but Valiant Dynamic 3.8 (which is the one I had) is rated for 25hp and I only had standard shaft

Valiant Ribs Dynamic 380 Open for sale at ABC Powermarine, Anglesey, North Wales

Chunk · 29 August 2013, 12:01

After the performance of the Highfields at the Round Ireland have you thought about their small Ocean Masters? The OM350 can take a 40HP and weighs in at around 100Kg.

I have a slightly bigger one and find the ride better than my old Valiant.

Davidlan · 29 August 2013, 21:53

Perhaps you could consider a Highfield classic 360 or 380. Max HP 25.
I'll try to write up something with some pictures over the next few days.
360 weighs about 70 kg.

Boatnomad · 30 August 2013, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

What does a 3.5m humber take/weigh?

3.4 X 1.54 =70kgs. Max 20HP

Landlockedpirate · 30 August 2013, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidlan

Perhaps you could consider a Highfield classic 360 or 380. Max HP 25.
I'll try to write up something with some pictures over the next few days.
360 weighs about 70 kg.

Like the look of the Highfields.Is the classic an open deck ?

Davidlan · 31 August 2013, 10:25

Hi, The Classic is an open deck though for the 360 and 380 there is supposed to be a tubular console for it. For this size of boat I did not want a console as they take up too much room. In some respects I think it have more useful internal space than a 4.5 rib with console would have.

It is very much like a solid hull inflatable in manys ways, whereas large rib seem to be hard boats with an inflatable cushion around them. I say this as larger ribs when on the plane seem to have the tubes off the water and deeper hulls.

The difference between this and a ply floor inflatable if that it is deeper inside which makes it feel safer.

Landlockedpirate · 31 August 2013, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidlan

Hi, The Classic is an open deck though for the 360 and 380 there is supposed to be a tubular console for it. For this size of boat I did not want a console as they take up too much room. In some respects I think it have more useful internal space than a 4.5 rib with console would have.

It is very much like a solid hull inflatable in manys ways, whereas large rib seem to be hard boats with an inflatable cushion around them. I say this as larger ribs when on the plane seem to have the tubes off the water and deeper hulls.

The difference between this and a ply floor inflatable if that it is deeper inside which makes it feel safer.

Thanks, I want an open deck for the same reasons you describe.Will go and have a look at them at the boat show.

Landlockedpirate · 07 September 2013, 11:40

Hi everyone, now been to see a lot of small ribs and I think I have made a decision. I really liked the ribs from the small quality UK builders, but they were all so well made they were too heavy to lift and they also took long shafts.

After a lot of searching I have found a Seapro 360, it takes a short shaft motor, but even better will take a 40hp maximum. It also weighs about 80kg, which allows 2 of us to lift it onto the camper.

BRAND NEW 12 ft rib for sale Seapro 360 TENDER 3.6m RIB 12ft boat outboard sail | eBay

I carry it like this, hence the reason for portability.

I know there are very few in the country, but has anyone got any thoughts on the Seapro's ?

colcreate · 07 September 2013, 11:53

Re Seapro http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/buying-s...rib-30612.html

kerny · 07 September 2013, 15:32

And another link http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/spider-c...oat-38916.html

Landlockedpirate · 07 September 2013, 16:59

So, early Chinese Seapro's had issues, new Turkish Seapro's are better. BH seem to stand by their products.

I will go and have a chat with BH, but the 3 year warranty should take any risk out of it.

kerny · 07 September 2013, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landlockedpirate

So, early Chinese Seapro's had issues, new Turkish Seapro's are better. BH seem to stand by their products.

I will go and have a chat with BH, but the 3 year warranty should take any risk out of it.

I thought that they are made in Egypt.

The seapro sibs look okay for the money and lets face it I guess that most sibs are made in China anyways, but,,,, I would not buy a seapro rib

BTW the Egyptian one I had as a replacement the transom cracked while trimming the engine down. Your call

burak · 07 September 2013, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

I thought that they are made in Egypt.

You are right. Not Turkish. Two companies make decent sibs and ribs in Turkey, Asimarin (Joker) and Northstar.

kerny · 07 September 2013, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by burak

You are right. Not Turkish. Two companies make decent sibs and ribs in Turkey, Asimarin (Joker) and Northstar.

Thank you burak, I have found their website

This is where BH Marine get there seapros from.

Tiger-Marine - RIBs Manufacturer - Dive Master Series