rib or fibreglass?
 

I am buying a boat to use around the Greek islands. Currently quite struck by the Bayliner range. But meantime some say I should buy a Rib as they perform better in these waters.

But the equivalent rib costs twice as much. But which is best. Any ideas - advice?

Bayliner hmmmm.

I think I'd feel a little more comfortable in the RIB!

I'm not sure of the availablility of other boat brands over there. Bayliners do not have such a great reputation for quality. If you search around this site you will find that Bayliners are usually mentioned as part of a joke. If you ride in rough water, you won't be happy with a Bayliner.

Fixed it for you. :D

How do they (Bayliners) perform say in force 4 - 5 waters - small whitecaps etc. Are they a bit of joke then - and why? I will look around the site for sure!

Thanks

I don't want to trash Bayliners, but they are really known for poor quality. Thin and weak construction, poor fit and finish... IMO, they have really improved in the past few years. I still wouldn't say they are a great boat, but I think they've become a nice boat for the money (and no guys, I'm not into Bayliners!) Depending on which model/size you're looking at, some of them can handle some fair size water. If big nasty water is what you're worried about, I'd go with the RIB.

Thanks!

So poor quality and not so good in heavy seas - how would you compare the 185 Bayliner to the Marlin 16 rib? We'll use the boat for water skiing, coastal stuff. NOthing too heavy duty...

I personally don't know about the Marlin 16 RIB. If you're talking 16-18' boats and nothing heavy duty, then you'll likely find the Bayliner will serve your needs.

Just for your info, most of the members here are into larger high performance boats and won't have much a lot of info on the boats you're inquiring about (myself included), but with 15,000 of us I'm sure someone can give you more info.

Welcome aboard... and good luck with your search.:)

Thanks for all your advice - I would prefer the performance boat - but got to start somewhere....

Thanks

I hope you didn't take that as a condescending statement (it wasn't meant to be)... I just meant you might be looking for info in the wrong place.;)

Best of luck with the new purchase!




Hopefully someone else can help you out here..

Anyone????

As most here, I have no experience in small boats in Grecian waters.

BUT I have seen RIBS absolutely take a whale of a beating and never flinch. Seems thay are ALL built with sturdy wave flattening rigid sections and the inflatable portions keep human bodies from breaking bones as you are tossed around inside them. RIBS also offer a comfy gunwale to sit on.

Small Bayliners (at least in the US models) are not intended to see continuous use in waters that will keep them tossed about. I have no idea if they offer some non US models for harsher water conditions, but that may be the case.

In all honesty, for the world of small boats and hazardous waters, I feel that a Boston Whaler or equivalent knockoff can't be beat. They offer the most solid and reassuring wave bashing ride in a small boat and of course can't be sunk.

* Actually you can beat them quite soundly, and they will keep coming back for more. *

Good luck and welcome to the wide world of boating.

The RIB is the only way to go, I have had two and they are the best rough water, shallow water boat around....just look at the Coast Guard. I had an 18 foot Zodiac with a 115 Merc and it was a blast. Get one and keep it forever.

Hmmmm MCollinstn got me thinking.... I wonder if there is such a thing as a Grecian Formula...... you know... formula boat made in Greece..... :D And how many formulas do they have 49 ? :D

http://ribworld.com/forum/

Try this forum.
These guys can steer you in the right direction.
Regards, Russ Withiam

Thanks for all your help - much appreciated!

Peter