Salcombe Flyer or WavPro RIB

[JJN_20]

Hi all,

Great to be a part of this forum. Hoping for some thoughts and advice on my next purchase.

Budget is £4-5k and after a fair bit of searching I've shortlisted the below. Salcombe Flyer 440 and WavPro 430 RIB.

Salcombe Flyer 440 Used Boat for Sale 2006 | TheYachtMarket (looks like a solid package to me)

Wav - Pro tender 430 in Gwynedd, Wales | Boats and Outboards (unsure of this brand?? Outboard looks top notch however).

Intended use is for day leisure, some fishing, water sports (skiing) and general comfort. Majority will be around the Falmouth Bay area in Cornwall. Would like to do some coastal touring too but nothing extreme/too offshore.

Thanks on advance for any help!

J.

 

[Kawasaki]

I like RIBs have done loads with them
Out of those two boats pictured I would pick the Flyer
More roomy and nice engine
For your budget however
Look at 5.4 Avon Searider
They don’t look ‘sexy’ but tremendous sea boats for their size
Hard to find but worth it

 

[longjohnsilver]

Salcombe flyer is a lovely looking boat, I’ve been tempted in the past. The biggest downside for me is the freeboard. That makes it an estuary cruiser at best. But id still happily own one.

 

[JJN_20]

Thanks both for your replies. It's a tricky decision - we're pretty torn.

Aesthetically we are drawn to the Flyer but just a little worried about its performance in terms of towing skiers / being thrown around in the Cornish bays.

Any ideas on the RIB brand? Kawasaki yes I have eyed up a few Seariders and their reputation precedes them - still on the lookout but currently the WavPro and Salcombe Flyer have the seating we're after. Seariders tend to be jockey.

Any more thoughts very welcome and thanks again!

 

[Ferris]

Make sure you inspect the saddle on the Etec 60 for cracks - its a weakpoint on those motors. Ideally it needs a filler block between the top edge of the transom to support the saddle. Also IIRC the etecs need special 2-stroke oil which is expensive.

 

[JJN_20]

Make sure you inspect the saddle on the Etec 60 for cracks - its a weakpoint on those motors. Ideally it needs a filler block between the top edge of the transom to support the saddle. Also IIRC the etecs need special 2-stroke oil which is expensive.

Thanks Ferris! Interesting to know. What are your thoughts on the Yamaha on the WavPro?

 

[Kawasaki]

Like LJ said the freeboard on the likes of the Flyer could be a concern/drawback
You will find a RIB in the real World really needs a 'jockey' type config for at least the Helm and Co Pilot
Ribs with seats forward (even some 4 metre Seariders) kinda dont work for Me
Some dont seem to mind!
Take a look at the 'Quicksilver' range, there may be something like that which will fit the Budget
The Wave Pro describes itself well
A Tender
So the seating works for the intended use
Any chop and passengers will feel unsafe
Its ok looking and thinking
Ooh I like the seats they look comfy etc
If I had to pick between the two shown
Still take the Flyer
'Brand' of RIB is not so much a concern. For your needs .
It's finding the right boat at the Budget!
That goes for anysize really though
6.5metre 'Walkround' or same size RIB would be ideal
Yeh, I know, summat 'turn key' that size is closer to 10K
Trolled up to Loch Lomond from North Wales, there and back
Sea (well Loch) trial and back Home in 12 hours and that was Feb through sleet and snot!
6'2 metre Osprey RIB with 150 engine
That was tidy enough but like I said £9995 asking
3 seater bench seat and 4 jockeys
You would be suprised how, when you actually get out there and use a RIB with that kind of configuration
How people adapt
Lets face it. Your not steaming along at pace for very long
Typically you launch ( or move out the Marina) and trundle along through a speed limit or a busy area
Then its a 15 minute blast to get to 'The Spot' and at 20 kts thats 5 miles kinda
So then when the music stops the peeps move about
Want a sarnie and a drink or go back 1 mile to collect the 'Hat Overboard'!
See what I am getting at?
Snot like yer sitting there or hanging on there for ages
Other thing to think of is where der stow the Cooler, the butties the sparelife jacket the bailing bucket etc etc
Handy thing with jockey seats you can 'jam' stuff in between etc
Mate its no different when yer spending 300 K
Been looking with a Friend (his dosh!) at stuff in that Price Bracket
Not that he is fussy but can I find one with the Gold Taps that match His wifes earings?
Bloody Hell of a Job!

