Xs500

andyces · 14 October 2014, 19:20

Hi All

I have ditched the idea of purchasing a Grand or a Brig Rib now looking at an XS 500 as price very similiar and within budget and would rather buy UK build anyone have any views on these.

Cheers

Andy

whisper · 14 October 2014, 19:32

Are you buying new?

andyces · 14 October 2014, 19:33

Yes was looking at a new one

whisper · 14 October 2014, 20:20

Right then, we love spending other peoples money

Can you answer the following questions....

How many people inc yourself will normally be in the rib?

Where do you want to use it?

What do want to use it for?

How fast do you want to go?

What is the min size of rib that you will consider?

What is the max size of rib that you will consider?

How much is your budget?

Do you need a trailer?

Would you consider buying second hand?

If you can answer the above questions then you'll get some great advice on here

RMS · 14 October 2014, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

Right then, we love spending other peoples money

Can you answer the following questions....

How many people inc yourself will normally be in the rib?

Where do you want to use it?

What do want to use it for?

How fast do you want to go?

What is the min size of rib that you will consider?

What is the max size of rib that you will consider?

How much is your budget?

Do you need a trailer?

Would you consider buying second hand?

If you can answer the above questions then you'll get some great advice on here

Give the guy a break. He only asked what you think of the rib in the title!

whisper · 14 October 2014, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMS

Give the guy a break. He only asked what you think of the rib in the title!

I'm only trying to help

kerny · 14 October 2014, 20:35

Blimey!! there's been some right old grumpy gits on here recently

Poly · 14 October 2014, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMS

Give the guy a break. He only asked what you think of the rib in the title!

Whispers extensive list of questions will save a lot of time though. Last week the same OP was asking about other rather different boats. It's impossible to advise what's best for him without knowing most of these points. The XS range is reasonably well regarded but leans towards the practical rather than pure leisure user.

RMS · 14 October 2014, 20:50

Fair enough if it's a recurring question. Too quick to jump in on your list of points Whisper.

whisper · 14 October 2014, 21:01

It doesn't matter if a XS500 is good or not at this point, why would any rib owner give advice on buying a RIB if they don't know how it's going to be used etc.

I've owned loads of RIBs and used them too, but hand on heart I'm not going to send a guy out to buy anything unless I have some more info.

The OP wants to buy a brand new boat and I'm really happy for him, but I don't want to give the wrong advice and see an brand new boat for sale soon.

IMO, the OP is asking the wrong questions and thats why I have pointed him in the right direction.

andyces · 14 October 2014, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

It doesn't matter if a XS500 is good or not at this point, why would any rib owner give advice on buying a RIB if they don't know how it's going to be used etc.

I've owned loads of RIBs and used them too, but hand on heart I'm not going to send a guy out to buy anything unless I have some more info.

The OP wants to buy a brand new boat and I'm really happy for him, but I don't want to give the wrong advice and see an brand new boat for sale soon.

IMO, the OP is asking the wrong questions and thats why I have pointed him in the right direction.

Hi all

really want opinions on the make but in reply to your questions and if you think it will help has to be a max of 5 metres due to where I launch off trailer and store it,will be used mainly for leisure and bit of wakeboarding,fishing,will be carrying kids so deffo want bench seat,used around poole bay possibly a trip to isle of wight in the right conditions 30 to 35 knots would be fast enough 15 K inc Vat budget and has to be new as a company purchase and VAT will be reclaimable

Cheers

Andy

kerny · 14 October 2014, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyces

Hi all

really want opinions on the make but in reply to your questions and if you think it will help has to be a max of 5 metres due to where I launch off trailer and store it,will be used mainly for leisure and bit of wakeboarding,fishing,will be carrying kids so deffo want bench seat,used around poole bay possibly a trip to isle of wight in the right conditions 30 to 35 knots would be fast enough 15 K inc Vat budget and has to be new as a company purchase and VAT will be reclaimable

Cheers

Andy

This might be an option for you within your price range but is 5.4 meters

Inflatable Boat and Inflatable Boats

andyces · 14 October 2014, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerny

This might be an option for you within your price range but is 5.4 meters

Inflatable Boat and Inflatable Boats

Unfortunately totally limited to 5 metres

whisper · 14 October 2014, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyces

Hi all

really want opinions on the make but in reply to your questions and if you think it will help has to be a max of 5 metres due to where I launch off trailer and store it,will be used mainly for leisure and bit of wakeboarding,fishing,will be carrying kids so deffo want bench seat,used around poole bay possibly a trip to isle of wight in the right conditions 30 to 35 knots would be fast enough 15 K inc Vat budget and has to be new as a company purchase and VAT will be reclaimable

Cheers

Andy

To the best of my knowledge...

