Hello - Galway, Ireland

[georgeirl]

Hi folks, came across your community a few months ago when I started looking for a RIB. Now that i made the leap into ownership I decided it was time I joined you guys.

I have been around boats for years but never owned a rib before. Family owned 3-4 sports and half deckers in the past. my father still has a 26 foot half decker which is used in Galway bay.

There is going to be a steep learning curve with RIB's, adding to the fact the boat I bought is a bit if a project means I might have a few (many) questions for you more experienced folks. Sorry in advance and also thank you!!

Anyways. My Boat is a 8m Ribtec which worked as a commercial boat bringing tours out on the east coast of Ireland. The gentleman who owned the business retired and the boats sat idle for a couple of years before he could part with them. I bought one and I believe the other one is heading to Galway too but I have no idea who bought it yet!

As I mentioned its a fixer upper but I'm looking forward to starting it.

So what I know needs to be done.
- hole in port side. She will need new tubes in time but hopefully a patch will year another year or two out of her.
- electronics are a big unknown but was told they where working on last use
- new batteries
- engine was heard running but needs a little TLC
- general cleanup

I'll start a project thread when the hands start getting dirty.

George

[Brian]

Welcome and good luck with your project.
May I say it doesn't look as bad a condition as some "projects" I have seen on here!

[georgeirl]

I cheated a little and put up the post wash pictures. She did look worse when I got her but I washed her quickly!! Two hours when a hot wash made a huge difference!!

[willk]

Welcome to RIBnet George. She has the makings of a fine boat but will be a deep money pit (but you know that )

Hull - If the deck and transom are sound then it's easy enough to smarten her up
Tubes - if they hold air, they're useable. Patch is easy (depending on location)
Electronics - not important - forget about them unless they're under 5 years old. She'll need a full rewire!
Engine - Yamaha - <245hp? No longer produced but spares are available. After that layup the whole thing needs a really good going over - a full overhaul. The gearbox tended to give gip - special love needed there!

All the best with her!

willk

[georgeirl]

Willk

Thanks for the heads up. Yip she is the ME420sti ( I think that code is right) so I'm aware the engine is a little old but from what I read generally reliable.

On the gearbox I'm aware they had issues. I have managed to source a spare drive for parts. The previous owner also seemed to be very serious about preventative maintenance so hopefully I might get lucky. He mentioned something about the 1000 series drive. But I haven't found anything about those yet.

My plan is to pull the engine and drive and do what is necessary. I might have more questions in time!

And yes I know she will be a money pit. I have restored 4 classic cars in my time so I'm very familiar with this concept!!!

[willk]

Originally Posted by georgeirl

I have restored 4 classic cars in my time so I'm very familiar with this concept!!!

Yer. Bit of polishing left to do on that Morris Traveller...

[georgeirl]

Good eyes. Back axle is all that's let to come off her!!

[beamishken]

If the drive does let go big time it's no real biggy to replace the lot with a bravo drive either use yanmar 6lp belhousing & coupling or yamaha inner shield bolted to mercruiser outer shield they all use the same input splines and transom drilling pattern

[georgeirl]

Folks,

Sorry to bring up an old thread but it might be easier than creating a new one on the same topic.

There has been some delay in getting this started but I'm finally ready to do some work on this boat. My plan is to pull the drive and motor, do a full service, sandblast, paint, reinstall, rewire and hopefully start some testing!

The initial question i have for those of you with more experience than I, with the engine out, what extra jobs would you advise me to undertake? I dont want to be pulling the engine again in the near future!

Thanks,

George

[Searider]

Has it got a heated handrail?
That boat looks VERY similar to one I drove a couple of times on Charter about 15 years ago.

[georgeirl]

Originally Posted by Searider

Has it got a heated handrail?
That boat looks VERY similar to one I drove a couple of times on Charter about 15 years ago.

Yes she does! Could very well be the same boat, she came out of the UK about 10 years ago i think. Still putting together parts of her history.

George

[tamsbairn]

Hi George welcome and i hope all goes well with your project and have fun here
Stewart