Titchy RIB storage scenarios

[MartinTilbrook]

Some of this may be a bit daft! Firstly, does anyone out there have experience of an easily storable small RIB? I'm looking for an easily-stored and easily transported small boat of about 8 - 9 feet. I'm looking at RIBs because I don't like the way a 'pure' inflatable gets pushed around by the wind and a little chop. I've seen the Avon Rover Lite 260, which is about the right size for me and is light enough, but it would still mean storing it and the outboard, fuel tank etc separately in my garage. My garage isn't that big!

So my second question is (and this could be the daft part) - does anyone know of a boat which can store a small outboard, fuel tank etc inside it, or isn't this possible? Grateful for any help.

 

[Wiggo]

No reason the Rover Lite 260 wouldn't have room to store a small outboard and tank inside, laid flat.

 

[wakeup]

Have you tried the newer air deck, I've just bought a new Zodiac with the deep air v floor which inflates rock hard, it tracks completely true and doesn't get pushed around at all just like driving a rib, I'm running the 285 with a yam and it goes really well.

 

[Nautorius]

Look at the HondaWave range. Built in Inflatable 'Deep V' floors and performance is stunning. I got a 270TI and it is the business.

Another guy on here 'Landlockedpirate' went down the small rib route and found that most did not have a deep enough V hull. He now has a Honda 320TI and is very impressed (with a 15 on it)

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Channel Ribs]

I agree with Nautorius, small RIBS are less fun than big inflatables.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Talbot]

I have the zodiac 260 Fast Roller - this is an air deck with a deep V. I cant see that a small RIB would perform better on waves or in wind. Mine rows beautifully, and is an all round good dink.

 

[landlockedpirate]

I actually had a slightly larger version of the Avon 260 lite in one of its other guises as the Zodiac 310. I was'nt happy with handling. It packed away great with the clever folding transom but the almost flat bottom it had -so that it would fit in the bag - ment it slammed in even small waves.

As mentioned above bought a Honda 320Ti this year goes really well with the a 15hp on it (about 20kts) but is also great with 2hp for my 8 and 11 year olds to learn boat handling.

IMHO air ribs (especially the 'V' design ones) are now as good as the same size rigid boats and they are lighter and easier to store.

Mark

 

[MartinTilbrook]

Just to say thanks to everyone replying - really helpful advice. Looks like an inflatable might fit the bill after all.

Cheers Martin

 

[Hurricane]

Have a look here
Might be a touch too big 2.9m (I think) but all the fuel etc is included in the console.
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/JCM008/
I called in to see the guy this week.
Small - one man band but I liked the set up.
Has all his own moulds and seems to give a personal service.
Certainly builds to order.
I'm very seriously thinking of getting one.

 

[tritonofnor]

try one of these Sorry - just sold this one to fund a rigid raider project, but they're available new with a 25 hp engine for around three grand. Will fit in the back of an estate car, and are really stable on the water...

 

[Channel Ribs]

[ QUOTE ]
try one of these...

[/ QUOTE ]

I could not agree more, but the small one at 3.8m might be a bit big? Certainly stable and good to handle though.