New Vs Approved Used RIBs
Buying a RIB is an investment in your lifestyle, offering adventure, leisure and an escape. With so many options out there it can be hard to decide whether you should buy a brand new RIB or a used one.
While we are a family-run business that predominantly sells bespoke brand-new RIBs, we also sell approved used RIBs. We have written a short article that shares the benefits and drawbacks of investing in a new or used RIB so that when it comes to it, you can make an informed decision.
New RIBs
As experts in designing and manufacturing brand-new RIBs, we know there are many advantages to investing in one. However, there are a few drawbacks that should be considered too.
Advantages of New RIBs
When working with Cobra RIBs you can customise your RIB, making it completely bespoke to your taste and style. Each journey to designing your Cobra RIB is unique, and our team will work with you to customise even the smallest of details.
Alongside the customisation of your RIB, when buying a new one, you are likely to benefit from the latest technology, whether in terms of engines, navigation systems, or materials used in construction. This can enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and safety.
Purchasing a RIB can be an expensive investment, so if you are looking to spread the payments out, Cobra offers a range of finance packages suitable for you, making your investment more flexible.
Finally, brand-new RIBs often come with warranties, giving you peace of mind regarding potential manufacturing issues. They're less likely to have mechanical problems compared to used ones. Cobra offers a 5-year warranty on the hull and structure of each RIB and a 2-year warranty on electrical items, so you can enjoy your new boat with confidence that it is covered should something go wrong.
View our range of outboard and inboard leisure boats, or contact us to discuss your requirements and our customisations.
Disadvantages of New RIBs
Due to the customisation process and use of the latest technology, new RIBs come at a higher price. While we offer several finance packages, they are still a significant investment.
Moreover, having made that investment, they can depreciate rapidly in the first few years. This means the resale value might drop quickly.
Approved Used RIBs
It is always worth considering buying an approved used RIB as, while there is less scope to customise the boat to your style and needs, they offer many benefits.
Advantages of Approved Used RIBs
Approved used RIBs typically come at a lower price compared to brand-new ones. This allows you to potentially get a higher specification or a newer model for the same budget.
These RIBs often undergo rigorous inspection and refurbishment by the manufacturer or dealer. This can provide assurance about the boat's condition and reliability. Cobra RIBs has a team of marine professionals who thoroughly inspect all of our used boats prior to going on sale, so when you purchase an approved used RIB, you can rest assured that it complies with performance, safety and presentation standards.
Another benefit to buying a used RIB is that while still subject to some depreciation, the rate might be slower than with a brand-new RIB, potentially maintaining its value better over time.
Finally, for those who like to complete a bit of research before investing in a boat, there is likely to be more information about their performance, handling, and potential issues. You can research user experiences and reviews more extensively. This shouldn't be a deciding factor though, as we are a team of experts who are confident in each of our new RIBs. We ensure that every RIB complies with industry standards and regulations, minimising problems once bought.
Disadvantages of Approved Used RIBs
While approved used RIBs can be cheaper, there are likely to be limited options for any customisation. You may have to compromise on certain features or specifications as you will be limited to what is already available. The market for approved used RIBs might not be as extensive as that for used boats in general. Finding the specific model or features you want might take more time and effort and once again lead to compromises being made.
It is also important to recognise that even with certifications and inspections, an approved used RIB might have some wear and tear from previous use. While our team will complete a thorough inspection that aims to catch and rectify issues, there could still be unforeseen problems that arise.
On top of that, we should point out that, depending on the age of the approved used RIB, the remaining warranty might be shorter compared to a new boat.
There are also potential tax and VAT implications that will need to be navigated, especially when purchasing and transporting a boat from abroad.
Buy from Cobra RIBs
At Cobra RIBs, we sell brand new and approved used RIBs, making us one of the UK's leading RIB manufacturers and sellers.
With a constant eye on the development of the design and manufacturing process, as well as the trends for boats, there are many reasons why you should purchase a RIB from us.
We are proud of the service we provide to our customers, no matter whether they are buying a brand-new, customised RIB or one of our approved used boats.
Browse our RIB ranges today and get in touch with our team of experts to discuss your requirements. We are always happy to talk through your needs and help you work out which RIB is best for you.
Call us on 01202 612 712 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
