375 in open water

[burrom]

Hi
I would very much appreciate advice on the purchase of a 375 for use in open water. I read the review of the test in metre high waves and was impressed. I want a boat that I can take home, never have to Antifoul again , pay marina fees or deal with a trailer so an F-Rib seems ideal. But I want to use it for trips between Guernsey, Herm and Sark for two or three adults and a couple of grandchildren and the local dealer here said it wouldn't be suitable. The 430 looks a better bet but seems just too heavy and won't fit in the boot. You guys seem to go harbour hopping so I would be interested in you experienced views, many thanks for any advice

[Martin]

Hi Burrom, Welcome to F-Ribs & Sibs...

I have a 375 with a Suzi 20hp efi bolted to it, It's perfect for Me, the Mrs and Nipper... Would i take it over the channel with us 3 in, probably not to be honest.
Would i go over on my own, again - probably not....
Would i go over with a group of small boats... Hell Yes !

For your island hopping, I don't think the size of the boat is really the main question, I think it's more a case of the conditions you go out in and the experience you have to go with it.
If a 9ft boat (2.75m) can cross the atlantic, I'm damn sure the 375 can do a 10 mile hop to Sark.... again, in the right conditions.
I do think if i was the only boat out, i'd be looking at having an aux outboard attached for peace of mind.

My 375 weighs in at 55kg if that helps, substantially lighter than the FRIB HQ quotes.
With 2 adults, two burly teens and one 7yr old aboard, it doesnt roar around by any means, but it does get on the plane and it certainly punshes it's way through the waves.

Well worth you reading this threrad, watch the video and check out the images.
The blue/white F-Rib leap frogging is me.
http://f-ribsandsibs.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=1986

Plenty guys on here that'll chip in with this, many with more experience than me.

Hope that helps a little,

Martin

[burrom]

Thanks Martin,

I would really only intend using it on really nice days. Just sold my 35ft motor cruiser and want something to get out on the water with without all the expense of a large boat but something that is seaworthy for when the day that started well and was forecast to end well doesn't. Always had a boat larger than a 375 and now almost in my dotage would like something practical but fun and safe. Don't think I'd attempt anything as exciting as your Oban trip!

Cheers
Mike

[warder54]

Fully agree with Martins comments. They are very capable boats, I was out with a mate in rough seas last Month in my 360 (deliberate choice!) here's the video to show you how capable they are if it suddenly cuts up rough, keep your eyes peeled for the big ones at about 4.5 minutes, we rode a big swell coming back but the cam seems to flatten everything out.
https://youtu.be/J5EEGGoADJY

[mattswan2512]

They are capable as are most high quality sibs and ribs...last year at the WWA i imagine all that were there would attest to the big seas we came back in.....force 8 i think? There were huge swells creating rise and falls of meters. A friendly skipper of a fishing trawler plowed the way for us for a few miles. Then we were left to our own devices. Good fun and a reminder how much of a brute mother nature can be.......

[Martin]

Well hopefully that’s given you somewhat of an insight of what we do in the sibs & fribs?
Granted, a few of us are a sandwich short of a picnic at times but we sure as hell have miles of smiles.

Sibs are hugely underrated by the masses, they may not cruise as fast as a Frib on calm waters but they certainly cut the mustard when the going gets rough. The bendy bounce of the floor smooths the ride beautifully, the Frib cuts through the chop a whole load better but get it wrong and that airborne launch and landing shatters right up through your spine and finishes by rattling the old dentures.

I’m sure you’ll be delighted with whatever you choose. I personally think my Frib is awesome, it handles anything thrown at it.
Whether out on a slow cruise with the family or a brain pickled psycho run with the boys, it rides beautifully.

If you do decide to purchase one, try Alan from F-Rib South East. He’s a smashing fella and I’m certain he will do his best for you.

Martin