Viewing a prospective rib tomorrow, thoughts and feelings!

Hugo_studd · 29 June 2021, 19:50

Dear all,

I am viewing a 4m Narwhal Rib tomorrow, included is a 2001 Suzuki 4 stroke DF25 engine on tiller and Galvanised Indespension bunker trailer with rear set of rollers. The Tubes are 5 years old and Hypalon.

I will be hopefully doing all the usual engine tests, checking the gearbox oil, compression test, running engine to get an idea of cooling as well as feeling it after a good warmup to see what temperature the engine block is to see if there is any salt occluding the cooling water in the block etc.. Any other tests that you would recommend? has anyone had any experiences with old Suzuki 4 strokes, any word of warnings? It has been owned buy the seller for a year in that time period it has been used once and had a service> Prior to being purchased by the seller it has had yearly or 1.5 yearly services prior to being sold on as I have been told.

What things should I also be on the look out for on the rib itself? Any tests to check the integrity of the transom? have narwhal got a good structural reputation? This will be my first rib buy if I do decided to commit and I would like to go into it with all eyes open.

Finally, What are your thoughts on the power of the rib with a 25hp engine on the back? I fear it might be a bit underpowered, if possible I would like to get up on the plain with 3 people and a bit of kit as well.

The whole package is going for £2400, that is with the trailer having new wheel bearings and hubs, the engine having a service 6 months ago and new tubes 5 years ago. Is this a competitive price?

All thoughts and feelings welcome, just trying to be as educated as possible to avoid and expensive or silly mistake! Happy to answer further questions.

spartacus · 30 June 2021, 08:10

I've just had a look at it and it looks cosmetically rough. No experience of Narwhal ribs, but with a 25hp it's not going exactly going to set the heather alight. Really you'd want 40hp on there.

With the market the way it is, then prices have increased. £2,400 is still a tidy sum for your fist boat so walk away if things don't add up.

As it's had a retube, and only 5 years old, any paperwork as to who did it? Any lifting of the hypalon around the hull?

Engine, then you want to see it running. The fact it's not in its manufacturer colours is a crying shame and whoever painted needs shaking. You may be able to pick up a used cowl as painting and decals aren't cheap.

I suspect with covid restrictions the current owner is tired of it. Why are they selling, upgrade?

If you are looking to repower down the line, and assuming there's a manufacturer plate on the transom, then check out the maximum transom rating and engine weight. Clyde Outboards have a Mariner 40hp. https://www.clyde-outboard-services....tboard-engines

There's still money in the Suzuki 25hp 4-stroke, but will need to be tidied up to get top dollar.

Hugo_studd · 30 June 2021, 08:53

Thank you for your reply it has been very helpful

I fear your right and it might be a bit underpowered, It looks like quite a slim boat and from what has been said apparently the max outboard size is 30HP anyway so 25 isn't too far off. I'm not looking for blistering speeds just so long as it hops up on the plain with some power to spare.

In regards to the re-tube if no reverent paperwork can be produced should it be steered clear of? Like wise from the photos I cant actually see a transom plate, that's not to say there isn't one, but if I view the boat and it is missing should it be definitively be avoided?

I thought the engine cover looked a bit funny but had no idea it wasn't manufacture stock. Could this be of something more significant than just an attempt at cosmetic brush up? Assuming the engine is in good nick, passing all the tests, would the value of it be significantly decreased by this?

The reason for the boat being sold on is the owner has bought a bigger rib, searider 5.4 I think and felt it suited his needs better than a smaller tiller rib.

Thanks once again for your time

Hugo_studd · 30 June 2021, 08:54

I also confess, I am not sure if the price is with or without vat, I hope inclusive

Fenlander · 30 June 2021, 10:19

I don't usually stray from SIB advice into RIBs but just looking at it as any smallcraft...

First there are big warning signs... the guy has given you his reason for selling... but he has three boats listed currently and has sold at least five boats/boating items over the lockdown period so perhaps bit of a serial back garden dealer. Which fits with the amount of boats hanging about in the background of his photos unless he's storing in someone else's back garden.

So doesn't look like a seller who will be concerned with VAT!

It all looks a bit DIY tidied from a few years back then let go recently. The DIY cowl paint/logo is a bit odd... but for me if the only issue I'd make a fair job of removing those logos, rattle can painting and new Ebay logos for £30.

Shame the re-tube has kind of lost its styling as a Narwhal.

There is a part of the lower inner transom centre that look to be add-on timber and a bolt adj looks to be pulling through the GRP cracking it so I'd look at that area carefully.

At this size and HP you are right in the crossover of wanting seating and a console. I wonder if that was all stripped out in its tidy up of a few years ago fitting in with the new tubes?

One thing that would stop me from looking further... if the outboard serial number plate/sticker was missing.

spartacus · 30 June 2021, 10:57

If it were me - I'd pass on it.

A rib and tiller is a compromise. Down the line when the market returns to its senses, then you'll struggle to shift it or get your money back is my guess. It's not even sitting on the trailer right, so suspect it's been bought to simply move on quickly. The front winch post could move back so the rear hull rollers sit properly.

You might even be better with a SIB, such as a Zodiac Futura with an aluminium sectional floor. SIBs and tiller steering are a perfect combination. Anyway - that's my tuppence worth.

This is at North Western Trading, no trailer and no idea of price. It's a Solus approved rescue boat, but will be a tough as old boots, and will have been well-maintained no doubt. https://nwtandco.com/product/valiant...5-hp-outboard/

Fenlander · 30 June 2021, 11:13

>>>A rib and tiller is a compromise. Down the line when the market returns to its senses, then you'll struggle to shift it...

Yes probably the biggest factor with this item. Also when I looked at it again I thought with the re-tube not reinstating the original tube top grab rails and having no console or even bench seats there is not one single thing in that Rib to hold onto or support yourself with in rough weather.

It's an oddball one for sure.

Hugo_studd · 30 June 2021, 11:55

Thank you both for your input, really helpful. I wasn't sure where the market stood on boats like this.

The reason I am even considering this boat is I was on the lookout for a sib around 4 meters ish and had my eye on the Excel 430 vanguard. We have a series of sibs which we currently use and a pioneer 13. My thought process was if I am going to get a bigger and more powerful sib, I would need a trailer, then I might as well commit to having a rib. A sib and trailer package with a 4 stroke outboard would be about 4 or 5 grand more and I like tiller setups for their low maintenance and increase in space. It was this boat's similarity to a sib I liked at a discounted price to a new setup. However, it doesn't seem to be a popular setup especially with its lack of original handles and being very barebones so it is good to consider its second-hand value when down the line I have the time money, and space to upgrade to a console rib.