Using a biggish RIB

Yes, and very pretty it is up there. I'd really look forward to the peaceful ambiance of eating the contents of my Fortnum's hamper whilst enjoying the dulcet tones coming stone loading operation opposite. Then one has the sand and gravel quay and filthy looking tank farm. Ooooh, idyllic /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Mags, its a great idea..

I bought a 5m rib last year to play around in the Solent... Fantastic fun, it really is.

I do have one criticism tho.. at 5m its very fast and stable, but just a little too small for the Solent.

So if you're considering it, buy as large as you can. At least 6.5m. I'm going to trade up to a larger rib.. some good deals at LIBS.
 
Did the RIB thing for a couple of seasons to see if the kids enjoyed being by the water and to try to put off spending loads of money on something bigger. My rib was smaller (6m) but my experience was not great with the launching/retrieval/trailer storage/car parking thing. The RIB itself was great fun but my advice would be to make life as easy as possible. Dry storage and launching on request would be the only way I would want to do it again. (If you have good competant crew then things would be much easier. I was to all intents single handed). I think Reddish Marine run a launch/retrieval/storage system in Salcolmbe if its any help.
 
I've been thinking along the same lines, Magnum. I can't get to Majorca as often as I like so its often weeks between boating fixes. So far I've resisted buying a boat for the UK in favour of chartering so a couple or three times a season we've chartered a RIB or mobo. Agree though that 5m is too small for comfort. You need 7m or bigger
 
So that's tcm, derf, Deleted User and me. Should be able to get a good deal on 4 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

It appears that Revenger, Scorpion and Mark Pascoe are often described as high-end. On that basis have a look at this little lot.

Revenger 27 - 1x300HP or 2x225hp max

Scorpion 8.1m - 2x225hp max

Pascoe SR7 - 225hp max

Scorpion is 2.62m beam which makes it too wide to transport with inflated tubes.
 
Was going to respond on rib.net but will do so here instead....

For easy towing by car if thats important to you then max size really about 7.5m for comfort. Peeps do tow bigger (biggest I know is a titled gent who tows his 10m RIB with a unimog camper at a stately 40mph everywhere) but its a bit more of a chore. Plus for having a towable boat are the ability to explore new parts of the world. So f'rinstance from Cheshire what you could do is tow upto west coast of Scotland which IMHO is best ribbing area in the world.

If dryberthing or marina is the thing then 8-9m rib is no problem. Bigger ribs usually offer better ride as per hardboats. Your choice is essentially between workboat types - Redbay, Humber, Ribcraft etc and the more sporty numbers like Revenger, Pascoe and Scorpion. A Scorpion would be my recommendation having owned a 7.5m. Deep V, fantastic ride and superlative build quality. Not cheap but if you can afford it then without equal!
 
not white?

urg, it's gonna look a bit of a state in uk if it starts off in white innit? Cos they onlylook white if new and very sunny. Otherwise they look a bit cacky and in neeed of a clean. Black would need almost no cleaning to look as good as new. Whatever...
 
Re: not white?

There's a bit more to colour choice than just showing the dirt. Dark coloured tubes quickly show a chalky residue on the surface which is in fact UV damage to the hypalon material. It looks yucky & is difficult to get off. To avoid this you need to keep the RIB stored under an overall cover. Dark colours also absorb the sun's heat in summer and can overpressurise as a result. Grey tubes are said to be a good choice....there's plenty of chat about this on the RIB forums
 
Nah. not with the overhang allowed (as others have said.). For interest my 7.5m Scorp with 200hp Yam HPDI & 60 galls fuel onboard plus aux 5hp weighed in around 2300 kgs on twin axle trailer. She did 50kts lightly loaded flat out and comfortable cruise was anywhere from 28-35kts. A twin engined 9mish boat should be good for 55-60kts.

A good point has also been made about tube colour and fade. My first RIB was bright yellow and faded dreadfully when left for a month or two with no cover. The Scorp was dark blue tubes but always left covered up and for a 1997 boat the tubes still look fabbo. Grey is the best but a bit industrial. A light blue looks good and doesnt fade.
 
Spoke to Scorpion this morning and they can't supply an 8.1 or 8.5m until end of August.

Their fuel tanks are molded in and can be supplied in different sizes.

Sounds like top kit but end of August is too far away.
 
Rib.net as all forums has its share of 'challenging' posters but it does seem rather a shame that your thread got sidetracked by someone with a sack o spuds on their shoulder!

Shame about the waiting list for a Scorp but not a surprise. Mebbe try and find a good second hand one? Revengers are good boats too but I dont like the lack of sheer and really tapered tubes. Its a personal thing driven by looks and worry about stuffing it into a following sea. Would be worth having a look at one though.

AJ
 
If you are looking for a seriously stylish and very quick rib then go and speak to Mark Pascoe. He makes seriously cool boats. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Have a look HERE Not cheap though.

Then there's Pro Sport based in CI - they will make to your specs - HERE

And there is also a little known company on the IOW - Leeway Ribs who make a very good product.

All the above are in the tailored made bracket and you will not be among the heard here!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
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