6.5m challenge, Solent - 2008 tba

brucehawsker · 21 August 2007, 15:23

the gauntlet has been flung down by riva! I propose a date in october with as many 6.5 hull types as we can muster. We need some unbiased experts to form the panel. Cruising from buoy to buoy in solent. No flash turns. Two criteria for success. Speed and comfort at speed. Do we have takers?

Carl · 21 August 2007, 15:39

ok

brucehawsker · 21 August 2007, 16:00

OK. Earlier post was from my mobile. I am looking to get a number of 6.5m hulls with 140-200hp engines to try and dispell some of the urban myths on ride and speed in varying conditions. RIVA (Ballistic) has sugggested the challenge and I am keen to respond. This is not about rib racing - sharp turns, navigation etc - but about real world cruising by typical helms (not Cookee) at speed with no hard slamming (to upset those of a tender disposition). In other words, what is manageable and practical for a fast autumn spin in typical conditions. Assertions have been made that the Solent runs fast in the flat but can't keep up in the rough. My experience is that Ballistics are a hard ride. The Ribeye / Yam 150 4 stroke looked good at the weekend to / from Alderney, but I felt was siginificantly slower than the Solent in flatish conditions. I suggest we get a bunch of hulls together and invite a panel of experts to score the rides at the fastest practical (no slamming) speeds - awarding points for speed and ride. And we check the speeds properly two ways.

This is not about my boat is better than yours - it is about a recognition that all boats are an inevitable compromise, but some are speed oriented, others rough weather oriented. Ideally we should do the tests out beyond the Bridge and again in, say, Southampton Water.

This would be a real unbiased road test. Not sure who the experts should be - my nomination is Blue Ice's helm (RichardB) - but who else??

Perhaps manufactureres could pay for a day's fuel.......

Carl · 21 August 2007, 16:15

if i only use half my ponies can i come and play

Biggles · 21 August 2007, 17:15

How are you going to get a definitive answer on which is best ?

Far too many variables. Which will still leave plenty of room for more argueing.

Good luck though. If I'm off I'll certainly come down and watch.

NR.

Nauti Buoy · 21 August 2007, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl

if i only use half my ponies can i come and play

As long as I can be Co-Pilot

Carl · 21 August 2007, 18:14

ill let you drive in the afternoon ill be to pissed by then

Nasher · 21 August 2007, 18:15

I'd be happy for 'The Nashers Revenge' to mix it with the younger boats.

Might be an interesting comparison, as its a slightly older design comercial hull.

Nasher.

Nauti Buoy · 21 August 2007, 18:20

Actually I might bring the Thunderbolt out. I appreciate it is only 5.3m but would be interesting to see how it stacks up against a 6m. Was out with a mate a couple of weeks back and it kept up really easily with him across the Solent chop so could be an interesting run. Might not keep up with the 200hp boys but would think it would give the 150hp ribs a good run.

Hightower · 21 August 2007, 19:01

This certainly is a challenge, as I would like to partisipate with my 6.2 Vipermax (if this is possible). The Challenge.......Getting it ready in time

BigFella · 21 August 2007, 19:06

If I have my new Ocean 650 in time, I will bring it out also, hopefully it should be finished by then all being well.

Hightower · 21 August 2007, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigFella

If I have my new Ocean 650 in time, I will bring it out also, hopefully it should be finished by then all being well.

Ohh a New Ocean, that'll be nice! When do you pick it up?

BigFella · 21 August 2007, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Ohh a New Ocean, that'll be nice! When do you pick it up?

Hmm... I guess that sort of depends on Malcolm. His plan is to start it when he gets back from his hols next week. Everything is ordered but it depends how long it all takes to come together. Malcolm did promise to push as hard as he can, anticipated date is around the End of September at the moment

brucehawsker · 22 August 2007, 08:45

OK guys and gals - which hulls do you want to see put through their paces:

Hopefully Rib Eye, Rib Craft, Solent, Ballistic. What are the other popular 'brands' out there ? Do we split this by length or power into classes? Emphasis IMHO is for real world set ups - at least four secure seats, real world not race tuned engines - the sort of thing Mum and Dad might buy for the teenagers.

I suppose Rib Shack set the market with their Rib Eye 150 4 stroke Yam package.

I feel uniquely unqualified to drive this and would happily hand over the leadership to someone more expereinenced but am happy to contribute fully to the dirty work and planning.

Searider · 22 August 2007, 09:42

Depending on what's on would probably bring mine along.

Flat water speed would be one useful test of how hull form / weight influences speed.
Dealing with the Solent chop a way of testing resistance to slamming.
Outside the Solent - in bigger waves might show how well balanced the boats are (once airborne?)