Northwind motor upgrading

Ribdude · 17 July 2015, 04:37

I have a 17ft Northwind extreme with a 90 hp Honda 4 stroke it runs great but I need some more power.

Does anyone else have this boat, if so what motor are you running? What is your top speed?

I would like to put a Honda 150 on there but thats an additional 120lbs over the current motor.

Can the boat handle the additional weight?

tworotorturbo · 17 July 2015, 06:05

Whats your top speed now? Your rib is pretty rare so finding someone with one might be a search. Im in a similar position as you. I have a Honda 90 and want more power but I need to be less than 400lbs. You can do a new F115 or a DF140. Both come in less than 400 lbs. No info plate on your rib that says max weight?

Ribdude · 17 July 2015, 06:23

my top speed right now is about 28 knots at high altitude I dont know what it does at sea level.

Unfortunately the boat doesn't have a max weight plate on it

I wanted to stick with a honda but the Suzuki is considerably lighter

Right now I am getting 4.5 mpg running at 5200 rpms

what kind of fuel consumption can I expect with a 150?

Ribdude · 25 June 2016, 20:11

Are there any marine engineers who are members on here who can share their thoughts?

I want to add a T-Top
Flood Lights
Captain's shock mitigating seat

Either 150, 175 or 200 hp outboard

Is this going to be too much weight?

Here is the same model boat with a 250hp jet drive

https://www.oceanlist.com/boat-for-s...treme-17-57625

capntroy · 26 June 2016, 06:18

The 17' Northwind RIB was most likely designed by Steve Pollard at Specialty Marine in Oregon, he designed my 34' Northwind RIB...he'd probably be a good guy for you to chat with...

Ribdude · 26 June 2016, 08:41

Hi Troy

thanks for the response

are you refering to SpecMar?

Aluminum RIBS (Rigid Inflatable Boat) | Aluminum Boat Plans & Designs by Specmar

capntroy · 26 June 2016, 08:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribdude

Hi Troy

thanks for the response

are you refering to SpecMar?

Yep, that's him...Steve did a lot of the designs for Northwind back in the day...

Ribdude · 27 June 2016, 00:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by capntroy

Yep, that's him...Steve did a lot of the designs for Northwind back in the day...

I talked to him today, hes a super nice guy.... Steve indeed designed my boat he said it could handle the weight but I would most likely need to add some weight in the bow.

the question is do I go with a 175 or a 200?

It would be nice if I can add a fuel tank in the bow to compensate for the additional stern weight