Wich 6.5 to choose ?

[The Jackeens]

missus

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by tim griffin

( oops i can feel one coming my way)

Not from me 'cos I don't do them. In fact respect to you for speaking your mind.

Would you rather be "nice" or watch Bruce be lead into buying an inferior product? And I noticed that you're already qualifying your praise of RIB-X (Which you already admitted that you were biassed towards because you did a course for Colin or one of his clients) and anyway who in their right mind would fit cheap quality steering to a 6.5m RIB?

(BTW - Dave, did you ever need to get the Valiant tubes repaired?)

[simmons0]

Someone who's customer didn't have another £400 to spend on hydraulic steering?

Well Prosport Humber Ribcraft also fit no feed back steering as standard.

Nope, never needed a repair but there was a patch and a tube of glue in the boat so i presume it would be easy enough to make a small repair.

[chrisallse]

You can fit whatever steering you want, miines got sea star...dont see how that makes a boat good or bad.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by chrisallse

miines got sea star...

Which is good, IMHO! Chris, from the pictures you've posted, your RIB certainly looks well finished. Have a read of RIB Int if you get chance as they are actually quite complimentary about the 6.4 and it's the 7m that gets the criticism. What's interesting about RIB-X is the allegedly indeterminate origin of their product. If the RIB International review is accurate, then you may not know exactly where your boat is coming from!

OK I've been very harsh on this brand, and I've based much of this on secondhand reports, but if you're a prospective buyer then any subsequent resale of your RIB will be subject to the same questions asked by potential purchasers.

However, I'm still sceptical about the use of alternative materials and products which appear to be based on price and not function.

[chrisallse]

You should try one before you Judge them, like you i think one should buy the best where possible but that would stop a lot of people having fun on a limited budget. I have always said the 6.4 is a good boat even though i got a lot of stick for it..I am looking forward to reading the review....it seems that a few people are begining to agree with me now...lets be fair, if Falcon do as well as they do in racing they must know something about building boats.

[Richard B]

Chris, I don't know if you bought yours new or secondhand...

Would you pay £22,313.25 for a new one (RIB-X branded)?

[chrisallse]

I actually got mine for a silly price with 30 Hours on it and like new including raymarine chart/fish, Sea Star, 115 Mariner 4 Stroke, Trailer and loads of bits, i doubt if i would buy a new boat i would rather let someone else suffer the deprecation. That said, I haven’t seen a Rib for a similar price retail that I would say is better value….but then what do I know?....I think Tim should be in a position to speak with some authority on Ribs and he seems to rate the 640 even though he is an agent for another maker...like i said..perhaps you should try one you may be suprised.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by chrisallse

I actually got mine for a silly price with 30 Hours on it and like new including raymarine chart/fish, Sea Star, 115 Mariner 4 Stroke, Trailer and loads of bitslike

So how much did the first owner lose on the boat?

Originally Posted by chrisallse

..perhaps you should try one you may be suprised.

Chris, please let's do it We're still waiting for you to join us on a weekend cruise.

[chrisallse]

No idea...dont know how much he paid for it...got to fit a new radio and complete the rewire ,wont be too long now.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by chrisallse

No idea...dont know how much he paid for it...

OK, seeing as yours is a "low mileage" nearly new model, I could ask you to subtract your purchase price from the current RRP but I wouldn't be so personal!

Originally Posted by chrisallse

got to fit a new radio and complete the rewire ,wont be too long now.

Does that mean a yes to having a go on yours? Cool!

Now, the reason for the rewire on this "as new" RIB...

[chrisallse]

Now, the reason for the rewire on this "as new" RIB...

[/QUOTE]
You will have to wait and see

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Richard B

1. The tubes are made from some funny plastic (PVC?) material. Don't even contemplate all the discussion about PVC v PU v Hypalon. There's only one material to make tubes from, and that's Hypalon. Loads of people know how to mend it, it lasts ages, and it's really really strong stuff.

Hypalon is obviously fine but PVC is also fine. I owned a 5m pure inflatable for a number of years. It was a Bombard (Zodiac) and made from PVC. The tubes didn't show any deterioration, unlike hypalon which very quickly dulls. The fabric is not stretchy so the tubes are nice and firm rather than springy/wobbly and I modified it substantially without any gluing problems. The only disadvantage was that barnacles appeared to cut at it more than they do with hypalon. Having said that, it really wasn't a problem.

[willowkis]

Richard,

Louise was recommending the 6.4, does that mean you two are

Boys and their toys!

[Louise]

I didn't recommend it - I couldn't do that as I haven't been on one (and yes, I know, that didn't stop Richard!!!). I just quoted RIB International as they happen to have reviewed one in this month's issue, which arrived through the letter box yesterday!

The only boats I could recommend would be the Scorpion (cos that's what we've got and it's great) and the Gemini (cos I've been on one and everything looked really good and behaved as it should and I had a very comfortable ride in it). I have admired other boats from afar but as I haven't been on them I couldn't recommend them. If it helps, I think yours looks very well finished from the photos I've seen!

P.S. Hope we're all still friends!

[brucehawsker]

Ok. Thanks for this. In the interests of equality - since sadly I can't afford or manage a new Scorpion, I am going to see Solent Ribs and have a trial on Wednesday afternoon, and go and look at Rib-X at Lymington in the morning.

As a newbie, I would love a set of key questions to ask both the manufacturers to get the fairest of comparisons.

Still open to other ideas, but would like to find a broker or the factory fairly near Lymington. That sort of rules out Ribcraft at Yeovil?

Just mown the lawn - 90 miles from the sea - envying all of you out on the water.

Many thanks

Bruce

[brucehawsker]

PS any pointerews to specific second hands that anyone thinks I should consider as an alternative will much appreciated

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by brucehawsker

Just mown the lawn - 90 miles from the sea - envying all of you out on the water.

Many thanks

Bruce

Bruce at least you are out side I'm doing what I do every Saturday that is working! Boy I love retail!!!!!!
Have you had a look at boats & outboards?
http://www.boatsandoutboards.com
Nick

[gingercoastie]

Originally Posted by Daniel Vanesse

Hi,

I am about to buy my first RIB and I am looking for a 6.5m with a 150hp 4/s. She will mainly be used for family (coastal) cruising at the begining, but more and more in rough sea in coming years. I want her simple, easy to use and maintain, versatile. Must also be easily towable (idealy, max. width 2.5m).
Who can advise ?

My Humber 6.3 Ocean Pro sems to meet all the above criteria (except the 6.5), and I am Very happy with her.

[RIVA]

i belive the new 6.5 ballistics will be here in 4 weeks , with 150 4 strokes on the back , and they are in your the budget .will post the video of testing on monday