Which 4.5m - 5.5m Rib? - Page 2

jsrmacleod · 11 March 2013, 22:54

I have a 5.25 Osprey Viper with a 90hp Mariner, good beamy boat very stable with lots of deck space, great as a dive rib, 5 divers plus kit, had 6 but a bit of a squeeze, mine is a 97 model just painted the Hypalon to freshen it up and it looks great, fantastic boats

Viper · 12 March 2013, 16:22

+ 1 you can't beat an Osprey..

two stroke mick · 12 March 2013, 17:10

Valiant DR490 a nice small boat. It is too small for six people. It can be arranged to have seating for 4 at at squeeze.

Tim in Yorkshire · 12 March 2013, 19:15

Thanks again for the feedback so far.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrmacleod

I have a 5.25 Osprey Viper with a 90hp Mariner, good beamy boat very stable with lots of deck space, great as a dive rib, 5 divers plus kit, had 6 but a bit of a squeeze, mine is a 97 model just painted the Hypalon to freshen it up and it looks great, fantastic boats

How is it in the rougher stuff? And what is it like at speed, any chine walk?

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Valiant DR490 a nice small boat. It is too small for six people. It can be arranged to have seating for 4 at at squeeze.

For six people it would literally be a 2-3 mile trip, so a few on the tubes at lower speed wouldn't be an issue. Again what's it like in the rough/speed? And what size engine is required to move it along nicely and/or tow a wake board?

clydeoutboards · 12 March 2013, 19:24

what a great post as we all have our own likes and dislikes. so here is another one for the mix. go for an aluminium hull. The boat show was full of them and clearly many of the manufactures see these as the way to go as even Honda is getting in on the act!

time to go as other with more experience of these will be able to tell you more what they are like in big waves far better than me.

Dave

Maximus · 12 March 2013, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Of all the gobbledegook you've come out with on this site, this sure does take the biscuit!

Mabe A Change (AGAIN) to ''BOLLERS'' would a Good idea

Or for Now... and we're ALL used to it..Just... MORE BOLLERS from MOLLERS!

Maximus · 12 March 2013, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

It didn't eat my 5.4 'til you put 130hp on it

A Merc Heavey 90 4strk is not TOO Nimble

..Soon had lump off!!.. BUT not too many SUB! 5.5M RIB's could even Handle a 130!

Mollers · 12 March 2013, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Mabe A Change (AGAIN) to ''BOLLERS'' would a Good idea

Or for Now... and we're ALL used to it..Just... MORE BOLLERS from MOLLERS!

As you clearly have your own language, spelling and punctuation, f'k knows what the above means?

jsrmacleod · 13 March 2013, 22:51

Hi, it's great in the rough stuff for playing about and having the wide beam still very stable, I still managed to motor on with the 6 divers and kit which is a hell of a weight, probably still doing 20 to 25 knots, the 90hp is perfectly adequate

Crusher · 14 March 2013, 12:35

I owned a 5.45 RC With a merc 90 2 stroke. My good friend owned a 5.4 SR with a Merc 90
We crossed the channel from Calshot to Alderney both 3 up, along with many other trips together, and often swapped boats, so I think I am comparing eggs with eggs, much more than many, who comment.
1stly they are both great boats, in my opinion both in the top 5 manufacturers.
The RC was a smoother and dryer ride. Both were rock steady, performance and economy were identical.
I believe the RC to be the overall better boat, and when I sold it my mate with the SR 12 months later told me he wished he'd sold his and bought mine.
Good luck with your search, and make sure you try as many boats out before you commit so it suits your needs. (There are plenty on here who may help) and anyone selling should take you out for a proper sea trial.

Hope you get a great boat. :-)

gotchiguy · 14 March 2013, 15:30

Can't go wrong with an Osprey Sparrowhawk in the size range you're talking about. Narrow boat, but the hard nose and the hull design result in a fantastically sea worthy boat

Tim in Yorkshire · 14 March 2013, 19:55

Thanks for all the above, lots of good info. Once I get moved in and have sussed mooring availability etc I'll let you know how I get on with my search, no doubt coming back with a few questions! - But I agree trying before buying sounds sensible.

Red Fox · 14 March 2013, 20:53

I can recommend PA Lynch up at Amble (straight up A1 from you) and they have trial days at Sunderland. They are Zodiac dealers and a 550 sounds about right for what you want with a 90 4stroke on. They usually have one in their shop to climb on board and they have done good deals with me in the past. I have a 4.7 with a 60 hp on and do all you are wanting in it (went to Ireland last year) but too small for the times you want to take 6 folk. A friend has a 5m Humber with a 60 on and it too is a fine boat. Suggest you go and see and sea if you can, if you see what I mean.

Tim in Yorkshire · 14 March 2013, 22:42

One thing with the hard nosed Ospreys - are they much harder/expensive to retube than a normal RIB?

Tim in Yorkshire · 23 November 2013, 17:52

I've finally applied for a mooring which I'm waiting to hear about so thought I should resume my research. Over the summer I've re-assessed my needs size wise as I only really need to carry 2, occasionally 3 people. As such I was thinking about something smaller like the Avon SR4 as it seems quite a seaworthy boat to start with, I can always work my way up as and when over time.

Are there any good buying guides/ pros and cons thread of these little boats? - I've tried the search function but couldn't quite find what I was looking for.

Also are there any other good small RIBs in this size/price bracket?

Chris Caton · 23 November 2013, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim in Yorkshire

I've finally applied for a mooring which I'm waiting to hear about so thought I should resume my research. Over the summer I've re-assessed my needs size wise as I only really need to carry 2, occasionally 3 people. As such I was thinking about something smaller like the Avon SR4 as it seems quite a seaworthy boat to start with, I can always work my way up as and when over time.

Are there any good buying guides/ pros and cons thread of these little boats? - I've tried the search function but couldn't quite find what I was looking for.

Also are there any other good small RIBs in this size/price bracket?

there's a few on eBay at the moment

rib trailer | eBay

chris.moody · 23 November 2013, 18:03

Check the transom and deck for sponginess. Make sure the transom has not been cut down for a shorter shaft motor, it should go straight across not dip down in the middle. Make sure the tubes look reasonably good. Engine should pump water well and have similar compression on all cylinders. You want a 40 or 50 HP 2 stroke. If your gut feeling is something is not quite right run away quickly. You should get a fabulous condition sr4 for about 3.5k, fantastic value ribs.

Chris

Chris Caton · 23 November 2013, 18:23

sorry, meant to attach this one as well, looks ok and no engine, so you could source one yourself.......

rib trailer | eBay

Exe treme · 23 November 2013, 18:27

+1 for an Alu hull. Highfield's Ocean Master 500 and 540 are a good option.

Check out the OM 500 (aka Pink Panther and Black Panther) in the Round Ireland threads, and on Youtube.

I am taking delivery of one in the Spring, fitted with a Honda 80.

Tim in Yorkshire · 23 November 2013, 21:11

Thanks for the above Exe treme, but I'll be going at the 2nd hand/value end of the market to begin with so think ali hulls won't be in range.