I just have some questions about the Solent Ribs 585 and 600. So, are these ribs based on the same hull, because on their website the beam is different between the two? the 585 is done for 2.4 m and the 600 for 2.2 m? Strange...
Also, are these Rib and the 585 /600 well established?Are they strong and durable? Have you ever heard some problems with the hull (polyester, wooden ply...)?
They are made by a small team on the Coast near Fareham. Kevin at the site is the main builder and to my knowledge they have been very good boats, well put together. Tim Griffin (griff marine) on this forum uses Solents for his school and other work and he may be worth a pm to ask more about them. If you need specs or more I probably have their number to speak direct with solent ribs.
I have seen a lot of them and would happily buy one, was even looking at a second hand the other day. Like all boats think about a survey first I guess but well thoght out and manufactured boats
I got a 2009 Solent Rib 600, all is ok so far.
A friend of mine got a 650, and has indeed some problem with the wooden ply.
We know few others with Solent rib here in Brittany, you can join us in Cap Breizh forums (in french).
FYI, we have (and have had) several Solent Ribs here on the Dry Stack and have never heard of any serious complaints. A sea school (no longer trading) bought a couple of 5-6m Ribs for teaching and the only slight complaint was that the SS "A" frames went a little rusty round the welds!
Currently we have a 6m Solent (2010) and a 6.9m (2009) and both owners are very happy with their boats (save a few minor quality control issues which Solent sorted). I have used a number of their boats and find them Ideal for the "Solent Chop".
Hullabaloo
