Suzuki - 175 or 200?

dwalters · 16 October 2006, 14:58

I am just in the mist of thinking about a new rib, and have pretty much decided on the boat, but quite stuck on the engine. I am not that fussed about top speed, but think it should reach 40mph.

The boat is a ribcraft 6.5m. Took one out at the weekend with Suz 150 on it. Top speed 38mph, does anyone have an idea of what a Suz 175 would hit?

But then I am told the 175 can sound as if it is being pushed, as it is the same block as the 150, so maybe go for V6 200hp! But then stepping up to a V6, that will be heavy and maybe guzzle more fuel at mid range? seems like quite a step

Any advise welcome!

Nick Hearne · 16 October 2006, 15:25

How about the e tec lighter, I been looking at a new boat & chase this over the Suzuki, also tried the 150 Verado yesterday very heavy steering & horrible noise then pushed!!

steve b · 16 October 2006, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalters

I am just in the mist of thinking about a new rib, and have pretty much decided on the boat, but quite stuck on the engine. I am not that fussed about top speed, but think it should reach 40mph.

The boat is a ribcraft 6.5m. Took one out at the weekend with Suz 150 on it. Top speed 38mph, does anyone have an idea of what a Suz 175 would hit?

But then I am told the 175 can sound as if it is being pushed, as it is the same block as the 150, so maybe go for V6 200hp! But then stepping up to a V6, that will be heavy and maybe guzzle more fuel at mid range? seems like quite a step

Any advise welcome!

I have a solent 6.5 with the 175
55mph 4 up and 160 ltrs
On ave it uses 28 ltrs per hour (wot will be more)
Iam very pleased very quite

steve

Nos4r2 · 16 October 2006, 17:50

Go on, getn the V6

Nasher's sounds GLORIOUS!

Davidgriffiths · 16 October 2006, 20:09

I have a new Ribcraft Sport 650 with 175 Suzuki, she makes 44 - 45 knots at 6100 rpm with a 23 pitch prop.

I don't think theres any need for a V6 on this boat as if you floor the 175 when water skiing it will pull your arms off .........

P.S. Its for sale if anyones interested

Nasher · 16 October 2006, 23:18

Matt

Remember my 200 is the 2.7l V6 two-stroke EFI, not the four-stroke I presume Dwalters is thinking of, which would be, shall we say, a little quieter.

Glad you like the sound as much as I do, kind of encourages you to run it up on the muffs just for the sake of it.
Its light too.

Go on, fit the 200, you will want one anyway when you get used to the 175.
I'm waiting for Codprawn to fit a Verado so I can have his 225HP

Nasher.

Nos4r2 · 16 October 2006, 23:49

<snigger>

Yeah yours does sound good on muffs.

He didn't specify 4 or 2-stroke so you're probably right.

codprawn · 16 October 2006, 23:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Matt

Remember my 200 is the 2.7l V6 two-stroke EFI, not the four-stroke I presume Dwalters is thinking of, which would be, shall we say, a little quieter.

Glad you like the sound as much as I do, kind of encourages you to run it up on the muffs just for the sake of it.
Its light too.

Go on, fit the 200, you will want one anyway when you get used to the 175.
I'm waiting for Codprawn to fit a Verado so I can have his 225HP

Nasher.

A Verado??? Don't swear at me!!! IF I change my lovely engine it will be another 2 stroke - prob the Mercury Racing 300xs.

dwalters · 17 October 2006, 08:40

Thanks for your help, think i'll probably go for the 175hp four stroke, if it hits 40 i'm happy.

ADS · 17 October 2006, 20:41

I reckon you would be able to get the 200HP cheaper than the 175HP or at least at the same price. The 175HP is a newer model so may be more difficult to get hold off.
Get the V6, theres no replacement for displacement

Mollers · 17 October 2006, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

A Verado??? Don't swear at me!!! IF I change my lovely engine it will be another 2 stroke - prob the Mercury Racing 300xs.

Bolt another 225 next to the one you already have and you'd have a proper 8m Rib.

Solent Ranger · 17 October 2006, 21:40

Perhaps this may help! The school boat - a Ribcraft 7m - was originally specked with the 175 Suzi. It ran Ok, topping out at around 38knots. Now for reasons beyond everybodies control, the engine was swithced to a 200 V6.

What a diffrence. OK, top speed had gone up to around 43 knots, but the sheer grunt mid range is startling. Between 4,000 and 5,000 RPM it just gets up and goes. In terms of fuel consumption, it's the same if not slightly better in certain conditions - just becuse it's not running so hard and it's easier to stay on the plane in "tougher" seas.

I've driven the 7.8 metre Ribcraft with the 250 Suzi and that's nice, but I think you'l be more than happy if you go for the 200 in preference. It's also very quite and very smooth.

I also spent some time at SIBs (Try A Boat)helming Ricraft's 10.5 metre with twin 250 Suzis - now that was awesome. Just a shame the weather was so good for most of the show - only really showed it's full potential when we had a F6 and the other boats were being put to bed!

codprawn · 17 October 2006, 22:01

Nice looking boat - especially with that stealth radar dome on the A frame!!!

codprawn · 17 October 2006, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Bolt another 225 next to the one you already have and you'd have a proper 8m Rib.

