the start of hugh......going for a new boat and will build it out myself...gulp

[Cookee]

[Hugh Jardon]

ordering up the next two speakers for bling bling tomorrow and sunbathing is fine down the front thanks to my sexy mat from NB. very comfy says the mrs

opti noise levels

i can say that optis cant be that loud cos our 3 year old keeps falling asleep on the bench seat just infront of the opti, even at full chat, and she falls asleep down the front as well thanks to a nice soft ride.

cool cool cool

Originally Posted by Alice

In my humble experience the only time that you'd possibly be able to listen to a stereo on a Rib would be when at anchor or very slow speeds. At slow speeds you're either in a restricted area and in danger of sounding and looking like a right 'Kev and Tracy goes boating' outfit. Or, fishing when the sounds of the sea and the occasional crackle of the VHF sound pretty good to me. Sunbathing is also a non-starter on a 6.5 Vipermax, unless you're on good terms with a Chiropractor

[Alice]

We all enjoy our boating in different ways :

P'd the neighbours off last night. Forgot to flick the battery isolator switch, had Gingercoastie and his mates (Fal Coastguard) chattering away all night on the VHF.

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by Alice

We all enjoy our boating in different ways :

P'd the neighbours off last night. Forgot to flick the battery isolator switch, had Gingercoastie and his mates (Fal Coastguard) chattering away all night on the VHF.

so what with me blocking everyones access on saturday morning they must love you and boats at the mo

[Alice]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

so what with me blocking everyones access on saturday morning they must love you and boats at the mo

The one I spoke to this morning seemed more upset that we were moving. Cow's Arse countdown begins.

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by Alice

The one I spoke to this morning seemed more upset that we were moving. Cow's Arse countdown begins.

looking forward to a bit of time at cows arse corner in the summer, the shetland has some interest it seems so we may have the motorhome in time for the summer hols hopefully......fingers crossed

[andymp2000]

So with all that attention to detail, no doubt the 'costing' spreadsheet is pretty accurate - how much??? Was is worth it, I'm sure the fact that it is all your own work makes it very worth it - but financially worth it ??

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by andymp2000

So with all that attention to detail, no doubt the 'costing' spreadsheet is pretty accurate - how much??? Was is worth it, I'm sure the fact that it is all your own work makes it very worth it - but financially worth it ??

i would say it was well worth it as i could not have afforded that spec of boat for that money unless a few years old.

when i looked around i got the following problems
wrong colour tubes
wrong trailer
wrong layout of seats
naff seat colours
naff layout of instruments
fading on tubes
wrong engine
wrong colour engine
wrong console
wrong rubbing strips
etc etc etc

doing it this way you can get the boat to the exact spec you are looking for, plus i have the additional benefit of 4 jockeys or 2 jockeys and a bench seat as all interchangable due to bolt pattern in the floor

if the right offer came along i would sell mine and build a 7.5, but i would build to the same spec/colours etc etc as mine but the engine would be the problem i think as not sure what i would go with

if you are thinking of building your own then drop me a pm and would be happy to pass on any info i can to help, i can even help set you up with a hull

[gtflash]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

, i can even help set you up with a hull

what ya mean??

[Hugh Jardon]

gt....dropped you a pm on this

ordered up a new prop as getting hold of a second hand one for sale is a long process

spoke with steel developments and they advised the mirage range and solas titan are the best suited for a rib with good alround performance.

so ordered up a new prop with a good bit larger diameter and a 21 pitch, am told it will give better acceleration, better midrange cruising, better economy, less slip, better grip, better top end potentially and has progressive pitch etc etc

so will water test it at the weekend to see if i can feel the difference. when buying the engine it was so difficult to get good advice as mercury do so many different props....but if you are thinking of a new prop or new engine and want advice on a prop then give them a call. very helpful i must say.

all arrived today and fitted so just waiting for the water test now, fingers crossed

[Hugh Jardon]

ok the stats on the new prop are as follows.....

i have better acceleration, better cruising, better economy and fractionally better top end the lady said i would and i have

my overall consumption has changed from 4.3 to 4.4 mpg that is us gallon by the way.

