Rib-lites Anyone recommend light weight RIB?

RogerRat

RogerRat

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I'm thinking of upgrading my 265 air deck and 5Hp Marina to a solid floor rib, but I want a light weight around 275/280.

I've heard mixed reports on some makes. I'm expecting to go to around 8-10 hp but I want the whole pack under 100Kg's.

Any ideas welcome.
 
I had one of the Zodiac 310's. All of these boats have a similar hull. Good boat, solid and well built but light enough to handle on your own.

The only problem I found was that it had a very shallow (almost flat) hull. This hampered performance in any waves at all, with plenty of slamming.

I actually think that the Honda Wave with the high pressure V hull that I now have is a better performer overall than the Rib was.
 
Been looking at the Ribeye 290 for our Phantom 40.
Basic boat weight 62kg but this would be increased significantly if you go for the 15hp 4 stroke Yam they recomend. Not sure on the best way of securing it to the bathing platform for easy launch and recovery without a crane
 
I would go for the Brig 275 Roger. At 55 KG and with a 10hp Merc at 32KG you would be well within your specs and have a rig I could ski behind /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Hi Roger

Nice to see you at the Wheelrights the other evening. Have a look at Wiggo's thread about his tender here - could be a performance solution at 100kg?

Cheers
Jimmy
 
I went for a Zodiac 310 with the sport bottom - its just a high pressure bottom with a bit of a V in it. Plus a Ymaha four stroke - the whole lot with the wheels on the bacl comes in at just under 50 kg. This is now going on my bathing platform as the main tender. I already have a jet rib but its simply too heavy to haul up beaches.
 
Thanks for the link Jimmy,

I remember the thread now, the Brig 275 that Paul suggested seems pretty good and light, but I don't need the racing machine that Graham has.

The Ribeye is def on the heavy side and I do want to be able to move it up a beach if required.

I'll let you know how I get on. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Thank for the kind introduction Jon.

Whatever size/shape boat you go for if you want light then you should try and bag one of the last remaining two-strokes, being lumbered with a four-stroke is going to add around 30% to your engine wight.

Let me know if I can be of any help in your search, it will rereshing to put together something light - most people want twin whistles with extra large bells /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Basically you want a single skin hull rather than a double skin like the more pricey and heavy makes. Have a look at the Dynamic range from Valiant. They claim to be the lightest RIBS on the market. I've had a couple of Valiants as tenders and they were fine
 
I looked at the Valiant Range last year and was impressed. However in the end got the Honda Wave 270TI, with built in air V floor!

I have been very impressed and glad I did not get a Rib.

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Hi Roger,
Showing off now you have posh shinny davits then??
We have a Valiant D270 rib (approx 34kg rib olny) and fitted a 8hp 2 stoke Yamaha & its easy enough for us to lift in & out of the garage.
With both of in we have to sit forward a little for get to get on the plane but sits very nicely when up there good for 18 or so knots. With one person in she flys, I found that adding a small tiller extension and hydro wings improved performance enormously, but then I am a big boy!!
The only small downside is that the tubes are a smaller diameter & the hull not as deep as say an Avon but then you do benefit with it being lighter tender.
timbad
 
We are in the process of selling our Avon 2.8 rib in favour of a Porta-Bote. This folding boat, 8 ft (folds flat to 4 inches) loads of space, only 21kg (yes 21) and with a 3.3 hp 2 stroke it will be one third of the weight. The rib weighs 140 kg (with a central console/wheel, 9.9 hp engine and fuel etc) and weighs our stern down by 2.5 inches, loads the fuel consumption. I reckon you should take a look at Porta-Bote.
 
ps we had a 2.6 Avon Roverlite some time ago and found it was quite skittish on the water as it was so light! We went back to a 2.8 Rover rib. The double skinned ribs are heavier but definitely better if you can cope with the extra weight on board. To us Avon are kings. The new Yamaha / Zodiac dinghies are worth a look.
 
Hi Graham,

You're right of course but I now have nice shiny davits fitted on Panache. I can 100kg ok and like the look of the Brig. I am also aware that Tim has been very happy with the Valiant (thanks for the link Mike) but he chose the smaller tubes for easy garage stowing.

There are loads to choose from of course but it's nice to talk to people who have or have had a similar set up to mine. I like the sound of your racy machine but I really only need a tender that will plane with two as Tim suggested.

Cheers all. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
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