Avon seasport 545 1997 - a few questions

[markr]

I have recently purchased my first rib and over the last couple of months have been playing down in Poole and up and down the coast between Bournemouth and Swanage. Prior to using the boat I did the level 2 power boat course, just so I had some knowledge before venturing out.

The boat is an 1997 Avon seasport 545 with a yamaha 90 hp two stroke engine with a 100 litre tank.

My questions:
1) fuel economy isn't great. I reckon I'm doing about 1 mile to 1.5 litres. Is this about right? I'm still working on the trimming to get this right.
2) should I stick with 2 stroke or look to investing in 4 stroke
3) Does anoyone know where I can get new bow cushions or cushion covers from?

Many Thanks for any replies

Sun is due to shine tomorrow, so back out on the water again.

Mark

[Oscarguitar]

Hi,

You are getting about 3 miles to the gallon in old money. That seems a bit high (I get about between 2 and 2.8 cruising, well thats what the gauges linked to the GPS tell me and down to about 1.6- 1.8 flat out) If you are giving it a lot of stick then that will put consumption up a lot. I have only had 4 strokes but the Avon 5.6 Adventure with F100 Yamaha didn't have the sophisticated electonics to tell me that sort of stuff and i never bothered to work it out - too frightened.

Changing your engine is a very expensive option. You would take forever to recoup the cost in fuel savings. Other things to take into acccount are reliability of a new motor and a warranty, quieter smoother and of course more economical. If it is working ok and does what you want it to I would be tempted to just enjoy it until you need to change it. Those Yam 90 2s seem to go on for ever with a bit of looking after.

I recently had a full re-upholster from Rob Dickinson Sandbanks Upholstery. He is based at Hurn, did a very nice job, quick turn around time and a good guy to work with.

Enjoy your RIB and give us a wave when you are out there.

[markr]

thanks for the quick reply and advice on the outboard. I shall also look the company at Hurn up.

will keep an eye out for you in Poole.

[jyasaki]

I get about 4 mpg overall on a slightly larger boat/engine combo, though mines a 4-stroke. I'd say your fuel consumption is pretty close to normal.

jky

[PeterM]

I recently used PC marine at davis yard in poole (next to cobbs quay) for some stuff covers and cushions and was good and not silly money.

Am sure i have seen you out in Poole when i have been out and about.... ;-)

[Nos4r2]

I get more mpg than that-about 1nm/litre-nearly the same size boat,same engine (the 85 is the same engine with a couple of minor changes) but heavier and a deeper V.

I think your fuel consumption is about right if you've been caning it. It'd probably improve if you didn't have that long run out of Poole at displacement speed.