Hello

[Kevin]

I've been lurking for a while but wanted to say thanks for all the advice contained here. I'm on the verge of buying my first powered boat and have been swithering between a F-Rib and a Sib for a while (the thread on leaking pressure release valves may just have pushed me over the threshold to a Sib). Now the summer is finally here a decision needs to be made!
I'm based near Stirling and looking for a boat for family adventures.
Kevin

[blootac]

Hi Kevin!


Plenty of both boats on here so ask away!

Questions you'll want to think about are:
How big you can manage and how you want to transport it
how many people you want to take out and how many of them will be able to help you,
are you ever going to want to go out alone?
what size engine you can reasonably manage to carry
what type of sea you'll be going out in/what you want to do with it

[Martin]

Hiya Kevin and welcome to F-RibsAndSibs.Com
I'm delighted that the info you've already read on here has helped you, now hopefully each member will throw some more light on each subject you require

The f-rib vs Sib, which is best...?
I'd say it's down to your requirements, and how many of the old beer vouchers you have available
I love the f-rib,As the videos on our channel show on YouTube, we gave the f-rib 375 a damn good spanking,it's awesome... But yet I own a honwave still. The problem I have is justifying swapping my current SIB for an f-rib and having the then required funds to buy one, they are expensive, but then they are good. If I was starting from fresh, I'd be having the F-Rib without any doubt. The all round capability from cutting through the chop, speed, handling, weight, usefulness as a fishing/towing/family carrying capacity vessel. It's an all rounder without a doubt.

Valve problems??? I have to say, Steve at f-ribs.com would not allow an unhappy customer, I think the one that had the problems was probably an odd ball, I certainly wouldn't let that put you off. Talk to the Steve, he certainly came across as a genuine chap to me and the others on the day of the trial.
The warranty is superb, and if you did have an issue, he'd bend over backwards to help you.

As blootac says....
size, weight, cost, packed size, manouverability, accessories and capability must play a major in your decision.
Please ask away if we can assist you anymore.

Once again welcome to the forum.
Regards,
Martin

[Paul]

Hi there Kevin and a big to the F-RibsandSibs forum

Great bunch of members on here only too willing to share information, help and up for a 'meet up' with any excuse to get out on the water
Do your research and choose your boat to suit all your requirements, taking into consideration ALL of the factors as others have said

I've a F-Rib360, I'm very happy with it and not experienced any of the troubles Harrison unfortunately had with his pressure relief valves on his 375.
However it transpires my valves are slightly different to his and mine remains at full pressure for weeks
It's a shame he had to return it as he said he really liked the F-Rib

All the best choosing your boat and any questions you want to ask then just fire away mate

Good forums are created by its members, so come on in and join in the banter

Paul

[philpot]

Welcome aboard Kevin.

I also have the F-Rib 330 which seems to be fine and after owning quite a number of SIBs, my own feeling is that they do not compare with the F-Rib on the areas already outlined.
My main use is for fishing and a bit of family fun and for me it is superb.

Phil

[Kevin]

Thanks for all the helpful replies, the advice is very much appreciated. Encouraged by the comments I went to see the F-Rib 375 in the flesh at Clyde Outboard Services yesterday and was really impressed. Just need to make an outboard decision now!

Thanks again

[blootac]

Paul, Martin and I have tested the 375 and all loved it. My 9.9 4 stroke was too small. It would just plane with 1, just about with 2 and not with 3. I wouldn't get a 9.9 for the 375.

With the 20 tohatsu 4 stroke it went like stink. Sometimes dangerously quickly but as the 15 and 20 are the same engine in most cases you may as well go for the 20 and just not use it all. Besides with the 20 you'll have plenty of grunt for when youve got a full boat!

I'd always prefer to have a bit of power in reserve for those sticky situations that you might find yourself in.

[Martin]

Great to see you back online KEVIN, did you buy an f-rib or find a suitable engine ?