Newbie member - advice needed

westsail1 · 06 November 2005, 21:41

Hi I'm Mark and I have just acquired my first RIB.

Having driven many small RIB's over the last few years as a helper and safety driver for my son's racing class (Toppers) I decided that next year's program called for our own support boat. I have now got a 4.5M avon searider (2000) in very good nick but with a Sea-water damaged 70Hp Yamaha engine.The motor will initially be removed from the boat and stored pending engineers advice.
I am looking for a suitable 40-50 Hp replacement.
Here's where I need some advice. I have the opportunity to buy a 50Hp Selva 2 stroke with automatic oil mixing of 2001 vintage. Its not done too many hours and is quite a light engine including electric start,P,T&T. Now apart from having a reasonable regard for Italian engineering nous, I know nothing about Selva as a brand or even if they are actually Italian built.
Can anyone tell me anything about their experience with these motors or Selva in general?

Nos4r2 · 06 November 2005, 21:56

I've never even seen a selva over 25hp. Any relation to Tohatsu? The biggy is going to be the distance and availability of spares as selva isn't that common. Are you near a dealer?

westsail1 · 06 November 2005, 22:06

Apparently the main distribution offices are in Poole which is easy for me as I'm often there during the week. I am planning to visit and talk to them before deciding to purchase. But its always nice to hear some independant opinions and not just dealers who nearly always have an agenda different to mine!

slimtim · 06 November 2005, 22:19

I think I may have heard bad things about Selvas, but not sure though. There may well be a good reason why you don't see many of them about.

I don't think there is any connection with tohatsu...which I have been told are very reliable and sturdy engines.

Tim

Rogue Wave · 06 November 2005, 22:33

I think your Searider is a 4.7 and the Yammie 70 is such a perfect match for that boat I'd consider getting it fixed or replaced.

The answer to your Selva question is they are not very popular in this country so you won't get much feedback. Might be a problem for servicing.

Re fixing your outboard try it with a few engineers and see where it comes out. or If your gearbos is allright look for a new powerhead. or even a new engine. as the hull will last for years and then some

Any Pics

codprawn · 06 November 2005, 23:07

I have not experience of bigger Selvas but I know a few people with smaller ones - also just read a review in a boating mag on various small outboards. The Selva was actually the most powerful for it's size - beat all the others by quite a bit but was noisy.

I think the general opinion of them is that they are good engines but a bit old tech.

Hugh Jardon · 06 November 2005, 23:38

you might find the resale value of a selva quite/very low as they not as in demand as the mainstream engines

Mollers · 06 November 2005, 23:52

I'd agree with sorting the Yam. Ask for a quote and then get them to guarantee the repairs. That way if they don't do a spot on job you can chuck it back at them.Or, they won't waste your money if it's boarderline repairable.

The Jackeens · 07 November 2005, 06:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by westsail1

I am planning to visit and talk to them before deciding to purchase. But its always nice to hear some independant opinions and not just dealers who nearly always have an agenda different to mine!

Might be worth visiting London Boat Show also (not long now) to do some more research before committing yourself?

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