Hard to handle - Walker Bay 360

[NOrrTH]

I picked up my first RIB last week, a Walker Bay 360 (12' with a 40hp 4 stroke).

The boat is rated for the motor but I tell ya, the thing is a wild stallion in the salt chuck. I was in about 2' with waves coming at multiple angles and couldn't go over 25mph or I'd get thrown out of the boat. In flatter seas with the waves in one direction, it is extremely sensitive to trim and throttle as it will chine walk easily.

40hp seems like a lot for a little boat like this.

It came with a StingRay XRIII hydrofoil which I'm wondering if I should put on and will it settle things down?

[smallribber]

Most 3.6 m ribs I am aware of are rated for 25 hp max.... You are correct 40 seems a lot

[xpertski]

Well, 3.8m inflatable Aerotec is rated to 25hp, so I can see a 3.6m rib having a 40hp capacity. I would think that size rib is primarily aimed as the tender market? If so I would think the high hp rating is to cater for a small boat with a few people weighing it down, taking them to and from a larger boat. With that in mind, with 4-5people on board perhaps 40hp skips the boat along nicely and the weight helps avoid chinewalking, with less people on board it would be a case of being a bit easier on the throttle. To go flat out and not worry about chinewalking with 1-2ppl aboard a 25hp-30hp would be sufficient and give you the speed and fun you want, the higher hp in my view is just to cope with heavier loads. Hydrofoil might help with the chinewalking - I read they do but not used one myself

[jeffstevens763@g]

you need more weight forward my SIB did until i put the fuel tank forward it'll be lively with a 40 anyway 1-2 up

[NOrrTH]

Thanks for the great responses. I'll see if the hydrofoil settles it down and post results.