Has anyone used an OMC SeaDrive on a RIB?

[sunrider]

Has anyone used an OMC Sea Drive on a RIB? I bought one at a good price and have a Zodiac Hurricane 640 (currently without power) that I'm planning to install the Sea Drive on. I would appreciate learning of anyone's experience with this or similar RIB/Sea Drive combinations.

thanks,
Bryan

[batfalcon]

How exactly does this OMC look like ? Have you got a picture to post ?

[John Kennett]

It is basically an outboard plus a mounting system that bolts to the back of a full height transon with no cutout. It achieves a similar effect as mounting an outboard on a Gil bracket.

There are some interesting articles, and some pictures, in the reference section of the Continuous Wave Boston Whaler web site:

Engine brackets
Cut Transoms and Brackets

As far as I know, the SeaDrive units haven't been in production for quite a while now, although spares do seem to be available.

I don't know of one on a RIB, but various people have use standoff brackets with varying success. The main problems that I have heard of are fore and aft trim with the weight of the engine moved back, and mechanical failure due to the tougher than average use that RIBs tend to get.

John

[sunrider]

John's description and comments of the Sea Drive are accurate, and I've attached a picture of twin Sea Drives mounted on another boat that I found on the suggested web site. I've spoken with two people who have used the drives on non-RIBs and are enthusiastic, and had email conversations with others who have had trouble finding parts. However, I think I have a good source for parts so thought I would give it a try.

They say the main advantage is that the motor pivots from the very top of the forward point on the Sea Drive, rather than from the point where it would mount on a transom. So, it can be mounted a bit closer than if using a stand-off bracket which would require about 2 feet of clearance to tilt the motor.

Others who want the advantages of converting to an outboard from an I/O might use the big-motor transom jacks that slide up and down. But travel distance with these jacks is limited, and the motor must still be tilted-in for the prop to clear the keel for travel and shallows. With the high transom of the Zodiac 640 I would need to cut-out the transom to allow the motor to tilt-in (with a transom jack), but I like the high transom in a big following-sea so want to avoid a cut-out. A Sea Drive seems like a good compromise (in theory).

Also, The Sea Drive puts the weight and stress higher on the transom than the boat was designed for, so I'll be reinforcing it internally.

My main concerns are finding any hints on mounting and installation that may be unique to RIB's, and any tips on performance or maintenance. Your comments are most welcome - thank you!
Bryan

[batfalcon]

In Greece we have many ribs with bracket installed. In fact most manufacturers install engine brackets by their own on any big model (more than 6 m) they produce. I know many ribbers who made this modification. None of them has something bad to comment. Personally, I would go for one if I hadn't the problem of storage space. You see the full length of the trailer with the boat on it is 10 - 15 cm shorter than the garage !!!