The Newbie with a Project - Ribtec 655

[Mode]

Hi All

I posted a thread last week about a project! £1,000 to buy it!

So, I took a good look at the weekend and managed to work out that the Rib is
a Ribtech 655.

From the Serial No. on the hull it is 1999 boat.

Engine is probably the same year - i could not find the serial on it - but it looks like a 2002 one but I am guessing it too is 1999.

Pics attached for info!

The tube does hold air but the valve was a weak point - i am hoping these can be revived (paint and new rubbing strip) plus the new valve obviously.

Steering all worked OK

Engine is the big unknown and where a lot of money could go.

Anyway, any thoughts welcome!

[Nos4r2]

It looks like an ex rib ride boat with that seating configuration.

There should be an engine number sticker on the transom clamp, visible from behind and to the right of the engine.

[Maximus]

For that sort of money,engine and trailer inc... its certainly worth a punt! hard to see you looseing on it!
Certainly seen a lot worse resurrected on here
Good luck with Her...and keep the pics coming.

[Mode]

Thanks - Glad you agree cos I am going for it!!!!!!!

Anyone know a good engine company in Essex - i dont mind spending a few quid on that - I am hoping the tubes/hull clean up can be done by me and my brother in law!

Looking forward to it (if i can find the time and get the wife on side - the latter being the hard part!!)

Cheers!

Mode

PS - is the Ribtec 655 a good boat?

[Nos4r2]

At that price you'd be bloody stupid not to

Tip. Do the tube/hull cleanup last. You'll have to do it twice otherwise. You'll find a shedload of work that needs doing first before you go chucking that much water on it.

[Poly]

It's going to cost more than you think to get it ship shape though. If you are handy, mechanically minded, enjoy this sort of thing and have plenty of time, and ideally a nice workshop it has good potential, but if you are short on any of those expect it to cause a load of hassle.

If the engine is seized or otherwise properly dead then I predict you won't make your money back on it as a total revamp project, so knowing when to walk away will be important.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Poly

It's going to cost more than you think to get it ship shape though. If you are handy, mechanically minded, enjoy this sort of thing and have plenty of time, and ideally a nice workshop it has good potential, but if you are short on any of those expect it to cause a load of hassle.

If the engine is seized or otherwise properly dead then I predict you won't make your money back on it as a total revamp project, so knowing when to walk away will be important.

Yep.

It's an expensive bit of kit. There has to be a reason it was dumped too-If I was leaving the country I'd still sell it before I left as it would have been quite a chunk of cash to take with me.

If the engine isn't knackered, check it's not stolen.

Not trying to be negative, it's just worth saying that you REALLY need your eyes open here or you could be getting a big bite on the arse. My '02 Optimax still has the transom clamp engine number sticker on it, unmarked after 900+ hours of use. If that's missing it could point to something bad.

[beamishken]

Don't think for £1000 you can go far wrong hull & trailer must be worth a grand & the engine is a few hundred on ebay for spares repairs if it doesn't go
I think I'd rather fit something less thirsty anyway
Assuming the rig ain't stolen of course but if you know the vendor then your fairly safe on that front too

[Mode]

Thanks all

I was concerned about the stolen issue as well but I am assured that the guy who had it was OK and he went overseas for work and ended up staying.

I searched the stolen rib pages for the serial number i found on the hull and it did not seem to appear. Is there anywhere you guys know that I should be checking?

I have a very large workshop to use (my brother in law builds stock cars in his spare time and is brilliant at hands on stuff. We plan to spend 1 day a month locked in the workshop and probably a few evenings as well - would love to be on the water (at least testing) in the summer.

Will keep you all posted!!

Mode

[Nos4r2]

StolenBoats.org.uk :: Free directory of Stolen Boats :: Boat Insurance :: Marine Security is worth checking.

Keep us updated!

[Mode]

Yep, that is the one I checked - not on there!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Mode

Yep, that is the one I checked - not on there!

Check your private messages too

[Mode]

Finally have this back in my brother-in-laws workshop!

Trailer is first task - new brakes and a clean up!

Next job cleaning everything to see what we have. Once this is done I will post the "before" pics!!!

This could be quite a task!!!

Cheers

Mode

[Stigomery]

Look forward to seeing the 'before' pics... I do love a good restoration thread and am somewhat in awe of those that undertake such a labour of love...

[idsebby]

I am very jealous of you in the best way possible. Keep us updated on here would love to know your triumphs and pitfalls. How's the engine?

[Daniel]

Here's a 655 I did a few miles in...

This particular snap as we left Weymouth bound for Ramsgate - having cruised Over from Alderney the day before...

[Daniel]

And the Same boat on the Thames 2008 ish, Dec 26/27 I recall.

We did a two day trip home from Brightlingsea, day 1 Essex > Chatham and then day 2 back to Ramsgate, "via" central London. They were the days - no speed limit on the Thames !

[Daniel]

Some
How my first post got lost.

I like the 655 hull but not all do. It's an easy to drive forgiving design - no speed records but fast enough.

Too long ago to recall but it was fast enough (40 ish) 2 up with a 4 cylinder suzi 140 4-stroke.

I'm a bit of a speed nut and I should have put a v6 150 on that boat !

[Mode]

Hi all

Been ages I know but I can finally update!

Took me a while to get the boat to a lock up I can use! Another separate story is how the trailer detached from the back of my discovery on the A14 - Land Rover recall on removable tow-bar that they failed to tell me! No damage done though so all OK.

Anyway, cleaned up the boat, removed a rotten front hatch and pleased to report the boat is in far better condition that i first suspected! Main desk is solid as a rock so only need to make good front section.

My intention will be to remove all anti-slip floor things, rub down, re-paint and new anti-slip stuff.

Engine being looked at next week so will know if I have a big bill coming!

Also bought the gear to clean the tubes and will post update again when it is cleaner - day off next Friday to start that! Will probably repaint.

Pic below of it after jetwash!

Cheers

Mode

[jeffstevens763@g]

scrubbed up nice Mode