another interesting change is that the lazer 2 is a high lift prop and the new one is not, that means i can trim up much much further with the new prop. it seems to ride slightly different if that is possible

I have also put a half bag of sand in the bow locker to give the boat some more nose weight when running low on fuel as it started to feel skittish slightly when lowish two weeks ago. All the fuel is held at the front of the boat

over the weekend we had one day for 4 adults on board and one day with 2 adults on board and no noticable change in handling, performance or economy really.

so the new stainless prop cost me around 250 ish and was worth it i must say

anyone what to buy a lazer 2 23"? is my spare at the moment but i have my eye on something else

if you need prop advice then go to steel developements

[Nick Hearne]

Interesting that is what Julie advised me to get for my Opti!
Went with what every one else suggested 19" Laser II, how much was your Mirage & that pitch?

[Hugh Jardon]

the mirage is 310 plus vat


the equivilent solas titan is around 220 plus vat,

mirage has 1 -2 mph better top end but everything else is the same apparently so went with that

is bigger diameter, much larger blade, variable pitch area and a 21 pitch to get my revs up a bit

it does not make drastic differences but noticeable differences

i am keeping my eye out for a mirage as well but looking to pay a lot less than list

when we had a race with the 7m vipermax with his 250 etec. on acceleration we were neck and neck mostly with him starting to pull away as we got to the end of the run but even then my bow was just behind his engine.

so i think the engine and prop are a good compromise as i was half expecting to get left for dust but was not the case really. pair this up with good economy coming back i am so happy really.

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Interesting that is what Julie advised me to get for my Opti!
Went with what every one else suggested 19" Laser II, how much was your Mirage & that pitch?

[eupa]

I recently repropped as my previous ones got nicked.

Re propped with 23" Michigan Wheel 3 blade rapture SS 14.25 diameter. Right and Left.
Unfortunatlly - when the they arrived from the states they sent one 23" andone 19". Did'nt see it. Received a correct "23" two weeks ago- leevini me with a 19": RH one to throw at the cat. You are welcom to have it for 90 quid ? - I think you would need a hub kit. its been on the boatt for a couple of hours - coul'nt undersatnd why was having to use 600 extra rpms on the RH egine to keep in a straight line???

Jonathan

[eupa]

and Chris - just one thing- get a prop lock nut. I got some from Mcguard which are just the job.

jonathan

[Hugh Jardon]

yes have been considering a prop lock as i remember yours getting knicked


tell me more about the prop you have, never heard of them before will send ya an email

cheers

[eupa]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

yes have been considering a prop lock as i remember yours getting knicked


tell me more about the prop you have, never heard of them before will send ya an email

cheers

OK will do.
www.michiganwheel.com

Red or White? Actually I reckon you cannot beat a Chilian Cabernet Sauvignon 2004/5 Nepa valley at the momnet for taste and price... Up yours French producers......


Update me on your boat?? did it float????

Jonathan

[Mrs Jardon]

hi Jonathon, here are some pics the boat, done 1000+mls and 65 hours now

[Hugh Jardon]

i have been asked for a few pic and dimensions etc to help others in build and considering builds

the plane-ing pad at the back extends for 49 inchs forwards so if you are considering a keel guard then a 12 ft one will be just fine......i am hoping to fit one in the near future.

the plane-ing pad is 12 inchs wide at the back

on mine i have mounted the center of the drain hole approx 2.5 inchs above the bottom of the transom, i reckon you could easily go .5 an inch lower.

[Hugh Jardon]

today i had the 100 hour service carried out, here are the total bills to date

Servicing
It had a 20 hour service, leg oil was changed, prop greased etc and this cost £ 122.90 inc parts, oil

It has just had a 100 hour service, spark plugs were like new, impellor was like new, fuel filter was changed, oils etc etc, cost of this service was £208

On the servicing it is a piece of mind to have the engine checked over once a year and leg oil changed out. Apparently impellors should be good for 300 hours and sparks for 200 plus hours

Warranty claims
I have claimed against one item, this was a solenoid where from new the threads were a bit grollied by mercury when the engine was assembled, it has not been an issue and the part was replaced at 100 hours under warranty

so pleased the spark plugs were ok as this kept the bill down, apparently they were just like new