new boy seeks advice...

Islay amateur · 17 May 2017, 10:16

so...new to forums...and new to ribs...

just bought a second hand Highfield 590 which currently has a 90 HP Honda engine...im wondering if that's a bit underpowered and cant really find anything on line that helps establish whats the best engine size to use. The brokerage seem a little uninformed...hopefully someone out there might have a view?

Pikey Dave · 17 May 2017, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islay amateur

so...new to forums...and new to ribs...

just bought a second hand Highfield 590 which currently has a 90 HP Honda engine...im wondering if that's a bit underpowered and cant really find anything on line that helps establish whats the best engine size to use. The brokerage seem a little uninformed...hopefully someone out there might have a view?

What does the rating plate say re. Engine size? The Ally Highfields tend to be lighter than a GRP equivalent so can run with a smaller engine. Have you had it in the water, does it feel underpowered?

Islay amateur · 17 May 2017, 10:28

ah...a rating plate...now that sounds like a good idea. ill go and look...its still at brokers as having some nav kit fitted. Not been in water yet just don't know anyone with a rib that size with an engine that small...but agree it is much lighter than the more traditional builds...broker says it will cruise at 28knots with the 90 but im not convinced particularly with , say, 4 on board...but what do I know...

Pikey Dave · 17 May 2017, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islay amateur

ah...a rating plate...now that sounds like a good idea. ill go and look...its still at brokers as having some nav kit fitted. Not been in water yet just don't know anyone with a rib that size with an engine that small...but agree it is much lighter than the more traditional builds...broker says it will cruise at 28knots with the 90 but im not convinced particularly with , say, 4 on board...but what do I know...

Check out the Round Bardsey for Macmillan thread. There was a guy on there with a Highfield with a full crew, he might be able to give you some pointers

Islay amateur · 17 May 2017, 10:41

thanks...will do

breezeblock · 17 May 2017, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islay amateur

so...new to forums...and new to ribs...

just bought a second hand Highfield 590 which currently has a 90 HP Honda engine...im wondering if that's a bit underpowered and cant really find anything on line that helps establish whats the best engine size to use. The brokerage seem a little uninformed...hopefully someone out there might have a view?

did it come from bosuns locker

Islay amateur · 17 May 2017, 16:21

it did .....was it your old boat?

breezeblock · 17 May 2017, 16:23

no I spied it last time I was in when are you getting it back from them

Islay amateur · 17 May 2017, 16:25

soon...just fitting a garmin and an extra box....also want to add a bracket for a get me home outboard but they aint keen as its a warranty issue

any view on main engine size?

breezeblock · 17 May 2017, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islay amateur

soon...just fitting a garmin and an extra box....also want to add a bracket for a get me home outboard but they aint keen as its a warranty issue

any view on main engine size?

I think it would be big enough if you want a speed boat buy a speedboat being realistic how often would you be doing 40kts + I think when it comes to engines the gains are diminishing for the amount of hp / dosh I would think 35/36 kts would be about right maybe somebody with more experience would be closer

jeffstevens763@g · 17 May 2017, 19:56

With my expeariance of a 585 ribquest with 90 Suzuki on 4 up you will have all the power you need and economical crusing at 20-22 knots perfect as breezeblock has said how often will you be flat out

Poly · 17 May 2017, 20:47

Highfield recommend a 90, maximum is 145.

Odd that you are asking this after you've bought it. But it's also odd that Bosuns apparently think fitting an aux engine will invalidate its warranty.

Pikey Dave · 17 May 2017, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Odd that you are asking this after you've bought it..........

Ain't that always the case[emoji57]

Tim M · 17 May 2017, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Highfield recommend a 90, maximum is 145.

Odd that you are asking this after you've bought it.

Who knows, good price, impulse purchase, just liked the look of it? We've all been there.

Quote:

But it's also odd that Bosuns apparently think fitting an aux engine will invalidate its warranty.

But yes, that does sound a bit weird / unusual

Andy_Rs600 · 17 May 2017, 22:48

Is it perhaps that if they fit it they will have to warranty it, whereas if the buyer fits it after purchase it is some else's problem?

Poly · 17 May 2017, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_Rs600

Is it perhaps that if they fit it they will have to warranty it, whereas if the buyer fits it after purchase it is some else's problem?

Ah, that's a vote of confidence in the product!

breezeblock · 18 May 2017, 07:16

or possibly they had the same problem as myself and others theres no room and its a pita to fit one in and they don't want the hassle

beamishken · 18 May 2017, 09:09

Probably don't want to drill holes and have the potential for corrosion or possibly stressing an area not intended to take load.
I've not seen the transom construction but it's possibly only reinforced where the main engine bolts on so they don't want to fit a load carrying bracket to a none load bearing area.
Only guessing but if they don't fit it they can't get blamed if anything goes wrong. Probably only a small chance of any problems but maybe they think it's not worth the risk for an hours labour they could charge