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Want to buy a small rib - need some advice!
- Thread starterBroseidon
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
Brosiden,
I've been through all this recently mate, so I know what a dilemma it can be (in fact I'm still going through it - got the boat, but still haven't got my hands on the engine I want).
Like Trelawny and Scott Wilson said, you probably need something about 3.5 - 4 meters long with a 15hp engine on the back (there's quite a large jump in weight when you move up to engine sizes above 15hp, and probably not enough 'push' for your requirements in an engine that is smaller).
People say be wary of engines on e-bay, which is fair enough, but sometimes you can get some genuinely good bargains (and the best/cheapest way to buy is often to buy the boat and the engine together - with trailer thrown in). A mate of mine got a lovely deal, on a bigger inflatable, with everything he needed thrown in for £1600.
Be warned though, you might find a boat going cheap but you will rarely find the same with a decent engine - they are like rocking horse s**t and everyone is after the better ones (you'll be in competition with me, for a start). Expect to pay upwards of a grand for a boat and engine that work well - and that's a pretty good bargain!
Mate, I work with boats, including inflatables, and I'm struggling to find what I need, so if you see a bargain, go for it.
Other people are giving their top tips, so here's two from me (especially as Scott mentioned big waves):
1, Use a kill cord, especially when you are on your own.
2, Get a capsize line attached to the side of your boat, and learn how to right the boat just in case it does go over (in the surf, in the races, etc).
Hope you find what you need.
I've been through all this recently mate, so I know what a dilemma it can be (in fact I'm still going through it - got the boat, but still haven't got my hands on the engine I want).
Like Trelawny and Scott Wilson said, you probably need something about 3.5 - 4 meters long with a 15hp engine on the back (there's quite a large jump in weight when you move up to engine sizes above 15hp, and probably not enough 'push' for your requirements in an engine that is smaller).
People say be wary of engines on e-bay, which is fair enough, but sometimes you can get some genuinely good bargains (and the best/cheapest way to buy is often to buy the boat and the engine together - with trailer thrown in). A mate of mine got a lovely deal, on a bigger inflatable, with everything he needed thrown in for £1600.
Be warned though, you might find a boat going cheap but you will rarely find the same with a decent engine - they are like rocking horse s**t and everyone is after the better ones (you'll be in competition with me, for a start). Expect to pay upwards of a grand for a boat and engine that work well - and that's a pretty good bargain!
Mate, I work with boats, including inflatables, and I'm struggling to find what I need, so if you see a bargain, go for it.
Other people are giving their top tips, so here's two from me (especially as Scott mentioned big waves):
1, Use a kill cord, especially when you are on your own.
2, Get a capsize line attached to the side of your boat, and learn how to right the boat just in case it does go over (in the surf, in the races, etc).
Hope you find what you need.
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I have the Mariner 15hp 4 Stroke and you won't buy better but it is a beast of an engine @ 54kilo. Not very portable, we use sack trucks on huge pnuematic wheels. Power to burn though. I recently bought an 11ft Dual skin RIB and can't wait to get it strapped on in the coming season. Will usually use my 8hp Yamaha 4 stroke which again is an awesome bit of kit.
Tribs
Tribs
The mariner 15 is a classic example of one motor having two specifications.
In other words the 15 is the same as the 20, just a different state of tune.
This applies throughout the range & with most manufactures as well.
So be careful if you want the best power to weight ratio!
The latest 15 hp two stroke offering from Yamaha, although not available without a commercial licence, weighs 38kg.
I think the lightest 15 hp four stroke available is the Parsun @ 45kg but you can get a Honda 20@ 48kg.
In other words the 15 is the same as the 20, just a different state of tune.
This applies throughout the range & with most manufactures as well.
So be careful if you want the best power to weight ratio!
The latest 15 hp two stroke offering from Yamaha, although not available without a commercial licence, weighs 38kg.
I think the lightest 15 hp four stroke available is the Parsun @ 45kg but you can get a Honda 20@ 48kg.