seek help with rib quality and specifications

[sameh]

Dear folks

I have fiber boat (glastron 15 feet) i use for saltwater fishing. weighing 600 kg with it engine (75 hp mariner 2 cycles)
apart from this boat being not the typical for salt water, i face a great problem getting my boat in water (it is on a trailer) due to lack of well prepared spots for this. this creates problems when entering soft sand where car sinks or there is no much water depth to get the boat of trailer.

mainly due to this reason i reached the conclusion that i should probably use rib that is supposed to be much lighter and with less v shaped hull that will make it easier to float while trailering. also, i can use lighter engine for rib.



would you agree with me that rib type boat (with rigid hull) would be easier to trail in absence of good points to trail aboat and where no much depth is found?

would it be inappropriate to use rigid type boat for fishing in jigging method or so to avoid hooks penetrating the inflatable parts? i saw in internet some rigid types performing great actually in fishing!

third question: is it really there is a difference between good company types such as zodiacs compared to chinese types that are assumed to be less quality? where is the difference would be found? is it in lifespan of the boat?

if you have any article summarizing my questions please lead me to it.

many thanks in advance
sameh

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: seek help with rib quality and specifications

In terms of weight yes that will only be the only difference for launching ... but with regards to depth it will be the exact same with the rib as with your normal boat .... the rib trailer is not lower on the road than a regular trailer ....

Fishing wise you should ideally be more carefull with hooks but you do get hard covers for the tubes to prevent this ...

There is a big difference with regards to quality as you get cheap PVC from china that's not all UV resistant, and the seems don't hold together so well either ... if you buy a hypalon rib it will last you a very long time, it all depends on how long sun exposure it has ..... the lifespan can be anything from 5 years - 20 years depending on how you look after it ...

 

[Sea Rider]

Quality Oceanic Rib.-

Quality Oceanic Rib.-

Going for a rib would be a excellent boating solution in terms of being lighter to tow, launch and less fuel comsumption as well. Traditional brands as Zodiac, Avon just to name 2 are expensive ribs, you have lower costs with Asian build ribs. You can custom build one with thick German state of the art PVC or Orca Hypalon in the gauge you wanty, just expect to pay bit more.-

If your sib will live well shaded after use, not moored all year long at the tropics with long UV exposures go for PVC, if the opposite go for Hypalon, if rib fishing with any of both fabrics be aware of sharp hooks, knives, as suggested by Deeyacee a cover is mandatory. You need something well priced and tough like this 470, contact for a quote, should stand well with their warranty.

Happy Boating