Buying my 1st motorboat - Things to be careful of

[Evan2020]

Good morning one and all

Can I kindly ask you experts on here for some advice on what to be careful of when buying an inflatable used 5-7meter (16-23 feet) motor boat with any 75-150hp outboard engine.
How to figure out and test whether soft/hard shell, trailer, engine etc is in decent quality as I don’t want to get ripped off!
Reason for bying one is to cruise on salty water with 4 people on board.

Thank you in advance

 

[chillee]

Highly recommend having a professional survey done.

 

[TommieDee]

Good morning one and all

Can I kindly ask you experts on here for some advice on what to be careful of when buying an inflatable used 5-7meter (16-23 feet) motor boat with any 75-150hp outboard engine.
How to figure out and test whether soft/hard shell, trailer, engine etc is in decent quality as I don’t want to get ripped off!
Reason for bying one is to cruise on salty water with 4 people on board.

Thank you in advance

Best of luck with your plans and proposed purchase Evan.

In buying a RIB, it is really important to “test drive” several if at all possible as they vary greatly in terms of ride quality, comfort and sea keeping. When you find a short list, google reviews on your model as there is loads of material out there online. Also then ask for advice on specific models you shortlist here or on RIB forums.

If you are based on the south coast, there are several boat membership clubs giving you access to ribs for a fixed price without cost of full purchase. Might be worth considering for your first foray into boating.

What’s your budget? That will help guide the experienced old sea dogs on here to give you most relevant advice. Don’t forget to factor in all relevant running costs when budgeting - purchase price, insurance, servicing, berthing or storage if not keeping at home, periodic repairs or improvements (once you get a boat, it doesn’t take long to start looking at spending money on new stuff!).

RIBs At your size don’t have WCs or fridges .... so is that going to be an issue for you and your family? If not, RIBs are great “wind in your hair” fun and most are decent sea boats. If you want some creature comforts, look at a small cuddy if you’re looking for speed/water sports or a small fisher (like Merry Fisher or Antares) if you don’t need water sports but want shelter of wheelhouse.

Most important thing once you own a boat is to use it! They cost a lot to buy and maintain and (in most cases) depreciate a chunk so get your moneys worth.

best of luck

 

[gordmac]

Watch you don't end up with something underpowered.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Highly recommend having a professional survey done.

I’ve never heard of anyone having a survey on a rib. That’s not to say it’s a bad idea, especially as the op states it will be his first power boat. I think I’d be looking for someone experienced with ribs to go along with me, they’re not that complicated.

 

[PilotWolf]

RIBs are great fun. I’ve owned 2 and driven several BUT I’d suggest you read the thread(s) about the Southampton incident.

Don‘t know of anyone having a survey either but worth having a mechanic check out the engine(s)

If buying private then make sure tubes hold air, tubes aren’t separating from hull, any wooden areas like the transom and deck aren’t waterlogged.

Get some basic training.

Also bare in mind where it’s going to live when not in use. Are you going to trailer it? If so you need to consider a suitable tow vehicle and your driving licence categories. Other than its a marina or dry stack possibly a yard but then you’ll probably still need a trailer.

W.

 

[chillee]

I’ve never heard of anyone having a survey on a rib. That’s not to say it’s a bad idea, especially as the op states it will be his first power boat. I think I’d be looking for someone experienced with ribs to go along with me, they’re not that complicated.

Shows how much i know about Ribs . Lol.