Advice about size and type

[Andy]

Thanks Paul and Chris
Yea, did some even more research, and fribs have their problems. I think I am coming around to launching and trailering, which means I can set up my boat without having to bugger about with it all the while. I can see why fribs have their users, but now its down to a 420 or 360. I can add a console later if i find i need too.
If you dont mind guys, are their any advantages and disadvantages with either size, will I need to put some weight on the front of the 420 as been as its longer, if i am by myself, or just go slower ?
And my final question is now i intend to keep it inflated, if i go for the 420 will i be wasting my time buying a 40hp or will a 20hp do the job ? And if i choose a 360 then I suppose a 20hp will suffice ?
Cheers

Solar

[chris moody]

I'm getting a bit confused. What make and model boats are the 420 / 360 that you are talking about? F-rib or something else?

Thanks Paul and Chris
Yea, did some even more research, and fribs have their problems. I think I am coming around to launching and trailering, which means I can set up my boat without having to bugger about with it all the while. I can see why fribs have their users, but now its down to a 420 or 360. I can add a console later if i find i need too.
If you dont mind guys, are their any advantages and disadvantages with either size, will I need to put some weight on the front of the 420 as been as its longer, if i am by myself, or just go slower ?
And my final question is now i intend to keep it inflated, if i go for the 420 will i be wasting my time buying a 40hp or will a 20hp do the job ? And if i choose a 360 then I suppose a 20hp will suffice ?
Cheers

Solar

[Andy]

Sorry i meant ocean runner 340 or 420

[chris moody]

My advice would be to go and look at some Mercury Ocean Runners, and the Highfield range of ribs, and the Excel range of ribs in some dealers. Sit in them in the showroom and see what they are like for space. See if you prefer no seats, a jockey seat, or bench seat. See if wheel steer or tiller steer feels more comfortable. Also look at some boats without tubes, like the warrior boats, or an open dory style. The lack of tubes will give you much more internal deck space. The Southampton boat show might be worth a visit. Then when you have narrowed your choice down a bit go out on a sea trial with a dealer, or get a ride on one with a member on here.

You will find a tiller steer is very different to a wheel steer. And the different styles of seats make a massive difference as well. Tubes or no tubes is also very different in both internal space and how the boat handles.

[harrison]

Although still no idea of your budget and whether considering new or used, this has just popped up on Ribnet;

2016 Ribcraft 4.8 with Suzuki DF60hp outboard and Rapide roller trailer


Not particularly cheap but nearly new and comprehensively specc’d these are arguably one of the best small ribs with serious sea keeping capabilities which exceed its modest length.
Mr Moody of this parish has one and methinks he knows a thing or two about ribs.

Edit; Sorry link doesn’t seem to work.

[chris moody]

The Ribcraft 4.8 has amazing sea keeping abilities for its size. A number of them have circumnavigated the UK in various races or challenges. But it may not suit everyone's needs. For fishing a Dory or a Warrior might be a far better proposition.

Although still no idea of your budget and whether considering new or used, this has just popped up on Ribnet;

2016 Ribcraft 4.8 with Suzuki DF60hp outboard and Rapide roller trailer


Not particularly cheap but nearly new and comprehensively specc’d these are arguably one of the best small ribs with serious sea keeping capabilities which exceed its modest length.
Mr Moody of this parish has one and methinks he knows a thing or two about ribs.

Edit; Sorry link doesn’t seem to work.

[harrison]

For fishing a Dory or a Warrior might be a far better proposition.

Agreed. Personally if fishing was my bag, don’t think I’d be going for a rib with its limited deck space and wide tubes. As said before the Warriors seem very highly regarded with the fishing fraternity. Good seakeeping, open rear deck space, decent freeboard, reversible seats and nice cuddy up front for protection while steaming out to fishing grounds.

[Andy]

That is why all this boating stuff is interesting, everyone has an opinion about what they might do, hence why there are so many boat types about. However, I am also looking for a bit of fun, if i get bored with fishing, and a rib looks like it could give me a few full pants full, lol ! I mean, you only live once unless your James Bond.
In answer to the above question I thought about 10k might get me something usefull, but if I can find a "not very old" bargain for allot less, (2 years old max) then, if I tallywhacker up with my choice I wont loose so much. What ever I buy, I am tempted to throw a new engine on it, as I have a thing about breaking down in the middle of knowhere, alone lol, the same thoughts I had when I bought my first car years ago.
Thanks for all your advice, and I cant find that "2016 Ribcraft 4.8 with Suzuki DF60hp outboard and Rapide roller trailer" ad, sorry Google cant, and it might be worth a look.
I used to be one of the guys selling at shows, trade photgraphic shows, that is years ago, and all the reps do is confuse people into buying their gear, and all you do is go home with a bag full of leaflets and confuse yourself. You might miss a deal however on the day, but better that than buying the wrong one.
The best advice, or reccommendation is from someone who has one, and I am looking at such one next week hopefully if its not sold by then, 4 hour journey yes, and its not allot of money, but wants some mods doing by me.
And I booked myself in for an online VHF course last Friday, found somewhere close to do the test, and I got 2 great books for further reading, and I find all this stuff really interesting. I can see why people get really hooked !
My next subject to research is a decent fish finder with gps and maps/depth charts etc, and wow what a nightmare all that is !
But hey, its fun.
Thanks guys !
Solar

[harrison]

Great, good to hear making progress now. You’re after a rib and budget should get you a very decent nearly new rig or smallish new like the 420/460 Ocean Runners.

Unfortunately the Ribcraft may be over budget and probably overpriced but here’s the link anyway;

http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/2016-ribcr ... 79839.html

Noticed this Bombard the other day which is close to your budget and fully refitted by a rib manufacturer to new and warranted. Not a particularly deep v hull but will be fun, safe and with uncluttered deck space giving room for fishing.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3475133901

If going used end of season/over winter is a good time for keen prices.

If going new would still recommend visit the boat show just to see and compare a few makes. Agree don’t get taken in by sales chat or once only deals.

Unfortunately we’re all perhaps guilty of extolling the virtues of our own boats. Why not, we wouldn’t have them otherwise. The only problem is they might not be suitable for you.

Good luck in your search.

[chris moody]

If you are going to put a new engine on it don’t worry too much about the age of the boat, it’s more about the condition.I bought a 25 year old Avon searider SR4 and it was as good as new after a small amount of tlc. My current rib is 11 years old and looks like a 3 to 4 year old boat,not an eleven year old one. My sailing yacht was 39 years old when I sold her and she looked like a new one. Engines wear out, boats last a long time if looked after.