Looking to the future, want to change outboard on RIBTEC 585

[will_m]

Well, ok as the title says really, I want to change my outboard, do have to start saving the £'s in order to do this, but need to start thinking about what outboard non the less.

Boat = RIBTEC 585
Original OB = Honda 90
Current OB = Yamaha F100

Now as you can see I like the fourstroke thing, however am very much open to suggestions this time round.

Options which am thinking of.

Yamaha F115

Merc Optimax 115
Merc Optimax 135 (maybe abit ott for the hull, but it’s a V6 ok!!)

Evinrude 115 E-TEC <this is the one I know the least about….

Whats the thoughts of the esteemed panel?

Reason for change? Keeping up with the neighbours, I want to be faster!

[Andy Moore]

We have the OptiMax 135.

I don't have experience of all the other alternatives but I am very happy with the choice we made. The OptiMax has loads of grunt, makes a lovely sound, seems pretty good on fuel economy, it looks 'the business', comes with a stainless steel prop, and comes with the SmartCraft dials.

Hope this helps.

--Andy

[CJL]

135 Optimax everytime.

Chris

[will_m]

Hi CJL, seen pictures of Northen Exposure, great looking set-up you have yourself btw.

Is your hull the 585 or 655, if you don’t mind me asking?

[CJL]

585!!

[will_m]

Originally Posted by CJL

585!!

Good, glad you said that

Fast is it, per chance?!!

On a more serious note though, you run that set-up for long, any hull/transom issues with that size OB? Presumably your transom has the standard bracing as offered by the factory a-frame? Where the water line when stationary, much water over the back?

Sorry for all the questions… Thanks.

[CJL]

*Fast is it, per chance?!!
YES

*You run that set-up for long,
24 months personally but its been rigged like that since 1999.

*Any hull/transom issues with that size OB?
None whatsoever

*Presumably your transom has the standard bracing as offered by the factory a-frame?
No its got a custom frame which bolts through the hull about a foot forward of the transom and the normal two bolts on the transom

*Where the water line when stationary
About 8inches from the lowest part of the transom

*Much water over the back?
Not really. If you stop suddenly a bit will come over but that what the well in the floor is for and two 1100 gph pumps are for!

Chris

[will_m]

Thank you Chris.

Anyone else have any experience of any of the other engines?

[Lostboy]

Evinrude Etec.

I currently have a 2001 DI 115 (a two-stroke precursor to it) and it's awesome. I have now tried the Etec and it's every bit as tourqey as well as economical. Obviously for the best comparison it would be nice to feel it on my boat but without doshing up that isn't going to happen. Great engine.

[will_m]

Originally Posted by CJL

*Where the water line when stationary
About 8inches from the lowest part of the transom

Chris, one more question. Sorry!

Your transom height is straight across, right? By this I mean the height doesn’t drop in the middle for where the outboard is mounted.

Like perhaps originally the hull was a twin engine setup?

Thanks, Will.

[CJL]

Originally Posted by will_m

Chris, one more question. Sorry!

Your transom height is straight across, right? By this I mean the height doesn’t drop in the middle for where the outboard is mounted.

Like perhaps originally the hull was a twin engine setup?

Thanks, Will.

No its straight across in one section. No drops or steps. The joys of having a long shaft engine!!!!

Chris

[Rogue Wave]

How long do you plan on keeping this engine!

How many hours/days do you do a year?

I'd say the Opti 135 was the best lump in you list, it has stunning fuel economy oodles of grunt and it's in a block that can produce over twice the amount of power so you have a chance of long term reliability.

I wouldn't go for the opti 115