It's a Monster !

Chris Murray · 10 July 2003, 18:55

After a 14-year relationship (with my boat), Aries II - my Falcon 23 SPC - has gone to a new owner, as of 10th July

In order to lessen the blow of losing what has become a part of the family, I already have detailed plans for my next boat, which should be on the water for the 2006 season.

I hope to buy a commercial RIB, probably a Ribcraft 7.8 mtr Offshore, with a large outboard. A monster actually!

I recently read a report of the new Yamaha 300 HPDI (not yet in the UK, I believe). This sounds excellent, especially since it has the same block as the 225 Vmax and the 250 Vmax, so should - I imagine - be just as "economical" as these, at low to cruising speeds, but with a meaningful top-end for this weight of boat - Perhaps 50 kts?

OK, so "economy" is relative; Aries II had a 5.7 litre V8.

My question is: does anyone know if there will be a Vmax version, as I can't find out anything about it from the Internet, presumably because the the 300 HPDI is almost certainly from the 2004 line up and such models are quite likely to be under wraps?

While I am "between boats", I shall become a SIB member. At 3.1 mtrs, I think that makes mine smaller than Keith's. Keith (I've nearly got the smallest one on RIBnet) Hart, that is!

Give us a wave, if you see T/T Aries II "flying" in Southampton Water (or anywhere else, for that matter!).

Can't wait to become a "proper" RIBster!

Chris.

-<=[Tw18]=>- · 10 July 2003, 20:31

Mate there are in my opinion a few monsters of the Rib world

- A ballistic 7.8 with 2 225hp outboards. I have only read of 2 of these, one H20 events on here had but unfortunatly it was nicked. Both have had black tubes and hull with teak decks. Not only did they look the big meancing part they both did 70kts!!! I know of one for sale in Guernsey at £48,000. Ok thats a lot but considering it is a very serious lesiure Rib and 70kts!!!!

- The over is the FB techno range. Techno 40 on here (a group of people) have a Techno 40. It previously had 2 Seatek 850 engines in it. In that configuration that had 94mph out of it. Thats is still 85kts!!! And the boat is very nice, never seen one but I do hope to catch up with them when they down in the CI next.

- Otherwise I consider that not in the same league as the above 2 but still most excellent is the 10 Scorpion cabin cruiser, especially like Hot Lemon the previous around britan record holder for which catergory I cannot remember. But still impressive

- And finally the Revenger series which I would consider more speed hulls than Ribs, but they still make quick boats and very nice ones at that!

Well it may not be everyones choice but right now thats how I think things stand. Of course they are all small and slow compared to my boat though because i wouldnt have it any other way

Lee

Richard B · 10 July 2003, 20:55

Hey Lee,

What about Charles's Monster Scorpion???

And this beautiful twin-engined 8.1 which is currently for sale:

Chris Murray · 10 July 2003, 21:00

Thanks Guys!

Actually, I meant that the engine was a "monster".
An outboard producing 300 HP - That's some engine!
It was reviewed in Sportsboat & RIB Magazine, July 2003.

Keep the pics coming - they look great!

Regards,

Chris.

-<=[Tw18]=>- · 10 July 2003, 21:08

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
[B]Hey Lee,

What about Charles's Monster Scorpion???
[B]

Charles, he's a legend

He keeps taking me out in that beast!!! And i've seen him open his wallet and throw £50 notes out every minute, said something about the fuel consuption

But it's a stunning boat with a very nice owner. But you can't get them off the shelf anymore. Saying that there is a 8.5 Cabin Scorpion with a single 225 outboard for sale on RIB Int's site for £40,000 odd

But's it more of like a big pussy cat with a rocket up's its ****!!!!! And the ride is sooooo smmooottthh!!!! Don't know why I dont just upgrade to a smoother ride

Dirk Diggler · 10 July 2003, 21:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Murray

An outboard producing 300 HP - That's some engine!

Like Mercury have made for the last 5 or 6 years!

Chris Murray · 11 July 2003, 06:57

Not according to Mercury's 2003 (UK) catalogue !

Dirk Diggler · 11 July 2003, 08:05

Just a thought, you don't suppose that maybe, just maybe, that you are looking in the wrong catalogue!!!

You don't think that at 300hp, it might just be listed in the High Perf catalogue!

John Kennett · 11 July 2003, 08:51

Oh Diggler, stop being such a smart arse will you? You'll be telling us all that you've "got the t-shirt" next

Of course, you're not wrong though

Chris Strickland had a couple of them on the back of Seahound at least 4 years ago. Still, new or old, Yam or Merc, a 300hp outboard is an impressive piece of kit

Dirk Diggler · 11 July 2003, 09:03

Quote:

Originally posted by John Kennett
Oh Diggler, stop being such a smart arse will you? You'll be telling us all that you've "got the t-shirt" next

Of course, you're not wrong though

I did have the t shirt, but I ripped it when I was repairing a Yamaha.

Chris's 300's weren't X's, so they only made around 275hp, whilst the latest versions constantly dyno in excess of 310hp.

Of course, you're not wrong though

Of course, you're not wrong though

Oh, I do like that bit!!!!!

Richard B · 11 July 2003, 09:08

But the rest of us like this bit better...

Quote:

Originally posted by John Kennett
Oh Diggler, stop being such a smart arse will you?

Dirk Diggler · 11 July 2003, 09:10

Ouch, I nearly cut myself on that one

John Kennett · 11 July 2003, 09:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Dirk Diggler
Chris's 300's weren't X's, so they only made around 275hp, whilst the latest versions constantly dyno in excess of 310hp.

Doesn't a Mercury 300 produce 300hp anywhere? Not even at the crank?

Anyway, pleased to have made you smile this morning. It's always better to have a happy know-it-all rather than a grumpy one

John

Dirk Diggler · 11 July 2003, 09:29

Quote:

Originally posted by John Kennett
Doesn't a Mercury 300 produce 300hp anywhere? Not even at the crank?

Anyway, pleased to have made you smile this morning. It's always better to have a happy know-it-all rather than a grumpy one

John

I think the only place an early 300 Merc produced that much horsepower was in the minds of the marketing dept.

Infact, the latest HP525EFI Mercruiser produces 500hp, it says so in their catalogue. And have you seen the size of an American horse, more like a pony.

Dirk

PS, I'm always a happy1, but never "grumpy"

Chris Murray · 11 July 2003, 21:38

Nah - It's just for cruising!

OK Dirk ... You win!

I didn't know that there was another catalogue. I shall look out for it at Southampton.

Regards,

Chris.