5.5 Humber or Delta

Nordburg2001 · 18 September 2016, 11:07

Looking for a decent rib for the family around the 5m size, doesn't need to be immaculate but not interested in a project boat. Maybe a Humber Assault/Attaque or a Delta rib

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 14:01

Given your location I would choose the Delta. However, they haven't supplied ribs to the public since the RCD came in as they specialised in the commercial market.

The Delta 5.5m is a nice rib but often spoilt by people putting too big a single or twin engines on them, keep it sensible and it will fly and be better balanced.

Pete

Nordburg2001 · 18 September 2016, 14:08

What size engine do you deem to be too big for a Delta 5.5?
I have my eye on one but seems to be priced quite high, quite a bit over my intended budget! Should I push the boat out to get it?

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 14:18

There was one on Hayling Island with a 150hp Merc V6. Went very quickly but always bow pointing skywards. Rogue wave was playing around one with small twins on, again bow pointed up. So weight in important.

Are you thinking about the one with the Honda 90 on it? could be good but without a serious sea trial difficult to know.

in 1988,the late Tommy Cecil from Rathlin Island rescued Richard Branson in his Atlantic air balloon flight just to the north of Rathlin. He didn't claim salvage and in return RB gave the island £25,000 for a number of projects including a lifeboat. They bought a Delta 5.5m which TC was always out and about in it until he bought the bigger Osprey Falcon.

The waters between Ballycastle and Rathlin are a fascinating mix of tides and currents but when it kicks up rough kind of nice to be sat in a Delta with that big bow.

Pete

Nordburg2001 · 18 September 2016, 14:35

The one I'm looking at has a Yamaha 100hp
Fitted, also looking at a very tidy Humber Assault but at half the price is very tempting! My main concern is the shallow hull and low bow,. Chances are that I won't intentionally be out on rough seas but do have visions of making the trip to the IOM for the TT races. As you rightly say the Delta would be my choice for that trip but is it really worth £13k compared to £6.5k for the Humber? I also need to take into account that I could potentially be launching and retrieving this from a beach, on my own.

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 14:41

Ouch, that is expensive. Why are you launching from a beach? NI has a huge number of free slipways most of which are really good and won't be a problem for a 5.5m rib.

Been across to the IOM from NI about 5 times in an Osprey Sparrowhawk. Boat managed fine but its a long trip particularly if you want to go around the other side to Douglas. Peel is easier.

Ditch the Assault, its not the boat for playing in the North Channel or going out of Strangford on an ebb tide.

There is a 5.8m Tornado on e bay but the engine is the naff 4 cly mariner.

Pete

Nordburg2001 · 18 September 2016, 14:49

I'll mainly be out when staying at the caravan at weekends and holidays, we have always launched our small 14 foot cabin boat from here, handy for trips round the Copeland islands and fishing etc.
My wife isn't sold on a rib yet but I think it's the way forward!! Love the Delta I'm looking at, in mint condition, both boat and trailer but mighty expensive!
Surely somebody on here has one for sale within budget? Just a waiting game I'm sure, would just be nice to get a bit of use before the weather turns really nasty

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 14:54

Bangor marina has a nice slip well protected which I used to launch single handed to fish off the Copelands. Another little harbour / marina just around the corner from Donagadee.

Keep a sharp look out in the run up to Chirstmas and be prepared to move quickly with cash always some bargains around.

Pete

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 14:59

Is this too big?

Pre-owned Boats - Redbay Boats

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 15:13

Or?

AVON - Dive RIB RIBs and Inflatable Boats for sale in Edinburgh, Scotland | Boats and Outboards

Pikey Dave · 18 September 2016, 15:29

Personally I think Deltas are overrated & overpriced. In the 80's they were the bees knees, but it was a small pool to choose from. There are better boats out there now & better value. Even by "utility" standards, the finish on Deltas could be rough & ready. The 5-5 was also a damp ride in a beam wind.
All IMHO of course.

Lions led by donkeys

Nordburg2001 · 18 September 2016, 16:06

The Avon looks kinda similar to the Assault I am looking at, only more expensive. Does the Avon have a deeper V?
And the Stormforce would be too big for what I need. Although the idea of cheaper diesel does sound good

Pete7 · 18 September 2016, 21:07

The Avons of that era were bloody expensive and well made, they made there own high quality fabric which seemed much heaver than many of the other manufacturers. The Avon is a deeper V hull than the assault and would be a better option if you want to cross to the IOM.

keef1234 · 19 September 2016, 08:18

Delta Dash 5.5m 1993

Yamaha 130 v4 1994, engine just fully serviced.

Baystar Hydraulic steering + wheel

Raymarine vhf ray55e radio

Raymarine c80 plotter

Under deck and console fuel tank approx 200L, great range.

Top cruising speed 42knts

Located Northern Ireland

07919836162

Cost £7500

jakeharr · 17 January 2017, 08:22

I am a 5m Humber assault with 101hrs use

freespirit3 · 17 January 2017, 18:54

I would go for the Delta, nearly bought one myself, I have a redbay 6.1 now that we love, our second boat, we bought a Humber Assault (first boat) from new, bare boat which I fitted a Tohatsu 70C, great little boat but hull is only really suitable for in shore cruising with no big waves. loved the boat, great starter boat.

If I knew then what I know now I would have saved some extra money and bought a Humber Destroyer/ Attaque, the hull is much better and easier on the passengers.

If you get the chance try and go for a deeper v than the Humber Assault.

And I agree keep the Delta or your deep v rib simple with a single sensible powered engine

jakeharr · 17 January 2017, 19:03

This craft can take heavy seas upto 6m and have been out in 4m seas and is fine but I not going to bother arguing with someone that is clearly trolling

breezeblock · 17 January 2017, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakeharr

This craft can take heavy seas upto 6m and have been out in 4m seas and is fine but I not going to bother arguing with someone that is clearly trolling

4m seas with a boat thats 5m long I would love to see that

Nordburg2001 · 17 January 2017, 23:39

I've since got sorted from posting this! I got the 5.8 Northcraft with a V4 Suzuki DT100, £££ eventually dictated what I could afford. I love it, we have been out most weekends from we got it! There are a few Gremlins to get rid of but getting there with help from you guys on the forum! Cheers fellas!!

Been out on some good swells on the lough, different than the sea, they seem very close together! 2m tops but felt very safe and FUN... but wouldn't like to be out in much bigger without a more capable craft! Maybe this next year we will upgrade! Thanks again anybody that's helped, I'll post the water leak results once I test it

Nordburg2001 · 18 January 2017, 07:50

I've since got sorted from posting this! I got the 5.8 Northcraft with a V4 Suzuki DT100, £££ eventually dictated what I could afford. I love it, we have been out most weekends from we got it! There are a few Gremlins to get rid of but getting there with help from you guys on the forum! Cheers fellas!!

Been out on some good swells on the lough, different than the sea, they seem very close together! 2m tops but felt very safe and FUN... but wouldn't like to be out in much bigger without a more capable craft! Maybe this next year we will upgrade! Thanks again anybody that's helped, I'll post the water leak results once I test it