RIB Info..

[doug748]

I am starting to think that a small RIB would make a good tender. I spotted a Yam 2.5 the other day, has anyone any experience of these? Are there any Ribs available smaller than 2 1/2 metres? Thanks

 

[gianenrico]

You can find some at 2,40 mt and may be also smaller.
my experience with a 2,40 is that is a very "tenderly" affair, that is two adults and a couple of shoppers fill it up, if one of the adults has to row.
Of course You can use a small outboard (I choose a two stroke 3,5 HP) in order to move around two adults, two kids and a little bit of stuff.
Cheers,
Gianenrico

 

[boatmike]

I have an Avon Riblite which is about 11ft (?) and goes like **** with a 9.5HP engine. I don't think however that a rigid bottomed boat would make any sense if it were much smaller as it would be unsafe to plane and if you are not going to plane a standard inflatable will be much lighter and easier to handle.

 

[bob_tyler]

There is a new range just coming into the UK by Southern Pacific who are very well regarded in New Zealand. www.southernpacific.co.nz

The UK contact is 01872 865 900 or 07888 776262 for price lists etc..

There are a 2.4m & a 2.6m in the Puffin Lightweight RIB Range.

Could be worth considering.

 

[doug748]

Thanks for that. How well do small Ribs row?

 

[boatmike]

Marginally better than inflatables but not as well as rigid tenders.

 

[bob_tyler]

They may not row quite as well as a rigid tender but are very much safer. Even a small rigid tender can be tricky to row as one's hands can bash on one's bent knees owing to lack of legroom.