Which 7m - 8m Hull ?????

Jono Garton · 10 May 2003, 21:03

Hi Everyone

I'm Looking at a new project - a 6.5 - 7.2 m rib with twin merc 90hp 4 strokes for teaching twin engine courses.

I've been looking at / thinking about-

**Avon Adventure 720
**Zodiac Pro Open 650

?? Pro Sport
?? Osprey
?? Humber

Any comments on any of the above hulls? or can you recomend another hull?

Thanks in advance

Pete7 · 11 May 2003, 05:36

Jahno, I am afraid that the good, the bad and the ugly are all getting pissed in Plymouth. Although I dare say you would get some interesting advice at the bar late on Saturday night.

For my money the Avons are very nice but expensive, will the business case support that sort of expenditure? The Zodiac, well their French aren't they? nuff said.

Humbers are solid and reliable, but quality and finish has been variable over the years.

The Prosports are keenly priced and the finish looks good. Missed a huge 8m one two years ago with a big Suzi on it. Fab rib. Would be worth a weekend trip to go and look at them in Guernsey.

The Ospreys are big solid boats with a good finish. Divers like them because they feel stable and safe with a huge amount of room on board. Still regret selling mine and waiting for Rene to sell it back to me.

Decisions, decisions, for me its either the Prosport or the Osprey.

Pete

Garygee · 11 May 2003, 06:37

Hi Jahno

What about the Ribcraft 6.8 or 7.8

Now i have the 7.8 is seams very good with the limited hours i have put on it.

Regards Gary

Jono Garton · 11 May 2003, 07:39

MMMM

I had not thought about the RIBcraft, will look in to it. We run an Avon Adventure 560 at present and it as performed well, however I have been told of bad reports on the the 720 (Bombard/Zodiac Hull).

I have been researching the Zodiac 650 (picture below) which seems to have a good deep v, the deal i have been offered is with twin 80hp Yam 4 Strokes

This seems my best option at present as its a good deal.

Jono Garton · 11 May 2003, 07:45

.

Jono Garton · 11 May 2003, 07:49

I have been lookin at leaning posts for a while and since recent spinal injury from a motorbike accident, it seems to make sense.

Phill · 11 May 2003, 08:35

You tends to get what you pay for. Osprey/Humber very popular with recreational diving clubs. Commercial guys tend to use Avon/Zodiac/Delta (unless they're new sstart two man companies). Delta, great , very expensive - I think overso. Avon, good pedigree, last ages. Zodiac, longer pedigree, last forever, yes they're French - but that also means more attention to bits and pieces as standard. (i.e. how to moor/anchor/tow easily with no chaff damage to the boat etc.)
I'd go Zodiac. (and did, albeit on a much smaller RHIB runabout, last year). At work I've bought Zodiac and Avon SIBS (and what a work platform that 5.8m SIB is !).

Storm · 11 May 2003, 09:40

At present I have a 7.3 meter Gemini hull available. They are excellent sea boats used by the majority of the southern hemisphere forces.
The hull is approximately 1 year old and has seating for 10-14 persons, light grey Hypalon tubes, white hull and consoles, large drivers console and the option of an A-frame. The transom has already been drilled for twin installations due to the owner swapping his twin rig on to a larger Gemini.
Interested?
I ahve attached a pic of a Similar boat

IanPhillips · 11 May 2003, 19:12

For what it's worth we have been doing similar research and have come up with the similar shortlist, ie. Zodiac Pro Open 650 or Avon, but 620 rather than 720. Apart from price for Zodiac, it is the internal walkaround space/storage which attracts us, together with the sunbathing potential for madam! The Zodiac is Cat B, whereas many sub 7 metre ribs, inc. Avon seem to be Cat C. What I do not understand is why the tube size of Avon and Zodiac are so much bigger than others. In the case of Avon it gives it a narrow internal beam, whereas Zodiac retains a good internal beam. Zodiac has good range, with 30 gal tank.

We are therefore heading more towards Zodiac.

Having looked at Ribtec, Humber and others, basic spec seem cheaper, but to make them "usable" and to satisfy madam and the kids, brings their price way over top!

I guess it really depends upon their sea keeping abilities, which I am told are good in both cases. However, I can't talk from personal experience yet so take with pinch of salt.

Cheers
Ian

Phill · 12 May 2003, 00:03

Quote:

Originally posted by IanPhillips
I guess it really depends upon their sea keeping abilities,

All RHIBs are good, the problem arises with cox's who think they're good - because the boat is forgiving. Look at what you want it for, how bouncy you want to be, and always remember - you're there for pleasure.

Tiger · 12 May 2003, 13:00

I think you should consider the Tornados / Ribtec / Ribcraft names certainly would be worth a look.

Tornado finish has had minor problems recently that I have seen, but structure design etc very good as are the other two.

Tornado super 7
Ribtec 655
Ribcraft 6.5m

All 3 makes are well proven with twins 6-8m

Tiger

dgpw · 12 May 2003, 13:33

the ribtec 7.4 is a realy good boat but quite pricy but then you pay for what you get.

marios · 14 May 2003, 11:07

well i also search for a boat about 6.5m -7m for twin engines. i found as well the boats you already spoke ...
plus the lenfcraft intruder sound good chooise
but i dont know about the price

marios