Value for money semi-rigid ?

[salty rocker]

Hi Guys, Im new to this forum.
I would like to buy a RIB as a general purpose craft for family days on the water (wife thinks..) Skiing, diving and spearfishing. ( I realize what spearguns can do to RIBs - willing to run that risk)
I plan to run a short shaft 115 4 cycle outboard.
I also wondered if anyone knew where I could get an aluminum trailer made similar to the ones manufactured in the US.
Lets all look forward to hearing some great advice and hopefully be warned away from any potential problem craft. Thanks in advance.

 

[QuQ]

Are you buying new?

Infanta and Falcon (aka Honda Extreme) inflatables are popular and well made boats. But Gemini is by far the best inflatable for use at sea (particularly the 5.05 and 550). With your 115hp, the 550 would be an excellent choice.

Avoid cat hull inflatables, the ride at sea is not as good as mono hull inflatables (the pontoons add stability).

I don't know of Alu trailer manufacturers in SA, but there are many companies who build top quality galvanized trailers.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

 

[Richard M]

I have had 2 x Gemini's and a Falcon over the last 24 years. Cant fault either of them, it depends on what layout you want and what you intend to use th boat for. Quality from both is excellent. One point of advice having owned 3 RIBS, stay away from Hypalon, the latest PVC is just as good and easier to do repairs on. Also look for thermo welded tubes and not glued. Glue starts to fail after 6 or 7 years, depending on how hard they work and how much sun the boat sees. The Falcon 575SR is a fantastic hull with loads of space and a 115 will give you lots of power to have fun wth. Take note, if you are worried about punctures from gaffs etc, double skinning the hull can almost eliminate this risk. Falcon offer this as an option on most of their RIBs, you just need to make sure you specify it up front as it must be addeed during condtruction of the hull. They use this on the commercial RIBS they make as fishing boats.