Performance v Economy

Chris Murray · 29 December 2002, 11:59

Hello!

I am planning to sell my current boat in the coming year and to replace it with a 6 metre RIB for the 2004 season. My boat is berthed 100 miles from home (Port Hamble) and I spend far more time looking after it than being out on the water. Enough is enough!

As my current boat does 2.5 mpg (cruising at 28 - 30kts) I look forward to achieving significantly better fuel consumption out of a RIB, whilst maintaining or improving upon performance. A top speed of 40kts would be good.

I have read about "Optimax" 2-stroke engines as being more efficient and quieter than an "ordinary" 2-stroke. Similarly, 4-stroke engines are understood to be far more efficient and quieter than a normal 2-stroke.

I would very much appreciate your views on how "Optimax" compares with 4-stroke in terms of performance/economy/noise and any thoughts that you may have about the "ideal " engine size for a 5.8 - 6.1 metre RIB.

Thank you for your input!

roofer · 29 December 2002, 13:36

hi chris

i tried to buy a falcon last year but got shafted at the last minute by another buyer.

i may be interested in your boat if its in excellent condition,can you pm me with some details

regards chris

Brian · 29 December 2002, 14:22

OK Chris
Here is my 2p's worth.
There are two types of modern 2-stroke technology, Optimax and Ficht. Don't ask me, I don't know the diference.
However, they both boast 4-stroke type economy-so that is not normally the decider.
4-Strokes tend to be heavier hp/kg than 2-strokes and (I believe) don't have the low-end power that 2-strokes do. So if waterskiing is very important to you maybe go 2-stroke.
4-strokes do tend to be much quieter though and are said to be more eco-friendly. If ever you boat on lakes/rivers in the UK or on continental inland waterways, this could be a factor.
I guess you need somewhere around 100hp for the size of boat you mention.
Whether you choose 2 or 4-stroke may depend on the above factors. If you go 2-stroke listen to someone else talk about Ficht and Optimax.

zod550 · 29 December 2002, 15:15

hi chris, i have a zodiac 550 with a 100 yamaha 4 stroke. great motor however a little underpowered for the boat. i recently did a 700 n mile trip and averaged 1 nmile per liter. (4.5 for gallon} . My gps shows my boat doing around 35 knots wot .if you are looking for a 6 m rib i would suggest perhaps the suzuki 140 4 stroke. maybe a little over powered but nice to have it when you need it. chris

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 16:14

Imagine Theres a big round board room table,and sat at that table is.

MR Hondar
MR Suziki
MR Meercuri
MR Opttimax
MR SFicht
MR Tohasu
MR Accountant
MR Mutley
MR Ribster
The conversation goes something like this.Hey we're doing real well,We are selling our Hondar four strokes with all these emmision rules coming into force,we're making a bundle on new engine sales,its a great time for us engine manufacturers,wheres my stock portfollio,I will show you my share price.
Mr Suziki buts in ,not for long my new 140 is beating your 150 cos I have thrown in electronics.So there,just you watch,We'll get ya one day.Ya big fat Cat.
Mr meercuri chips, in watch this space boys as I'm clearing up in the 50hp fourstroke range.You see I fell out with Yam so I did another deal and Im on a Roll.
Mr Opttimax comes wading in with, I got New technology so there,Mr sficht nuts him and says aint as good as ours, We got a bit of a bad reputation in them old days,when we bought the company and that crap tech, but its all over now I promise it really is.I promise.
Hopefully?
Mr Tohasu says Well Mutley,we got a load off tuff old two stroke Teck around us what we going to do,Mutley replies sell em with a quick head change shouldnt cost us to much money and we will say its new technology,No massive re tooling costs,What da ya think Boss?guv Boss?

Mr accountant chips in by saying, Well we are all making real money out of this, so the way I see it we should all be happy Bunnies.
The guy on the Street just has to keep shelling out,if he gets it wrong it dont matter to us,as we got the proffit out on the 1st unit sale,and somebody round this table might be in the lucky position to sell them another unit in a few yrs time,I love this buisness!!Ay we could do with this happening every 4 yrs what da you all think eh.

Do you remember when you sold a motor and it lasted for 20yrs!
They were bad bad days them were,Bad days any way its behind us all now,best not dwell on the past.

Mr ribster,What a bunch of Charicters these are, Best to ask on ribnet and get as much unbiased imfo as you can and then make your mind up.The best of luck to ya.

Good luck

Crazyhorse

Dirk Diggler · 29 December 2002, 17:36

I have two questions for you:

1: What have you been smoking?

2: Ever thought of buying a dictionary?

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 17:39

Didnt think it would be to long before I heard from you Dirk.How ya doing.

Dirk Diggler · 29 December 2002, 17:42

I'm doing fine thanks. Although I'm starting to question the sanity of certain forum users!!

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 17:47

Nothing wrong with that Dirk,as mi old grandmother used to say!

sometimes, er not that often,er once anyway,I think thats what she said anyway if mi memory serves me right?.

Brian · 29 December 2002, 17:58

Crazyhorse
If, between the lines, you are saying we are being ripped off, then I wholeheartedly agree with you.
In the UK a small outboard costs as much as a car and a large diesel the same as a small house!
The exact same products are available, much cheaper, in other countries, so why not here?

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 18:06

Yep Brian,thats what Im saying.

If we pool our knoledge we stand a chance,but divide and were konkered.

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 18:16

Lets get some prices of outbords delivered here with warranties.

Maybe Manos can help for greece.
I can tell you Electronics are dear in Canada,not sure outboard prices are there?,I purchased Kad300 from here,and sent it over.

It was far cheaper?

Im a crap organiser so if this thread takes off ,Im no good at organising it.But will try and be as much asistance as possible.

Dirk Diggler · 29 December 2002, 18:31

How much did you pay for the Kad?

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 18:36

14k+

Dirk Diggler · 29 December 2002, 18:39

Sounds like a good price, how does it compare to a Yanmar?

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 18:43

Are we talking price or engine.

Dirk Diggler · 29 December 2002, 18:45

Price of course, I've been told that the engine is pants.

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 18:48

I could of bought a Yanmar Cheaper,But not sure weather I agree that either engine is the Pants as you call it.?

Explain

Dirk Diggler · 29 December 2002, 18:51

I can feel a new thread coming on......

crazyhorse · 29 December 2002, 19:02

Come on Dirk,Dont be bashfull what do you mean?

You dont want to get a name for youself as making statements you cant back up DO YA?