Fuel consumtion. Can you help?

chrisallse · 24 July 2003, 16:22

Can anyone help? what sort of fuel consumtion can i expect (say galls per hour) from my RIB (6.4 mtr 115hp 4e stroke) i want to put a new tank in it and i am looking at a 91 ltr (20 Gallon) i could fit two as i have room.

Thanks Chris

gingercoastie · 24 July 2003, 16:58

As you can see I have a 6.3m boat with 115hp 4 stroke.

I have not done that much with it yet, only 10 hours running and max speed 30 knots.

I am currently getting approx 1 to 1.25 litres per mile.

Richard B · 24 July 2003, 22:56

Chris,
When I was looking for a RIB, one of the requirements was a big fuel tank, to give a potential full day's running. I've ended up with a 270 litre tank. Go for the two tanks, I reckon. Where are you fitting them - are they going underfloor?

chrisallse · 24 July 2003, 23:41

Hello,
Yes i have room under floor there are full length hatches about 500wide by about 400 deep through the centre of the boat.

chrisallse · 24 July 2003, 23:43

Hi Gingercoasty

Thanks,

chrisallse · 24 July 2003, 23:53

You may be able to see the hatches in this pic

mstacey · 25 July 2003, 09:37

Irrespective of consumption if you have the room fit both tanks.

If you going on a short trip just fill the one but if you plan to cruise you will find the extra tank invaluble.

When planning any trip I base my calulation for my 5.85m rib 140HP four stroke as 1litre per 1NM this I have found to give me a good safety margin.

Averaged over the entire use of my boat this year my actual feul consumption is better than 0.8 ltre per 1nm

mstacey · 25 July 2003, 09:38

Is that some sort of boarding ladder hanging over the tubes in the picture ??

Charles · 25 July 2003, 11:02

Quote:

Originally posted by mstacey
Is that some sort of boarding ladder hanging over the tubes in the picture ??

Certainly is - most South African ribs come with the ladder fitted as standard - manufactured mostly by one company - they really are excellent especially after a heavy mono-skiing session when you have no strength in your arms to pull yourself back onto the rib.
Here's a better picture

Charles · 25 July 2003, 11:10

Another pic. The ladder is attached on the inside of the tube by two 'velco'd' flaps. On the Hysucat this ripped off - very annoying -I insisted they make it better and stronger for my next rib from the same manufacturer.
....and no, I am not a fat bastard, this happenned to one of the kids.

mstacey · 25 July 2003, 11:53

Charles,

I know you are not an FB , I've met you.

Thanks for the other pics, I know what its like trying to pull yourself into the boat after skiing or water toying, usually climb up the back using the a frame and motor but the ladder looks interesting.

Anybody any idea of a supplier ?

Charles · 25 July 2003, 12:15

Acquiring the name of the supplier at the mo - will post as soon as I have it.

whitingiom · 25 July 2003, 13:08

As I do quite a bit of safety boating, I find a good old loop of rope about a foot below the waterline is very good. Attach to a strong point and only dangle it over when you're recovering (you should be either 'off' or 'neutral' anyway!)

Also my rib has been used by divers in the past so it has rope handles etc.

Charles · 25 July 2003, 13:17

Right, here is the contact if you are interested-
Smiths Stainless Steel, +44 27 21 511 3718
Ask for Tony.

mstacey · 25 July 2003, 14:36

Thank you Charles

Richard B · 25 July 2003, 19:25

Martin, here's another option - a folding ladder. I use one like this (kept attached to the A-frame):

http://129.35.131.25/webapp/wcs/stor...1&itemId=29008

And the colour would match "BOB"!! cost is about £35. I can't claim it as my idea, was already on the boat.

Charles · 25 July 2003, 19:27

Sorry Richard, I have one and they are crap, useless.

Richard B · 25 July 2003, 19:34

Only used mine for "ascending" to the RIB whilst up on the trailer. What's the problem with them? too flexible?

chrisallse · 25 July 2003, 19:44

Thanks very much guys, thats a great help, i think i will put 2 x 90ltr tanks that should give me a range of about 200 nm and will
save me from having to fill up too often. next question my engine controls are quite stiff in particular going into reverse, is this normal? the whole set up has only done about 40 hours.

gingercoastie · 25 July 2003, 20:14

Funnily enough, I have just bought a Plastimo ladder similar to the one Richard B has, but mine does not have the yellow bag and only cost £22.

Tied it onto the A Frame, the boys have tried it with the boat on the trailer, and we will try it on the water tomorrow.

Would have loved a nice stainless steel ladder, but the wife has me on a tight leash when it comes to spending money.