Used Rib what to look for

[stul]

Hi
Scuba diving club looking to purchase a second hand Rib
any pointers on the pitfalls and what to look for when buying .
A Ribcraft 545 has been mensioned at just under £10,000 with a so so trailer
we would need to travel 200 miles plus to view and test
I believe Ribcraft is a good make and it looks set up design wise suitable for scuba diving ( largish space behing single seat helm) 90 hp honda engine 4 stroke
Thanks lor looking
Stuart

[Poly]

http://www.rib.net/forum/f39/buying-...for-24685.html

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by stul

Hi

Scuba diving club looking to purchase a second hand Rib

any pointers on the pitfalls and what to look for when buying .

A Ribcraft 545 has been mensioned at just under £10,000 with a so so trailer

we would need to travel 200 miles plus to view and test

I believe Ribcraft is a good make and it looks set up design wise suitable for scuba diving ( largish space behing single seat helm) 90 hp honda engine 4 stroke

Thanks lor looking

Stuart

The 545 probably isn’t the best choice for a dive club. Depending on how many divers & of what type, tekkies or scubies, it could soon be cosy. If you found one with a diving layout, forward console, single jockey seat etc. You’d struggle with 4 divers & a helm. The 585 would be a better bet, but make sure it has an XL transom.

[stul]

thanks for your thoughts ,a lot of what you say I agree with .Queston
how do you identify the different transoms ,is strength of build ,is it height .

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by stul

thanks for your thoughts ,a lot of what you say I agree with .Queston
how do you identify the different transoms ,is strength of build ,is it height .

The difference between the L & XL transom is the cutout where the engine sits. The L transom is cut down by around 100mm where the XL is cut down by around 50mm. Most ,if not all of the newer boats are XL unless its a special request for an L. Older boats could be either.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

The difference between the L & XL transom is the cutout where the engine sits. The L transom is cut down by around 100mm where the XL is cut down by around 50mm. Most ,if not all of the newer boats are XL unless its a special request for an L. Older boats could be either.

Stul,,, and it makes the difference to which outboard you have.,,, 20" or 25" leg. I agree with Dave... You definitely need a 25" XL transom and motor for carrying divers. Otherwise with them sitting on the tubes at the rear, you will be flooding over the transom in anything but a flat calm sea. [emoji106]

[Pikey Dave]

This is worth a look, the right layout. It will be a plodder with that engine & 4 divers.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...o-trail/234741

[CJL]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

This is worth a look, the right layout. It will be a plodder with that engine & 4 divers.
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/...o-trail/234741

I was just thinking that boat might be right for them!

Chris

[beerbelly]

but that has the cut out transom he was warned against .or is there a version cut down even further

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

but that has the cut out transom he was warned against .or is there a version cut down even further

Yup good spot[emoji106], looks like a long shaft to me.

[davej]

Originally Posted by stul

Hi
Scuba diving club looking to purchase a second hand Rib
any pointers on the pitfalls and what to look for when buying .
A Ribcraft 545 has been mensioned at just under £10,000 with a so so trailer
we would need to travel 200 miles plus to view and test
I believe Ribcraft is a good make and it looks set up design wise suitable for scuba diving ( largish space behing single seat helm) 90 hp honda engine 4 stroke
Thanks lor looking
Stuart

My dive clubs tornado 5,5m has a yam 115 2 S and goes well. I would think a 90 would struggle if you want more than 4 divers. However, if that's your max then I think it would be fine. The transom height is vital you get that right.

[jonp]

Plenty of tips here https://www.boatstogo.com/faq.asp#30