Suggestions for first rib or boat for the Channel Islands

Felldancer · 08 May 2013, 15:36

Hi All,

I am looking to buy my first boat for general playing about and maybe, in time the odd trip to France. I moved to Jersey a year ago and want to make the most of living by the sea while I am here.

I would appreciate suggestions for suitable boats for the above, I have a budget of £5 K including trailer , insurance etc.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Regards

Mike

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 21:32

Anyone??

Mollers · 09 May 2013, 21:38

£5k could be a bit tight for offshore capability.

csjukes · 09 May 2013, 21:40

Depends how old you are looking but stick with a well known brand of engine, yamaha or honda are a good bet for reliability. It terms of the actual boat well an SR4 is a reliable and sturdy choice, while zodiac has heritage. Theres plenty mpre to know but thats a start
Cheers

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 21:40

Ok, what sort of budget should I be looking at realistically?

I was thinking in the 5-6m range would a SR4 be a bit too small?

Thanks

Nick Hearne · 09 May 2013, 21:48

Hi with your budget you will be looking at something a bit older probaly with a 2st on! What are you planning to do with it & with how menny of you?
I would stick with a well known brand that will be easier to sell on if it is not just what you are after.
If you have seen anything post details & we can give you some opinions

Nick

Nick Hearne · 09 May 2013, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felldancer

Ok, what sort of budget should I be looking at realistically?

I was thinking in the 5-6m range would a SR4 be a bit too small?

Thanks

SR5.4 with a nice Yam 90hp 2st on it then

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 21:56

Thanks, probably 2-3 onboard mainly for traveling around the coast and bays of Jersey, however once I gain a bit more experience over to France and the other Islands, ( Guernsey, Sark etc)

Was looking at this Humber Dive Pro 5metre RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) | eBay

theres is an old Avon Dive boat 5.6m locally for £2.5 k however its pretty old 1985 i think.

csjukes · 09 May 2013, 22:00

Yes humbers a great make if you are going for 'ruggedness'. Although those force engined are mixed reliability depending on how many hours that has and how well looked after etc

Rogue Wave · 09 May 2013, 22:03

can you post some pics of the local Avon

Nick Hearne · 09 May 2013, 22:03

The Force engine would put some off & do not have the best rep.
Are you all adults or are you taking kids out with you?

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 22:06

no just adults, looks like a decent sr5.4 with sound engine might be a good choice.

Anyone know of a decent one for sale?

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 22:10

avon searider sr4 rib. yamaha autolube 30hp electric start. 25knotts, boat and tubes in good condition.

this is also tempting however no trailer, and small engine

Nick Hearne · 09 May 2013, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felldancer

avon searider sr4 rib. yamaha autolube 30hp electric start. 25knotts, boat and tubes in good condition.

this is also tempting however no trailer, and small engine

You will want min. Of a 40hp on that but I would go for a 50hp

5k should get you a good set up Sr4 but I would go for a 5.4m should be doable with your budget!

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 22:35

out of interest does anyone know the differences between a 1985 avon dive rescue / dive boat and a sea rider?

Thanks

Mike

martini · 09 May 2013, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felldancer

theres is an old Avon Dive boat 5.6m locally for £2.5 k however its pretty old 1985 i think.

This one?
http://www.jtinsight.com/Classifieds...on-Resue-Boat/

Felldancer · 09 May 2013, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

This one?
Avon Resue Boat - Boats & Watercraft - JT Insight

that's the one

martini · 09 May 2013, 23:28

Looks like an SR 5.4 though I'm no expert on Avons. Somebody else should be able to tell you what the going rates are for these, my advice would be to ignore the fact it has an engine, a 20 year old force ob is pretty much worthless and unlikely to be worth spending money on.

Also, ignore the 6.5m Prosport rib on JT Insight, on account of it being a Prosport. (Search Prosport on here for why)

simon23 · 09 May 2013, 23:29

i have a tornado in the for sale section in you budget,old but very capable boat,get in touch if you fancy a look

Erin · 10 May 2013, 10:03

For round the coastline and bays then I'd be happy with a 5m ish boat. However, if you want to do France and the other islands then I'd be looking at a 6m as a minimum unless you are only going to go when the conditions are absolutely perfect. I used to do Alderney regularly on a 5.8 which became hard work if there was a bit of wind against tide.