Which RIB ???

[BrAinZ]

Originally Posted by simon_

having owned an American sportsboat some time back the only option you generally had was the sheltered water one!

Interesting you say that. Before we actually bought a RIB, my wife and I were convinced that we wanted something similar. Not having actually BEEN in a sportsboat or RIB, we were basing our ideas on the "looks" of the boats.

STUPID MOVE

Luckily just before we actually bought a boat, we hired something similar to a Bayliner while on holiday in Florida... and boy were we shocked at just how bad the handling and ride was, and that was in really calm water. I hate to think what the ride would be like through the choppy UK coastal waters!

The day we returned to the UK, happened to be the Ribex Show in Cowes, and this gave us our first chance to actually try a RIB. And WHAT a difference!!! The ride was just so much more comfortable and secure.

We tried LOADS of different ribs, and finally decided on a Ribeye 6.5m. I would second the comment that there appears to be a bias against them, from people that are looking solely for a more industrial type of boat. I would honestly say that for all round FAMILY use it's been excellent, and the customer service from the company itself is second to none.

Southampton Boat Show is coming up, so why not try and get down there and try a few boats out, would really help you decide.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by BrAinZ

We tried LOADS of different ribs, and finally decided on a Ribeye 6.5m. I would second the comment that there appears to be a bias against them, from people that are looking solely for a more industrial type of boat. I would honestly say that for all round FAMILY use it's been excellent,

From memory some of the more prominent critics of Ribeyes actually own reasonably attractive family friendly boats.

[willk]

Originally Posted by JABS

As a seat, it is very comfortable!

The outer locations are ideal for anyone on board who enjoys a dowsing with spray.

Other than that, the rear seat is brilliant!

LOL! I was forced to take Mrs willk on my most recent trip. She expressed a preference for the bench seat and would not be persuaded otherwise*

Eventually she was nailed by a wave

So, if the foredeck seat on a rib is termed the "Suicide Seat", may I suggest "Sucker Seat" for the rear bench seat?

_____________________________
* That said, this arrangement proved most efficacious in a following sea.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Polwart

From memory some of the more prominent critics of Ribeyes actually own reasonably attractive family friendly boats.

Actually, I thought that it was a bit, um, Grey!

[Steve_B]

Try as many different RIB's as you can, "we" all have our favorites, but what ultimately matters is that YOU like the RIB you own!
I started with a Valiant that most on here might poo poo, but we loved it and it got us started and did everything we asked of her and more. My wife was very upset when we sold her.
Bench seats have there place, but I prefer jockeys. For little ones I have even "designed" a method of making sure they have the same support as adults and have them on our Parker, which the public rave over. PM me for details
I wish you luck in you search and many years of happy family ribbing
Steve

[willk]

Originally Posted by 250kts

My wife was very upset when we sold her.

I bet she was. Cracking idea though. Hopefully it's a seller's market. I'm overstocked

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

Actually, I thought that it was a bit, um, Grey!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My family consider her very friendly.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My family consider her very friendly.

I'm sure that Polwart wasn't referring to Hi-Jack!

[Chris]

Originally Posted by malthouse

Is the discount that big? We have used our 6.25m boat to do lots of cool things (single handed channel crossings as one example) and I am not sure a sub 6m boat would inspire that kind of confidence.

As has been said there is a major difference either side of the 6m mark, in fact I would perhaps go so far as to say that every few centimeters under 7m makes a difference.

Also consider bench seating for the kids benefit, jocky seats are great but not if your feet don't touch the deck.

Funny that, when at the marina desk my rib is 5.8 meteres long whilst at the pub its 7 meters, never quite figured out why

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Chris

Funny that, when at the marina desk my rib is 5.8 meteres long whilst at the pub its 7 meters, never quite figured out why

It's the effect of the sun on the tubes, when it warms the tubes up they get wider and thus shorter