Quote:
Originally Posted by Marki
What is the difference between a Tornado and XS Ribs? Are they made in the UK as apart from quality does the weakness of the pound make a UK built boat better value?
|
Tornados were for about 20 yrs sold exclusively by Barnett Marine. A couple of yrs ago Tornado moved their build to China, at the same time Barnett decided to stop selling Tornados. They had for several years been pushing XS as a second brand. At this point XS became their main brand and effectively replaced the tornado; there are many common design features.
The XS as it is now is very similar to the Tornado as it was a few years ago.
Tornados are still available direct from the original designer, I have not used of the new ones so cannot comment.
I assume by the words yacht club we are talking about a coastal location not an inland club. Can you tell us where?
Of the 4 boats on your initial list
• Ribeye
• Ribtec
• Tornado
• Avon
I have previously owned the first three and bought/run several Avons for a Club/Centre I used to run.
The Ribeye is not IMHO a workboat or suitable for what you want (great at going fast but a bit fragile to have heavy anchors and weights in and out all of the time). Tubes are also too high for a boat that will operate at rest much of the time; it is not a steady platform to work from.
The Avon Searider although an amazing RIB in its day and much loved on this forum is now dated. (wait for the backlash/replies form the forums die hard Searider fans who have never owned anything other than a second hand searider). The steering position is low, it is bad for the spine of the driver who sits in an awkward hunched position and it does not stand up to rough weather as well as some of the more modern options. The requirement for a flooding hull is now obsolete as plenty modern boats sit at rest quite happily.
If it were my money I would have the XS 6.5 at the top of the list, I would also have a good look at the Tornado. XS do the double console option on that boat, likewise on the 6.0 if you want to save a few grand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marki
I am looking for a rib for......hypalon tubes
|
Don't be too quick to ignore PVC. In a Yacht Club Environment where the boat is unlikely to receive the loving care and attention that a private boat will receive PVC tubes will look better for longer. To be honest having owned and worked both I am sometimes a little confused as to why so many people swear by hypalon as the supposedly superior option.
Why are you set on 6.5m, do you operate in a very exposed location or are you intending to carry a lot of passengers/equipment?
Eastern Thunder
Northern Exposure 5
