Dinghy Decisions: Highfield 340 or F-Rib 375

[MD7]

Hi All

We are currently waiting for our Bénéteau 51.1 to be delivered, which should be around April next year. We've ordered this boat to charter in the Med during summer, and Caribbean during winter.

But with every good charter boat comes a decent dinghy.
Because we want to offer something exclusive, we're thinking about getting a powerful dinghy so we're able to do some wakeboarding with guests.

We've been looking into 2 options.
-Highfield 340 with console + 30hp outboard
-Foldable F-Rib 375 without console + 25hp outboard

The F rib is a foldable boat that allows us to store it away during crossings/long trips, but has its downsides. (no console, doesn't look as good, can't be used as storage for water toys,...)

So the question is this: do you want a 3m40 tender on your foredeck during crossings? Storing the outboard in one of the aft lockers is no problem so this will not be on deck during sailing.

Bear in mind that we'll be spending 90+% of our time in calm waters and protected bays.

Any advice or experience is welcome! Am I missing something?

[Stephan]

Originally Posted by MD7

Hi All

We are currently waiting for our Bénéteau 51.1 to be delivered, which should be around April next year. We've ordered this boat to charter in the Med during summer, and Caribbean during winter.

But with every good charter boat comes a decent dinghy.
Because we want to offer something exclusive, we're thinking about getting a powerful dinghy so we're able to do some wakeboarding with guests.

We've been looking into 2 options.
-Highfield 340 with console + 30hp outboard
-Foldable F-Rib 375 without console + 25hp outboard

The F rib is a foldable boat that allows us to store it away during crossings/long trips, but has its downsides. (no console, doesn't look as good, can't be used as storage for water toys,...)

So the question is this: do you want a 3m40 tender on your foredeck during crossings? Storing the outboard in one of the aft lockers is no problem so this will not be on deck during sailing.

Bear in mind that we'll be spending 90+% of our time in calm waters and protected bays.

Any advice or experience is welcome! Am I missing something?

Hi MD7 Congrats on your new 51-1 !!

The "retractable davit" option on the Oceanis 51-1 may not have the strength to handle a console RIB. I would find out what the max capacity is for the davits and then find out the wet weight (boat/motor/battery/fuel/gear [anchor, line, etc] all up) before you buy anything or invest any additional time on your search. THAT is square one in my book.

Most 11' Rigged RIB Packages end up with a higher complete wet weight than most folks would guess. If the Dealer has not weighed the package on a scale or hanging from a forklift with a scale, added for fuel, battery, etc.......
You may be buying a boat that is too heavy for the rated capacity of your davits.

Good luck!

Stephan

[MD7]

Originally Posted by Stephan

Hi MD7 Congrats on your new 51-1 !!

The "retractable davit" option on the Oceanis 51-1 may not have the strength to handle a console RIB. I would find out what the max capacity is for the davits and then find out the wet weight (boat/motor/battery/fuel/gear [anchor, line, etc] all up) before you buy anything or invest any additional time on your search. THAT is square one in my book.

Most 11' Rigged RIB Packages end up with a higher complete wet weight than most folks would guess. If the Dealer has not weighed the package on a scale or hanging from a forklift with a scale, added for fuel, battery, etc.......
You may be buying a boat that is too heavy for the rated capacity of your davits.

Good luck!

Stephan

Hi Stephan

Thanks for your comment, however, davids are completely out of the question. I think they can only hold 100kgs. We’re going to store the boat on the front deck because that’s where we can secure it.