RIB usage / lifespan in UK?

[EugeneR]

I am currently in South Africa where, after 15 years in the sun, the glue on my Wildcat RIB has started to let go.

It will cost around GBP 500 to have it re-tubed and made new again. It will cost GBP 2100 for the latest 5.3m model and they will give me GBP 1000 trade-in for the old boat.

The new one is CE certified for export to Europe, so I am thinking of including it in my planned container heading for Southampton soon.

In South Africa, a RIB usualy does not make contact with any man-made structures - only crayfish nets and the beach Also, no issues with winter temperatures here.

In contrast, I expect to be mooring up around the Solent etc. Is a RIB a sensible option for use around the Solent? What lifetime should I expect? 2 years? 5 years?

Also, where do people store them? I would imagine a boat yard is a bit risky given how easily they could be "popped"?

Any ideas / suggestions please let me know.

Alternative is around GBP 14000 for a "modern" 18ft cabin cruiser... which is probably not worth it compared to what I can get in the UK...

Thanks

Eugene

 

[chanelyacht]

Hi Eugene,

RIBs are ideal for the Solent, and very popular. As with many things, how long it lasts will depend on how it's looked after - my Humber is 25 years old, and looks better than a lot of 4 year old boats - but has always been dry stored in the winter, and has been maintained.

You might find a better response on www.rib.net as well.

The Solent does have a short "chop" as opposed to long rolling waves, so a high bow and deep vee hull make for the best arrangement.

 

[l'escargot]

Get ready for a shock if you want to dry stack which is usual around the Solent

 

[thomshap]

My RIB is the best boat I've had, but I'm close to the water so don't need anything to sleep on.

 

[EugeneR]

I have been offered an innovative solution for my concerns. They will fibreglass over the pontoons to create around 3/4 inch shell which should be more robust. I saw two newly built examples and it looks solid although weight might be a concern. It is the first time that I have heard of this... Any views or experience?

 

[fireball]

Stored under a cover is best!!

 

[chanelyacht]

I have been offered an innovative solution for my concerns. They will fibreglass over the pontoons to create around 3/4 inch shell which should be more robust. I saw two newly built examples and it looks solid although weight might be a concern. It is the first time that I have heard of this... Any views or experience?

Uh?

Do mean over the sponsons- i.e. the tubes - in which case I can't think of anything worse.

There are "hard" tube boats about - but haven't seen any recently built. Weight certainly is a problem.

 

[thomshap]

Some people also fill them with crazy foam which is great for a week or so then falls apart inside and you end up with a boat that has tubes like a pack of broken biscuits.