The best dive RIB!

[crofty]

Our club has reached the decision that one of our ageing boats has got to go and we are going to spend lots of dosh on a NEW boat, engine etc.
Of copurse the debate rages on about the best make of Boat, Engine, Electronics package etc.
We have a sub commitee looking at these things, but personaility trates will usually win over facts.

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

Anyone got a lead as to where I can find reviews of boats, other than dive and diver which we have.

Richard
Chair BSAC109

[Andy Nye]

You will find my choice on the link below


Andy

[David Walker]

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

I can't give any specifics, but certainly i'd say that width is one of the biggest considerations that is overlooked - length is useful, and the size most people will give if you ask how big the boat is, but from my experience it'd be better spending money to get more width than more length (within certain sensible limits obviously).

David

[Brian_C]

Our club has reached the decision that one of our ageing boats has got to go and we are going to spend lots of dosh on a NEW boat, engine etc.
Of copurse the debate rages on about the best make of Boat, Engine, Electronics package etc.
We have a sub commitee looking at these things, but personaility trates will usually win over facts.

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

Anyone got a lead as to where I can find reviews of boats,
other than dive and diver which we have.

Richard
Chair BSAC109


Word of caution, If you don't have to many members with large 4*4's then consider the movment of the RiB, my club have fallen into this trap, with only a couple able to tow!!
A wide Beam is always good. Alos think 4 stroke or Optimax for better running costs.

Brian

[Si Brookes]

Richard,

Other things to consider are deck layout;

Only a few people use the seating position behind our cox so it could be viewed as wasted deck space or better used for more storage

Underfloor tanks that are accessible if required will help with centre of gravity and storage space again.

Console design;

Inturementation is getting better but screen size isa going up the traditional small console might not be the best anymore.

Engine wise as previously said look at 4s or "Optimax type engines; Most of the big players make excellent reliable units.

Also previously mentioned was boat size and weight look carefully at this its the weight that is crucial, look at construction technique and strength for weight designs.

Derious contenders for me would have to be;
Delta - Very expensive
Ribcraft - good hull and customisation options.

[Neil Radcliffe]

I always find plenty of useful info on the seperate www.rib.net forums. Try doing a search there. RIB International magazine also does regular reviews.

My own similar search about 3 years ago led me to RIBCRAFT and I've not been disapointed so far.

Yahmaha engines seemed to have the best reputation - but at a price. I went for something cheaper!

You'll also find loads of stuff about electronics on RIB.net - a common theme seems to that moisture gets into a heck of a lot of supposedly watertight stuff and so a supplier with a good customer reputation might be a good idea. Garmin and Icom seem to come out tops here. (But people seem not to rate the Garmin fishfinders).

The dedicated RIB-EX show would have been ideal for you to try a few out - but the last one was held not too long back so you'd have nearly a year to wait for the next one.

[David Applin]

I always find plenty of useful info on the seperate www.rib.net forums. Try doing a search there. RIB International magazine also does regular reviews.

My own similar search about 3 years ago led me to RIBCRAFT and I've not been disapointed so far.

Yahmaha engines seemed to have the best reputation - but at a price. I went for something cheaper!

You'll also find loads of stuff about electronics on RIB.net - a common theme seems to that moisture gets into a heck of a lot of supposedly watertight stuff and so a supplier with a good customer reputation might be a good idea. Garmin and Icom seem to come out tops here. (But people seem not to rate the Garmin fishfinders).

The dedicated RIB-EX show would have been ideal for you to try a few out - but the last one was held not too long back so you'd have nearly a year to wait for the next one.

Some good advice here, however walking and talking to everyone at the recent boat show, seems that Yamaha are losing their reputation and there are other manufacturers with far better customers service

[Si Brookes]

Mercury have just brought out a complete monster straight six supercharged motor but same company is in a legal fight with Yam re; alegations of dumping cheap outboards in the US.

However the twist is a lot of outboards are actually part sourced from differnt companies. Merucury whicj is also Mariner used Yamaha for its powerheads/blocks.

One engine currently getting good reviews is the Evinrude etec 3 year warranty and 3 years maintenance free! Its also got a low centre of gravity so will handle well.

Ribnet is a good place for learning also "R.I.B.international" magazine provide good reviews but its bi-monthly.

[Ian Saunders]

Our club has reached the decision that one of our ageing boats has got to go and we are going to spend lots of dosh on a NEW boat, engine etc.
Of copurse the debate rages on about the best make of Boat, Engine, Electronics package etc.
We have a sub commitee looking at these things, but personaility trates will usually win over facts.

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

Anyone got a lead as to where I can find reviews of boats, other than dive and diver which we have.

Richard
Chair BSAC109

There was a report in Dive magazine a couple of months back, reporting on the new range of XS ribs. Looking around, this company seem to be the best value for money in terms of build quality, materials used, extra kit such as A frames and bottle racks etc. I think they are also going to be at the dive show at the NEC at the end of October. The link to their website is below. We have subsequently placed an order and are currently awaiting delivery :-)

Ian

[garygee]

Hi Richard
You dont say what size to want to go for so here a few which I rate in the easily towable class.

Ribcraft 5.85 matched with a suzuki 130HP.
Humber Ocean Pro 5.5 with again the Suzuki 90Hp.
If you want somthing bigger again I would still stick with Ribcraft or Humber. but with humber keep with the Ocean Pro range

Both boats handle heavy loads well and are good offshore in most weather. As for Engines I belive the Suzukis are best at the moment.

The best place to aski this is another forum I go on at www.rib.net. If its about ribs they know it.

Regards Gary

Our club has reached the decision that one of our ageing boats has got to go and we are going to spend lots of dosh on a NEW boat, engine etc.
Of copurse the debate rages on about the best make of Boat, Engine, Electronics package etc.
We have a sub commitee looking at these things, but personaility trates will usually win over facts.

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

Anyone got a lead as to where I can find reviews of boats, other than dive and diver which we have.

Richard
Chair BSAC109

[Mike_Firth]

Tornado and Humber of Hull for boats

Mariner for engines

Lawrance for GPS

Enjoy

Our club has reached the decision that one of our ageing boats has got to go and we are going to spend lots of dosh on a NEW boat, engine etc.
Of copurse the debate rages on about the best make of Boat, Engine, Electronics package etc.
We have a sub commitee looking at these things, but personaility trates will usually win over facts.

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

Anyone got a lead as to where I can find reviews of boats, other than dive and diver which we have.

Richard
Chair BSAC109

[Mike_Firth]

Tornado and Humber of Hull for boats

Mariner for engines

Lawrance for GPS

Enjoy


Our club has reached the decision that one of our ageing boats has got to go and we are going to spend lots of dosh on a NEW boat, engine etc.
Of copurse the debate rages on about the best make of Boat, Engine, Electronics package etc.
We have a sub commitee looking at these things, but personaility trates will usually win over facts.

So I am after opinions (and evidence to back it iff possible) of what make the best boats, engines etc.

Anyone got a lead as to where I can find reviews of boats, other than dive and diver which we have.

Richard
Chair BSAC109