I have a client looking for a 10' RIB for his 58' Hatteras. What are the best recommendations? Thanks!
10’ is small, assuming we re talking classic 58, there is room for a 12 footer. Easily. we have a 15’ walker bay on the boat i run. 6 years old now, 500 hours. Nice dinghy.
I like the rigid inflatable (oxymoron?) by Rigid Boats. No air. No patches. No UV BS... https://www.rigidboats.com/12-ft-model/
Knowing that your clients are usually after no-nonsense, solid boats, this would be the best match, imho. They can withstand beaching in places that would trash any GRP hull, and they are also very light anyway! https://highfieldnorthamerica.com/boats/classic-console/
Thanks for the great responses!! My client bought a Hatteras 58LRC and is doing a total refit. Much appreciated!
With an LRC they definitely needs something bigger than 10’. Smaller dinghies don’t have much storage for PFDs, anchor and rode etc.
On my second RIB. First was a Zodiac brand (YL340). I think they have renamed their line of RIB to a different name, escapes me at the moment. The one I have now is an AB. Don't remember the length, I think a foot longer than the zodiac was. 50hp yamaha. Love this one. Much better ride than the zodiac. For what it's worth...
I recently replaced my older 14’ Novurania with a newer one, same size and model. Mine is the 430 DL with a 60 hp Yamaha. I really like these boats. They are a deeper V than similar boats and handle rougher water well and are very stable. Anchor locker, storage under the bench seats and inside the console make it nice. Been using mine nearly everyday for last few weeks in Alaska and it has been great.
I have a 11' Highfield classic w/ 15hp Yamaha 4 stroke. Honestly, I hate it. Yes, its light. Yes, it floats; and fits on the bow of my Post 50. But it PLOWS in the water without significant weight in the bow, struggles to get on plane, is a squirrely ride overall, and the ergonomics are all wrong. I much rather tow my 16' whaler montauk. Much more practical with a family. Leaving for a two week trip to Marthas Vineyard and Block in early August, and Ill be bringing both along. I doubt the dink will see much use.
Was the o/b your choice, or what? I'm asking because that dinghy can handle up to 25hp, with a recommended power of 20hp. Sounds like yours is underpowered.
It wasn't my choice... It was the package they had. Overall, I'd trade it for something else in a heartbeat.
For S&Gs, I warned Judy about her post when she started it last Tuesday. 1 week later, nobody has recommended a 10' RIB,, everything else but.. I'm sure she will advise her customer of some of these recommendations. I directly recommended (Tuesday) a visit to Left Marine for her Hatterass customer.
