Knickers in a twist, which engine?

[Kernow Buoy]

Can't decide over these 2.

Ribtec 5.85, mid 90's so not new by any means but in good condition. Presently has a 2001 Mercury 150 XR6. I wanted an Opti and looked for about 12 months but couldn't find what I was after so settled on the XR. I can now have either -

2005 Mercury 150 Opti, L shaft, 90 something hours lovely condition, 1 owner from new and just serviced by Greg Basson at GB watersports (merc dealer)

or

2007 Mariner 135 Opti, XL shaft, 240 hours but serviced and checked by Barrus themselves and not run since, again lovely condition.

My transom is presently cut down for a L shaft but is getting a bit scruffy and I'd like to get it tidied. It will also take on water when launching on a very steep slip or going astern at anything other than a real crawl or in any small chop, so if I was going to have it blinged I could have the cutout reinstalled to accept the XL at the same time, at extra cost of course. I have a large SS A frame with a forward brace attached to the deck which may well have to be extended if I opt for the XL.

Thought's please

[HUMBER P4VWL]

What's the max hp on the boat?

I'd have thought the 135 would be more than fast enough for a 5.85. They are the same block so similar torque I'd imagine low down. We have the 175, still same block, it would scream a 5.85 along.

If a new transom isn't costly I'd go for the xl 135 and higher transom. I used to hate the water over stern in the old 5.4SR

Once out of warranty you could just change the ECU for a 150 or 175 if you needed. About £1100 though new.

[Nos4r2]

What's the weight difference between the Xr6 and the longshaft 150 opti? If there's a big difference,bearing in mind what you said about shipping water that'd help me make up my mind pretty quickly.

[Kernow Buoy]

Max hp is either 150 or 120 depending on exact age of the boat! Ribtec dropped 30 hp off it in the mid 90's, there's 5.85's on the forum with either hp's stamped on them.
your right, I don't need the 150 over the 135 for performance, I do have a 150 now. I wouldn't consider an ecu change later, both engines are out of warranty now.

No's, weight difference is 25lbs, reckon that's enough to make her sit lower?

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Kernow

Max hp is either 150 or 120 depending on exact age of the boat! Ribtec dropped 30 hp off it in the mid 90's, there's 5.85's on the forum with either hp's stamped on them.
your right, I don't need the 150 over the 135 for performance, I do have a 150 now. I wouldn't consider an ecu change later, both engines are out of warranty now.

No's, weight difference is 25lbs, reckon that's enough to make her sit lower?

Doubt 25lbs will make much difference.
I see the quandry better now.

How much more will it cost you to fit the XL shaft and will you get it back if you decide to sell?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Kernow

I wanted an Opti and looked for about 12 months but couldn't find what I was after

Nearly new for sub £3k. Funny that.

Go for the 150 and launch it slowly rather than bunging it in.
Fit a decent bilge pump.

I'd be wary of buying a used boat with a built-up transom.

[martini]

I'd go for the 150...

I don't think there was any major upgrades between '05 and '07 on opti's so no advantage there with the 135. Significantly less hours on the 150 and it's the correct leg length for the boat, if I had a transom that was built back up I'd have a stiff neck from turning round every 30 secs checking it wasn't about to come orf

25lbs (13ish kgs) I can't see make any difference at all

[C-NUMB]

If You would prefer the XL shaft, think a manual(or fixed) jack plate would fix the hight issue without the need for a transom job, at a decent cost?

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by C-NUMB

If You would prefer the XL shaft, think a manual(or fixed) jack plate would fix the hight issue without the need for a transom job, at a decent cost?

Thereby adding more weight and leverage to the stern.....

[Kernow Buoy]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

How much more will it cost you to fit the XL shaft and will you get it back if you decide to sell?

haven't priced it but of course I may have to have that A frame chopped as well, but no not going to get that back on a 15 yr old rib.

Originally Posted by Mollers

Nearly new for sub £3k. Funny that.

Yea but to be fair I've now got 1 boat and four engines

Originally Posted by Mollers

I'd be wary of buying a used boat with a built-up transom.

Hadn't considered that.

Originally Posted by martini

if I had a transom that was built back up I'd have a stiff neck from turning round every 30 secs checking it wasn't about to come orf

err.. or that

And thinking about the water slopping in easily, flip side is if I stuff the thing then I suppose it will also exit more easily

Sounds like the 150 so far, glad I asked

[HUMBER P4VWL]

If your keeping the boat a long time and you want the higher transom, replace it rather than build it up. But I imagine it would be costly.

However the 150 is quicker and has many less hours If you have a deck well at the rear, just stick a pump in with an inbuilt float switch.

The problem on our sr was no well to catch and pump the water from, so the deck was always awash.

[Kernow Buoy]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

If your keeping the boat a long time and you want the higher transom, replace it rather than build it up. But I imagine it would be costly.

However the 150 is quicker and has many less hours If you have a deck well at the rear, just stick a pump in with an inbuilt float switch.

The problem on our sr was no well to catch and pump the water from, so the deck was always awash.

Okey doke, another vote for the 150 then. Yes, fairly large deck well, when I'm having the transom tidied I may well ask for a second elephants trunk in there too.
Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Kernow

Okey doke, another vote for the 150 then. Yes, fairly large deck well, when I'm having the transom tidied I may well ask for a second elephants trunk in there too.

I wouldn't bother. One trunk will cope with a hell of a lot of water. It's the annoying last 2" of water that you need rid of, an auto blige pump is the way to go, especially if you have a decent well.

[jambo]

Hi Kernow
I have the same rib as you and I have a 150hp V6 mariner on the back. Yes the drop transom is a pain when astern but I have 2 trunks and a bildge pump with float switch and manual overide and it handles the water no problem. Go for the 150 I do not think in the long run you will regret it!!
Hope this helps.

J

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by jambo

Hi Kernow
I have the same rib as you

Isn't yours a Ribcraft? Kernow has a Ribtec.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Isn't yours a Ribcraft? Kernow has a Ribtec.

Jesus your right 'senior moment'!! Anyway to start again same length and transom design. Hows that, any use?

J

[Downhilldai]

My 5.8 Vipermax is similar too (20" 150 Opti). It will take on a drop of water if it comes off the plane a bit sharply, but it's nothing serious and easily avoided. It's a beamier boat than the Ribtec, so probably has a bit more transom freeboard when at rest.

[HUMBER P4VWL]

what top speed are you boys getting from a 150 on 5.8m boat?

[jambo]

Hi Paul, hows the other black & yellow doin?
Well in answer to your question it depends!! On all the usually variables load sea state and bodies, but if all are good then she will do 45knts ok.
I take it your ribs up for winter now and that will save you being the butt of all the jokers?

J

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

what top speed are you boys getting from a 150 on 5.8m boat?

46kts on a good day.