 

[Kawasaki]

Make sure you inspect the saddle on the Etec 60 for cracks - its a weakpoint on those motors. Ideally it needs a filler block between the top edge of the transom to support the saddle. Also IIRC the etecs need special 2-stroke oil which is expensive.

There is an alternative Brand for the XD50 and 100 now.
Its exactly the same spec, about half the price
I know because I was involved in the development
Heck though they don't use much
You are correct about the fitment though
Some had 'recalls' and some where fitted all to cock!!!

 

[Ferris]

Thanks Ferris! Interesting to know. What are your thoughts on the Yamaha on the WavPro?

Bulletproof! But I think that boat will be underpowered, also echo Kwackers concern about the seating and feeling of vulnerability on that RIB - that was made to hoon around anchorages before being hoised back onto its mothership. Fletcher boats seem to get massive kudos from those on here who have experience in UK waters in small boats, seems like they can perform coastal passages.

RIB wise - Anything from Osprey / AVON / Ribcraft / COBRA to name but a few. RIBS are pricey however and mostly have jockey seats which you mentioned doesn't suit. If you are buying a RIB ensure that the tubes, trailer and engine are in good nick - the hull is basically worthless and can mostly be fixed up cheaply.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Bulletproof! But I think that boat will be underpowered, also echo Kwackers concern about the seating and feeling of vulnerability on that RIB - that was made to hoon around anchorages before being hoised back onto its mothership. Fletcher boats seem to get massive kudos from those on here who have experience in UK waters in small boats, seems like they can perform coastal passages.

RIB wise - Anything from Osprey / AVON / Ribcraft / COBRA to name but a few. RIBS are pricey however and mostly have jockey seats which you mentioned doesn't suit. If you are buying a RIB ensure that the tubes, trailer and engine are in good nick - the hull is basically worthless and can mostly be fixed up cheaply.

I’ve had a few Cobras and Ribcraft. Both excellent sea boats. And have always admired larger Avon ribs, although they are now getting on a bit. But they seem to last forever.

 

[Ferris]

I’ve had a few Cobras and Ribcraft. Both excellent sea boats. And have always admired larger Avon ribs, although they are now getting on a bit. But they seem to last forever.

Agreed. The Seariders are bulletproof and were simply built to a higher standard than any other RIB out there in my opinion. I have a 30yr old sr4 and its tubes are like new. Problem is that Seariders are pretty utilitarian and not suitable for family days out. Cobras are probably the best mix of a family RIB with excellent hulls but they are big and expensive. Ribcrafts are unobtainable secondhand. In fact, I feel that there is little value in the OP's budget in RIB's and anything out there will be dog rough for the money.

Thats why I mentioned Fletcher - famed for going out of business because their boats lasted too long.

A quick google found this in Cornwall:

Speedboat | in Saltash, Cornwall | Gumtree

the 17 was a good hull. Bowrider gives plenty of seats and the Merc 115 should be servicable if its been maintained. Its under budget which would leave room for a refit also (new seating / snazzy covers / engine and trailer service).

 

[JJN_20]

Thanks so much for the detailed replies guys. We have decided to try and keep local, and go for reputable brands. I do love the flyer still but perhaps not quite what we need.

I have been looking at some fletchers but am always seduced by a more open boat.

The latest I'm eyeing up is a local SeaPro with a double jockey seat + bench at the back. 50hp Evinrude. Looks in great nick.

Thanks again!

 

[longjohnsilver]

Thanks so much for the detailed replies guys. We have decided to try and keep local, and go for reputable brands. I do love the flyer still but perhaps not quite what we need.

I have been looking at some fletchers but am always seduced by a more open boat.

The latest I'm eyeing up is a local SeaPro with a double jockey seat + bench at the back. 50hp Evinrude. Looks in great nick.

Thanks again!

I don’t know the SeaPro brand, but the layout sounds good, and if it’s an Evinrude etec, it’s a fantastic engine.
Hope it all goes well for you.

 

[Hot Property]

I had one of these Fletcher's, a hugely capable boat that thinks it's a 25 ft one!!!

High freeboard, can take the Solent chop and , most importantly, has an onboard loo which your wife will eventually insist upon...

Fletcher - 19SC GTO Cuddy Cabin in Surrey, South East | Boats and Outboards