Don't want to upset the balance - unless you know of a nice DT225 contra rotation for sale???

dwalters · 18 October 2006, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

Perhaps this may help! The school boat - a Ribcraft 7m - was originally specked with the 175 Suzi. It ran Ok, topping out at around 38knots. Now for reasons beyond everybodies control, the engine was swithced to a 200 V6.

What a diffrence. OK, top speed had gone up to around 43 knots, but the sheer grunt mid range is startling. Between 4,000 and 5,000 RPM it just gets up and goes. In terms of fuel consumption, it's the same if not slightly better in certain conditions - just becuse it's not running so hard and it's easier to stay on the plane in "tougher" seas.

I've driven the 7.8 metre Ribcraft with the 250 Suzi and that's nice, but I think you'l be more than happy if you go for the 200 in preference. It's also very quite and very smooth.

I also spent some time at SIBs (Try A Boat)helming Ricraft's 10.5 metre with twin 250 Suzis - now that was awesome. Just a shame the weather was so good for most of the show - only really showed it's full potential when we had a F6 and the other boats were being put to bed!

I think what your syaing is that for ease I should be going for the 200 V6, on the basis of top speed, probably better fuel efficiency than the 175hp, no much more money, and better mid-range. I guess it confuses me why people go for the 175hp if that is the case. There must be a draw back in going for the V6, surely??!!

Many thanks for your comments by the way, very helpful

Solent Ranger · 18 October 2006, 13:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalters

I guess it confuses me why people go for the 175hp if that is the case. There must be a draw back in going for the V6, surely??!!

Perhaps I should have added that rib is coded for 8 and that when you add the weight of fuel to a full boat, then the 175 frankly was not up to the job. If you are only going to be "lightly" loaded then the 175 may well suit your needs. It is a good engine!

But, if you can afford it then I'd go for the 200! When specking the boat, given that it was going to be used as a training boat as well, then it was felt the 175 which was lighter and only 25HP less would do the job. The extra torque on the 200 is worth it!

dwalters · 18 October 2006, 13:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

Perhaps I should have added that rib is coded for 8 and that when you add the weight of fuel to a full boat, then the 175 frankly was not up to the job. If you are only going to be "lightly" loaded then the 175 may well suit your needs. It is a good engine!

But, if you can afford it then I'd go for the 200! When specking the boat, given that it was going to be used as a training boat as well, then it was felt the 175 which was lighter and only 25HP less would do the job. The extra torque on the 200 is worth it!

It seems to make sense then I must say to go for the 200hp. My only other concern is the weight. The 175hp is the same weight as the 150hp (220kg) and I tried the 150hp at the weekend, and the boat seemed well balance. If you stick the 200hp on there, its 263kg. I think you have a Ribcraft 6.8m, I just wonder whether the 200hp on the 6.5m would be too much and a bit tail heavy.

Thanks

Solent Ranger · 18 October 2006, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalters

It seems to make sense then I must say to go for the 200hp. My only other concern is the weight. The 175hp is the same weight as the 150hp (220kg) and I tried the 150hp at the weekend, and the boat seemed well balance. If you stick the 200hp on there, its 263kg. I think you have a Ribcraft 6.8m, I just wonder whether the 200hp on the 6.5m would be too much and a bit tail heavy.

Thanks

It's actually a 7metre - but you are based in Hampshire I see - why not come down and have a go!

When the 175 had a problem it was replaced temporally with a 150 (a development engine) and there was not a lot of difference. As to weight, the 150 and 175 are the same engine - as is the case with the 200, 225 and 250 on the V6's.

The 6.5 will go well on the 175, but your original question was regarding the 200 as an alternative and just posted my thoughts. Having spent some time with both engines I know my preference.

I have also had experience on the 140 Suzi as well, and that is also a great engine on the right boat.

dwalters · 18 October 2006, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

It's actually a 7metre - but you are based in Hampshire I see - why not come down and have a go!

When the 175 had a problem it was replaced temporally with a 150 (a development engine) and there was not a lot of difference. As to weight, the 150 and 175 are the same engine - as is the case with the 200, 225 and 250 on the V6's.

The 6.5 will go well on the 175, but your original question was regarding the 200 as an alternative and just posted my thoughts. Having spent some time with both engines I know my preference.

I have also had experience on the 140 Suzi as well, and that is also a great engine on the right boat.

Very grateful for your comments thanks. And thank you for your kind offer. From what I am told ribcraft don't make a straight 7m, its either a 6.8m or 7.5m, obviously makes a big differrence on which it is, as to whether the 200hp (prob preferred engine) is too heavy for the boat; being 7 stone heavier than the 175hp

Many thanks

ADS · 18 October 2006, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalters

Very grateful for your comments thanks. And thank you for your kind offer. From what I am told ribcraft don't make a straight 7m, its either a 6.8m or 7.5m, obviously makes a big differrence on which it is, as to whether the 200hp (prob preferred engine) is too heavy for the boat; being 7 stone heavier than the 175hp

Many thanks

Both the 6.3M and the 6.8M Ribcraft are rated to 225HP, so I can forsee no problem having a 200HP on either, Ribcraft know what they're talking about.
http://www.ribcraft.co.uk/specifications.html

225 Honda on this 6.8, prob needs the power though when its full of divers!
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F43823