Thoughs on this tiler steer rib?

two stroke mick · 12 December 2007, 18:22

Please put forward your thoughts on this tiller steer rib made by Humber. I have been considering this type of rib verses a Valiant DR450? The boat would be used for diving, beach work and for the familay. If any one has a similar rib I would be keen to hear about it from the point of view of dryness and harshness of ride
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F161840
http://www.ribworld.co.uk/seapro-specs.html

The rib I am interested in is the 4.8m.

keelhauled · 12 December 2007, 18:44

I always thought that the ideal dive boat for inshore diving was a rib with a tiller steer engine but years ago I had a flat bottom Zodiac and it really was suitable for summer cruising in the bay. I know the Atlantic off Mayo and Galway and if a squall blows up this Humber will struggle, you would be far better off getting a DR 490 at the minimum. Just my tuppence worth.

two stroke mick · 12 December 2007, 18:47

I plan to use boat in Clew Bay. Clare Island gives a fair degree of protection

Pete7 · 12 December 2007, 20:24

Fond memories of diving around the North Antrim coast from a Humber Alpha, whilst we normally used it with just 4 divers we have had 6 with twin sets in one, powered by an old 55 hp mariner. It would plane with 4 divers about 22 knots but not with 6. They have bigger tubes than other ribs in there class which helps carry the load. Only a medium V hull but that never stopped us. Could be towed by anything and hand launched across sand. We even dragged one 100 yards across mud one Sunday rather than wait for the tide to come back in. It would slam but we just slowed down a bit tofind a comfortable speed.

Not a bad price especially if he will take an offer just before Xmas, but i would ditch the frame thats doing nothing for the boat.

Pete

walruz · 13 December 2007, 07:41

I dived for years from "floppies" (as we called them at the time) powered by 40 outboards. Great all round boat and when properly set up, and handled, can take some pretty harsh seas.

Having said that I much prefer the all round performance and handling of a rib.

Just my opinion.

Ian