Xs 6m

[Vinny31]

So the hunt continues, to the best of my knowledge an XS is a spin-off or development of the Tornado ribs?
Anyone offer any input into them?

https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Ribs-Other-for-sale/xs-ribs-xs-600/204598

Have been in touch with the owner and provisionally arranged to view, it’s an 06 package with approx 270 hours and has been serviced as required.

Financially I’m getting out of my comfort zone here but we only live once!

Thanks

[jeffstevens763@g]

Been on one when I bought my shock seats from Coastal pro good build a no nonsense rib, not sure about the tornado connection there's a build vid on YouTube.

[beamishken]

XS are built by the former builders of tornado.They use hypalon and polyeurothane for tubes, if it's polyurethane check the tube seams are preferably heat welded or if not they are not lifting due to glue deterioration. If it's lived outside all it's life uv can damage the glue.
Later boats were all heat welded so should be fine
Polyeurothane keeps it's appearance better than hypalon and is more abrasion resistant so both materials have their pros and cons

[Xk59D]

Looks all its money to me but plenty of haggling points potentially (antifoul is never ideal and this one looks untidy attempt to remove it, trailer may need brakes/bearings and cables and the seat layout is strange, may make it hard/er to sell on).

Tubes has been mentioned above and do well to pay close attention to it. All you can do is ask the seller how the tubes are and hope they are honest other than a visual inspection. The tubes are probably the largest single thing you will need to replace so pay attention to them closely.

Is the guy a forum member? Could be a good thing and you may find some old posts about the boat/pics etc

[Vinny31]

Thanks folks, not a forum member to my knowledge.
Apparently it had been anti fouled before he bought it and he has always kept it ashore. Did wonder about the seating but it’s not the end of the world for me.
Hopefully get over to see it next week. Owner wasn’t sure if tubes were hypalon or polyeurothane but describes them as being as new.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Thinking about it Barnet marine use to sell tornado now sell xs .

[mikew4]

XS is owned by Barnet Marine.

I have an XS 6.5 which I in Oct 2016 them with a Merc 150 on the back. After 150 hours....very pleased. Its a great boat, with great sea keeping abilities. Highly recommended.

Anyone know where the factory is though?

[Vinny31]

Originally Posted by mikew4

XS is owned by Barnet Marine.

I have an XS 6.5 which I in Oct 2016 them with a Merc 150 on the back. After 150 hours....very pleased. Its a great boat, with great sea keeping abilities. Highly recommended.

Anyone know where the factory is though?

Thanks for the feedback Mike

[Westcoaster]

I also can't fault XS, rock solid build quality, great sea keeping and extremely helpful if you call them up looking for advise. Mine is a XS600 with 115 Mercury Optimax and I didn't buy it from new.


Mine is currently in the process of being upgraded from dive set up to jockeys with new toys - when I'm not working that is :-)

[Vinny31]

Originally Posted by Westcoaster

I also can't fault XS, rock solid build quality, great sea keeping and extremely helpful if you call them up looking for advise. Mine is a XS600 with 115 Mercury Optimax and I didn't buy it from new.


Mine is currently in the process of being upgraded from dive set up to jockeys with new toys - when I'm not working that is :-)

Thanks Westcoaster, appreciate the reply. Hopefully it’s in as good condition as the seller tells me and we can get the deal done.

[JimRib]

XS ribs are made in Hull same as tornado used to be ! So build quality will be the same. Just check the usual things like transom for cracks, tube condition check the engine over for compression if you can, check the smartcraft gauges work as they are expensive to replace, should be a good combo with the 150 on it

[Dauphin]

I have a couple of hundred hours on an XS600 and it was an absolutely brilliant little RIB. Outstanding in all conditions.

I was so impressed with it I currently use an XS850 commercially!

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by mikew4

XS is owned by Barnet Marine.

I have an XS 6.5 which I in Oct 2016 them with a Merc 150 on the back. After 150 hours....very pleased. Its a great boat, with great sea keeping abilities. Highly recommended.

Anyone know where the factory is though?

The factory is in hull I've been In it. I don't think it's actually owned by Barnet but there is a very close partnership arrangement going on which seems to work for both parties
The guys at the factory confirmed they used to build the tornados before production moved abroad

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by beamishken

The factory is in hull I've been In it.
The guys at the factory confirmed they used to build the tornados before production moved abroad

The guy at Kraken ribs also used to build Tornado ribs or had something to do with them, there was a post on it a couple of months back

[krakenRibs]

My dad was the owner of Tornado, here is one of our latest boats that we built.

[Xk59D]

whoever cut those wear patches needs a krack-en the nuts

my OCD has kicked right in, fix it please

orange does nothing for ribs IMO but the stainless work looks great dude.

[krakenRibs]

The boats come in many colours, customer preference 🖒boarding patches are cut right just follow the shape of the tubes 😁 yes steel work is very good Thanks!

[Xk59D]

we will need to agree to disagree then.....but just in case, here is a quickly "fixed" one for my future order

looks a decent setup though and i'm sure will do someone proud, good luck with the new venture and keep the pics coming, great to see good priced UK stuff knocking about.

[jambo]

Got to agree with Xk59D the cut line is a bit wavy

[krakenRibs]

Thanks guys