F-Rib 360, or 4m SIB?

[glasgowdan]

I'm looking for a small trailer boat to buzz the kids about island beaches, pull them on a Ringo, and do some fishing off.

I can't decide between a (used) 360 package, or a 4m SIB such as a Honwave T40 or Excel Vanguard.

I'd want to be reassured as to which handles a chop better, any durability issues over the frib folding mechanism.

It's NOT going to be folded away.

I'd gladly get a small RIB but they're very thin on the ground, they're a few thousand more, the extra 100-150kg would be an issue for some of the launches I do.

Any thoughts would really help thanks!

[Limecc]

Hi Dan, not sure can be of help because all boats have compromises and it depends which ones you are prepared to live with and that's different to me or others on here.

I used to tow a steerable toy with a 3.9m SIB and 20hp Suzy and it was a disappointment. Not enough power or speed and not enough grip from a flat hull when turning sharply to try and create some excitement through the wake. IMHO 30hp would be a minimum.

What was initially fun getting a face full of the wet stuff soon gets wearing when you're tired and cold. The bigger the boat and RIBs in general, the more seaworthy and drier the ride in a chop. Usually there's power trim and comfy seating. Others prefer SIBs for the very reasons I got rid of one. Going through unavoidable big wakes and overfalls were not nice experiences for my other half, maybe your kids might feel the same.

Here's Harrison who's got the same towable as me towing it with 60hp. Will be interesting to get his take on how it handles behind a SIB, he's got several, biggest is 20hp I think. Airhead's Slash II is less power hungry than a simple ring, probably one for your shortlist.

[glasgowdan]

That's the thing, specifically an FRIB question as I know they have a lot less resistance in the water than a SIB and will plane with smaller engines.

It'll be a boat I want to occasionally launch from shallow beaches, pebbly areas etc. A RIB will be a good 150kg heavier minimum and a bit pricier.

The kids are small enough as well, under 10, and I do want to stick with as small a boat as I can get away with.

If anyone has experience of both a 4m SIB as well as an FRib I'd be keen to hear how they compare in handling.

[Limecc]

I heard F-ribs slam badly because of the hard shallow V hull and are less comfy than a SIB in a chop where there's a degree of cushioning. Will track and handle better though.

[glasgowdan]

The Frib won... !

[Limecc]

Would've been my choice also. Keep the pictures a-comin!

[Martin]

The fribs are awesome, yes a little slammy if you drive it like you stole it lol, but you'll not look back, miles of smiles ahead!
Ringo with a 20hp, not a problem !!!
More pics pls

Martin

[glasgowdan]

The fribs are awesome, yes a little slammy if you drive it like you stole it lol, but you'll not look back, miles of smiles ahead!
Ringo with a 20hp, not a problem !!!
More pics pls

Martin

Not been out yet but I'll defo get pics. It's well set up and I've almost got the trailer fully adjusted. Excited!

[Martin]

Have you had the F-Rib out yet ?
I'm excited for ya

Mines not seen light of day for 2.5yrs, I'll soon be back at it now though....

Martin