Which 6m?

Jus · 01 September 2006, 08:09

Apologies for another which RIB thread!

Just wanted opinions on a choice I have, 2001 Osprey Vipermax 6.5 + Optimax 150.

Or

2005 Humber Destroyer 6.0 + Suzuki DF140

Both with same sort of kit, 4 jockeys + console seat, both circa £16000.

nugent · 01 September 2006, 08:14

viper 4 me,
build quality second to none, and sea ability to match

Jus · 01 September 2006, 09:29

I take your point, but I was thinking the whole outfit is four years older, and engine done a few hundred more hours.

Pete7 · 01 September 2006, 09:36

Hmm, why not take them both for an extended sea trial and see which one you prefer, not an unreasonable request given the £16k price tag, although I agree with Nugent, the Osprey is a superb hull. Is the Osprey Opti 5 years old? I thought it had a silver engine (Mariner) cover on it at one time?

This may be a differnet boat, not sure:

http://www.hotribs.com/05ribreviews/03osprey/osprey.asp

Pete

Jus · 01 September 2006, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Hmm, why not take them both for an extended sea trial and see which one you prefer, not an unreasonable request given the £16k price tag, although I agree with Nugent, the Osprey is a superb hull. Is the Osprey Opti 5 years old? I thought it had a silver engine (Mariner) cover on it at one time?

Pete

I'd like to try them both out, once I can find some time!

The Opti is 5 years old, I don't know of cover change, not sure whether its the same rig, this one is an ex-OCR safety boat.

bedajim · 01 September 2006, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jus

I'd like to try them both out, once I can find some time!

The Opti is 5 years old, I don't know of cover change, not sure whether its the same rig, this one is an ex-OCR safety boat.

Have you contacted the people selling the vipermax?

James

Richard B · 01 September 2006, 10:31

Depends what you want the RIB for.

For Dive and Safety use the Humber Destroyer.

But Osprey Vipers are much better handling and make a better cruising RIB by far.

Suzuki DF140s are allegedly a bit underpowered (ie not really a 140) but users report good economy. They are quiet, but like most 4-stroke engines they sound a bit sort of asthmatic if you're used to a two-stroke! Mercury Optimaxes are great engines, very good performance and very reasonable economy. Need to be well looked after though. 5 years old doesn't mean much unless you know the total running hours. Some reckon they are a bit noisy, but most owners love the deep growl (and the scream as the prop leaves the water!)

What car do you drive? If you have a Daihatsu Sirion or a PT Cruiser, the Humber's for you!

But of you drive a Scooby or an Evo you will want the Osprey with the Mercury Opti.

Jus · 01 September 2006, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

Depends what you want the RIB for.

For Dive and Safety use the Humber Destroyer.

But Osprey Vipers are much better handling and make a better cruising RIB by far.

Suzuki DF140s are allegedly a bit underpowered (ie not really a 140) but users report good economy. They are quiet, but like most 4-stroke engines they sound a bit sort of asthmatic if you're used to a two-stroke! Mercury Optimaxes are great engines, very good performance and very reasonable economy. Need to be well looked after though. 5 years old doesn't mean much unless you know the total running hours. Some reckon they are a bit noisy, but most owners love the deep growl (and the scream as the prop leaves the water!)

What car do you drive? If you have a Daihatsu Sirion or a PT Cruiser, the Humber's for you!

But of you drive a Scooby or an Evo you will want the Osprey with the Mercury Opti.

Are you psychic? I drive a Scooby (which also has a certain growl!).

Jus · 01 September 2006, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Have you contacted the people selling the vipermax?

James

Yes, I've been to see it.

Richard B · 01 September 2006, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jus

I drive a Scooby (which also has a certain growl!).

Osprey Vipermax powered by an Opti will be perfect foy you then

bedajim · 01 September 2006, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jus

Yes, I've been to see it.

It was on boats and outboards for ages and now it's getting to the end of the season I'd make them an offer linked to a service on the outboard with them paying for any extras to make sure the motor is A1?

James

Jus · 01 September 2006, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

It was on boats and outboards for ages and now it's getting to the end of the season I'd make them an offer linked to a service on the outboard with them paying for any extras to make sure the motor is A1?

James

The motor has just been serviced, and has full service history. It has done approx 400 hours according to the owners calculations, though the guage only shows 280 for some reason. It was started with muffs and certainly sounds fine.

The gearbox was recently rebuilt (as a precaution after 5 years) and found to be fine and re-assembled with new seals.

Mollers · 01 September 2006, 11:28

I have the same Osprey Rig, Can't fault it.

Jus · 01 September 2006, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

I have the same Osprey Rig, Can't fault it.

Have you done much cruising round your way with it?

I'd be planning to use mine in Fowey and surrounding coast for alot of the time.

Mollers · 01 September 2006, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jus

Have you done much cruising round your way with it?

I'd be planning to use mine in Fowey and surrounding coast for alot of the time.

http://forum.cornwall247.co.uk/

Yeah, we cruise.

Check out the above to see what we get upto and it might be of use when you're in our area. We get over to the Scillies as often as the weather allows. The Vipermax is a superb offshore outfit.

matt h · 01 September 2006, 13:38

Viper, not Humber

Jus · 01 September 2006, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

http://forum.cornwall247.co.uk/

Yeah, we cruise.

Check out the above to see what we get upto and it might be of use when you're in our area. We get over to the Scillies as often as the weather allows. The Vipermax is a superb offshore outfit.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that. If all goes well I might be in a Viper by the time I'm next down that way

Mollers · 01 September 2006, 17:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jus

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on that. If all goes well I might be in a Viper by the time I'm next down that way

Get Hugh and Phil Chitty to turn up and that'll be most of the Vipermai in the country.

CJL · 01 September 2006, 21:24

I'd recommed this one....

RIBTEC 585 C/W Merc Optimax 135

Biggles · 01 September 2006, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

I'd recommed this one....

RIBTEC 585 C/W Merc Optimax 135

There used to be two of them advertised on the net for most of this year. Was looking at them myself. Tidy looking boats.