A litany of problems - new ribber tales

Jampot · 19 January 2018, 15:26

In July last year my wife and I finally bought our own Rib.
The following article details the issues we faced

Hopefully the fault finding and steps taken with the fuel system will help other ribbers.

https://www.scribd.com/document/369524877/rib-tales

Bern Hanreck · 19 January 2018, 17:56

Jamie , hiya. There's an awful lot there to get one's teeth into but I'm tempted to ask ... since that was quite a substantial first purchase , did you not have a sea trial , or an inspection from a qualified marine surveyor or at least take a knowledgeable mate before you laid out what must have been a sizeable amount of dosh for an " above average " rib ?

The perishing fuel line could hit anyone as I know I have suffered from the same issue but fortunately only in my auxiliary line .

I too have cruised with Doug on several occasions and indeed our paths may have crossed ? I can't imagine a more helpful chap to have standing by when things go wrong.

Max... · 19 January 2018, 18:03

You've been unlucky but Caveat Emptor and all that...

I think most of us have had fuel/engine/electrics issues with our boats over the years.

Just part and parcel of boat ownership.

Jampot · 19 January 2018, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bern Hanreck

Jamie , hiya. There's an awful lot there to get one's teeth into but I'm tempted to ask ... since that was quite a substantial first purchase , did you not have a sea trial , or an inspection from a qualified marine surveyor or at least take a knowledgeable mate before you laid out what must have been a sizeable amount of dosh for an " above average " rib ?

The perishing fuel line could hit anyone as I know I have suffered from the same issue but fortunately only in my auxiliary line .

I too have cruised with Doug on several occasions and indeed our paths may have crossed ? I can't imagine a more helpful chap to have standing by when things go wrong.

Hi Bern,
I had the boat surveyed, but no sea trial. The boat was about 20 miles from the sea. The owner had connected up a hose and removed the engine cowling so I could inspect. Far from ideal, but the guy was an airline pilot, so all of the documentation was in great order. I bought the man rather than the rib.

Likewise, I had Doug and a lot of his contacts advising me what to look out for. And you are totally correct, I could have had no finer person on hand.
It was a pretty miserable introduction to ownership, but I've actually learned a lot in the process and know my boat pretty well now.

We are planning to meet up in May/Jun for a west coast tour again. Hopefully our paths can cross again
cheers

neil.mccrirrick · 19 January 2018, 19:59

I hope after all that you now have nothing but good weather and reliability. I think we all experience challenges. Treat them as learning curves, as you seem to have done, and while your pocket is poorer you are much richer in experience [emoji1][emoji106]

Jampot · 19 January 2018, 21:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.mccrirrick

I hope after all that you now have nothing but good weather and reliability. I think we all experience challenges. Treat them as learning curves, as you seem to have done, and while your pocket is poorer you are much richer in experience [emoji1][emoji106]

thanks Neil, that's very kind of you

jeffstevens763@g · 19 January 2018, 21:15

I admire you sticking with it, the good part is you know you have a good engine now, enjoy the west coast.

HDAV · 19 January 2018, 21:35

Interesting read, is it possible that he fuel residue and contamination was the true route cause of the optimax 225 Demise?

For £12 a time with £200+Of fuel at risk not to mention the motor £££? Surely this is worth while every time you fill up?
Quicksilver Quickstor Fuel Stabiliser 355ml

Was the waxy gunk at the top of the bottom of the tank?

breezeblock · 20 January 2018, 18:30

jeez I think after that I would have sunk the thing in the deepest part of the Clyde you must have a load of patience

dougcrock · 20 January 2018, 18:44

No
The optimax was running fine using the fuel in the main tank and also when connected to external tank
It was only a prob on WOT when it collapsed the fuel bulb
There was no water or contamination in the tank or filter
Water was introduced either when new engine and new fuel sender fitted or contaminated fuel from Morrisons

dougcrock · 20 January 2018, 18:53

The white waxy stuff is on top of the water and the Pernod coloured petrol on the top as per photo of 5l container

Jampot · 21 January 2018, 10:54

As the ski resorts were going to be mental, I thought we'd hit the water, see some pics of yesterday on the clyde. Great to have a trouble free ribbing day!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/a4lPMyNCIG7uLnz53

dougcrock · 21 January 2018, 13:45

Maybe sell the skis to buy more petrol

Jampot · 21 January 2018, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by breezeblock

jeez I think after that I would have sunk the thing in the deepest part of the Clyde you must have a load of patience

Ha. Not sure about patience. It was a horrible position, all of the options were bad. The rib was excellent. Mechanical and electrical systems were not.

For general info I was out yesterday and the Verado 200 was impressive. At 4000 RPM I was using about 1.1ltr / per mile, as opposed to 1.6ltr / per mile with the Optimax.
The optimax would deliver 50 knots, I've not had the new Verado above 40 knots yet. I'll wait until the 10 hour run in has completed before testing top end, but thus far the engine appears excellent. It is quick, quiet and substantially better in fuel efficiency - so hopefully all's well that ends well.
Appreciate the feedback and well wishes from folk on the thread. Thank you

breezeblock · 21 January 2018, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jampot

Ha. Not sure about patience. It was a horrible position, all of the options were bad. The rib was excellent. Mechanical and electrical systems were not.

For general info I was out yesterday and the Verado 200 was impressive. At 4000 RPM I was using about 1.1ltr / per mile, as opposed to 1.6ltr / per mile with the Optimax.
The optimax would deliver 50 knots, I've not had the new Verado above 40 knots yet. I'll wait until the 10 hour run in has completed before testing top end, but thus far the engine appears excellent. It is quick, quiet and substantially better in fuel efficiency - so hopefully all's well that ends well.
Appreciate the feedback and well wishes from folk on the thread. Thank you

glad its working out for you boats are constant work things forever breaking /wearing/corroding and generally going to shit

mjoplin · 24 January 2018, 13:54

Wow, your tale makes the issues I've had with a poorly built Chinese RIB and fuel pump and water leak issues with my SeaRay seem pretty trivial! Your new RIB is a beaut! Hope all goes much better moving forward with the new engine and fuel issues resolved! Wishing you the best of luck from the Texas Gulf Coast (a great place to go ribbing)!