The Make:

Tornado sold out to overseas and the people who worked here in the UK started a new brand called XS. I guess that another brand in the same league is Humber?

Max of 5m:

There are few ribs under 5m that would suit a family, this is down to the seating supplied. As a father I always have one seat for every person on board.

Wakeboarding:

This is an important part of your build as the A frame or ski pole strength needs to be specified within your quotation. You can tow off the transom eyes, but you will have better results from a tow rope higher up.

Horsepower:

To reach 30 - 35 knots with a family onboard with a 5m and to wakeboard then ultimately you looking at 80-90hp? Or the max the rib will take.

Fishing:

You can fish from any rib

Kids in ribs:

Bench seats are not always the best way to go, but it depends on how many kids and their ages. Don't rule out jockey seats for safety.

Poole Bay:

I know the area well and I think that you would suit a deep V hull to get more use and a comfortable ride during crossings the the IOW.

Trailer:

If you can keep your package under 750kg then you will save money on a not having a braked trailer and the maintenance every year.

£15k budget:

I'm not sure if you will get the perfect RIB inc VAT for your budget, however secondhand you will.

You could ask about if there is an ex demonstrator rib that attracts VAT?

An ideal boat that would be worth looking at as a comparison to what you have considered so far is a Ribeye A500, loads of storage and seats with a deep V hull. I have no idea how much these are though, but a director of Ribeye is a member on this forum.

Also second hand I would look at a Ribcraft 5.3 with 4 x Jockey seats (If you have 2 kids as I don't know).

The more info we have, the more we can advise you.

Alex

Nick Hearne · 14 October 2014, 22:35

I would suggest ribeye 500 (well I would as I like them

)too but new you are nearly twice your budget

Can't quite see your budget streching to a new 5m with trailer!

andyces · 14 October 2014, 22:35

Alex

Cheers for your input mate will take your points onboard
Regarding the ribeye bloody expensive and are they actually manufactured in the Uk or are the hulls made elsewhere and just assembled in the Uk

Nick Hearne · 14 October 2014, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyces

Alex

Cheers for your input mate will take your points onboard
Regarding the ribeye bloody expensive and are they actually manufactured in the Uk or are the hulls made elsewhere and just assembled in the Uk

Assembled in uk but I belive they are moving more manufacturing back to the uk too

andyces · 14 October 2014, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I would suggest ribeye 500 (well I would as I like them

)too but new you are nearly twice your budget

Can't quite see your budget streching to a new 5m with trailer!

Nick
Would like a ribeye too but would rather move on from a rib if i was spending that much.
I have the deal on the new XS500 already quoted and within budget with trailer and mercury engine just a case of finding out a bit more about them and having a go in one before i commit

Cheers

Andy

whisper · 14 October 2014, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyces

Alex

Cheers for your input mate will take your points onboard
Regarding the ribeye bloody expensive and are they actually manufactured in the Uk or are the hulls made elsewhere and just assembled in the Uk

Ribeye is moving the production to the UK as we speak.

I do own one and so does Nick, but don't be caught up in looking for new, an older rib with low hours may well be perfect for you. But speak to your accountant re the pros and cons

I was with Nick when we crossed the English Channel in rough weather in his 6m that is from the same mould as the 5m.

But my best advice is try them out before you buy

There are also loads of members near poole that might take you out in their ribs? All you need to do is ask

mick · 14 October 2014, 23:06

What I did when I was looking for a rib couldn't afford new but wanted one that was safe and sturdy
I asked loads of people went round marinas boat shows etc to find out what's what
There are things like stability ie tubes that rest on the water or those above less stable but faster
Anyway lots to think about
I am not sure about a bench seat either can be a bit slidey