Tweaking the Pig

[Pikey Dave]

After the recent round Anglesey trip, it was apparent that the engine needs lifting, the AV plate was below the waterline, so that's next weekends job. I'll post a "how to" for easy DIY engine lifting. The other thing that was clear is that she runs "bow light", so a bag of sand will will be sharing the bow locker with the anchor.


Sh1t happens

[mick]

Did you drop it or lift it last time can't remember?

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

The other thing that was clear is that she runs "bow light", so a bag of sand will will be sharing the bow locker with the anchor.


Sh1t happens

I reckon that the 585 is also a prone to being a little bow bouncy.

[diver 1]

Do you have a Ribcraft 585 with a DF140 too?

I've just bought one too and I'm finding mine sits very close to the water at the stern and kicks a lot of wash up off the leg

Would be very interested to see how you settle with your set up. Mine definitely isn't right

Should the cavitation plate be level with the top of the planing pad or the centreline lowest point of the keel?

[papajoe]

I just bought a Jack plate from ebay Jack Plate JPL 4000 Adj. Outboard Boat Jackplate | eBay

Haven't fitted it yet as I'm re-rebuilding the engine but really impressed with the engineering and quality of the plate. Originally I was just going to make lifting blocks but no point when I can fine tune it.

[Pikey Dave]

Mine's a 545 with a DF 140. The AV plate should sit on top of the water at planing speed, mine's too low. This can cause the bow to ride high. Having 170l of fuel under the deck doesn't help.


Sh1t happens

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

After the recent round Anglesey trip, it was apparent that the engine needs lifting, the AV plate was below the waterline, so that's next weekends job. I'll post a "how to" for easy DIY engine lifting. The other thing that was clear is that she runs "bow light", so a bag of sand will will be sharing the bow locker with the anchor.


Sh1t happens

Now there's a surprise!
Try raising it before thinking about Ballast,very well may not need any.

You'll be amazed how performance,AND Fuel economy will improve too

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Now there's a surprise!
Try raising it before thinking about Ballast,very well may not need any.

You'll be amazed how performance,AND Fuel economy will improve too

I've only got one more hole to go & it may not be enough, can but try.


Sh1t happens

[The Black Pig]

I use spare fuel, anchor, chain to keep the bow down not always needed depends on sea conditions, passengers on board speed and weather I'm pulling away from a standing start
The engine is sitting where it should be before you ask

Why did you name yours Black pig?

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I've only got one more hole to go & it may not be enough, can but try.


Sh1t happens

It's a Great Boat,and there's always "fettling" to be done with any New Rig...especially if you're a Perfectionist! the engine always looked too low to me Dave as you know...who mounted/drilled the holes?

One notch may do it,but lifting two would be where I'd start...regardless there's always a way around these things Mate so don't stress it too much

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by The Black Pig

Why did you name yours Black pig?

I was brought up on the Captain Pugwash books😊


Sh1t happens

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Maximus

It's a Great Boat,and there's always "fettling" to be done with any New Rig...especially if you're a Perfectionist! the engine always looked too low to me Dave as you know...who mounted/drilled the holes?



One notch may do it,but lifting two would be where I'd start...regardless there's always a way around these things Mate so don't stress it too much

It usually takes me a couple of years to get them "just so"
The engine was mounted by Ribcraft.


Sh1t happens

[The Black Pig]

[QUOTE=Pikey Dave;716135]I was brought up on the Captain Pugwash books😊


Me too!!

I had a cat named Pugwash

I won't allow a first mate though

[Dan Gurney]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

The engine was mounted by Ribcraft.

I don't know if this is a common manufacturer thing; I've got a feeling mine is mounted too low. It produces a lot of spray round he transom and I feel like I'm having to run with it trimmed a long way in to keep the nose down. I had assumed that Redbay were trading speed and economy for grip, with one eye on their reputation as a heavy weather boat, and that they knew knew best.

I'm nervous about fiddling with it and messing it up, but the idea that Ribcraft may have mounted an engine 'too low' has got me thinking again.

I'll watch for your 'how to' with interest.

(P.S. for what it's worth BP looked great at the weekend!)

[Xk59D]

my RC 6.8 the engine was mounted too low, raised up 1 hole and runs well now.

some engines are easier to move than others as some have a couple of bolts on elongated slots, unfortunately my zuke doesn't have that option so it was a complete unbolt job with a hoist.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Dan Gurney

I've got a feeling mine is mounted too low. It produces a lot of spray round he transom and I feel like I'm having to run with it trimmed a long way in to keep the nose down.

donegaldan moved his 140 up a coupla notches to see what would happen. Blowout and no extra speed was the answer. Down a notch and no blowout and no extra speed. Back where it was was where it went ;-)

Ultimately, the loading and conditions you generally encounter are going to determine where you want the engine height. It's not rocket science to raise it a notch for the craic.

[Maximus]

P

Originally Posted by Xk59D

my RC 6.8 the engine was mounted too low, raised up 1 hole and runs well now.

some engines are easier to move than others as some have a couple of bolts on elongated slots, unfortunately my zuke doesn't have that option so it was a complete unbolt job with a hoist.

I rigged my own Boat...but didn't hang the engine,leaveing it to the "Pro" who supplied it..and subsequently had to raise it by two...which transformed Performance and Handling!
I'm sure Pikey will have the same outcome.
Less to do with type make of engine alone,than Hull/Engine interaction.

Raising Most Large engines requires a lift...(Certainly better for the nerves!) but definatly isn't a major undertaking!..although plenty of "Stag" through the engine holes in the Transum and useing the correct Bolts and Washers IS essential!!

[Maximus]

Double post

[MatFromPoland]

Compare to Pikey Dave I'm completely amateur about RIBs and "RIBbing"
And mine boat is class lower than RIBCRAFT

This year I lifted engine 1 hole up
Before (look at 30 sec of below mentioned movie - anti-vent plate looks like under water or it is mirage by wake surrounding plate)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw-NURaEimw

After lifted up engine plate is more visible, speed was higher but spray/wake was much higher from tubes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Nt65jQgtA

Finally I have returned to lower position.
Bow lift up much easier and faster when start to plane
I can make tighter bend.

Let's buy ATLAS 4" equipment. You can adjust high to optimum based on current load and Sea condidions

[Xk59D]

I would love to try a 4 blade and lower my engine again..... Pity the price for that test to buy a prop!