Just got a Rib, what do you think?

[Crezzlin]

Hi guys, Ive been after a boat for some time just never had the chance really, anyway ive just got a Osprey Eagle 5.6m, with me been new to it all could you give me any advice on the boat/engines etc and what to look out for.. the boat in good visual conditon and starts both motors 1st time.. The main engine is a 135HP Mercury 2stroke, with a small version for back up. not had chance to look them over properly yet but anything i should look for.. thanks

http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/w...401_112915.jpg

http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/w...401_112925.jpg

http://i712.photobucket.com/albums/w...401_112920.jpg

[Chris]

Yes... Get some bigger fenders. Those ones are just bonkers !

[Crezzlin]

Originally Posted by Chris

Yes... Get some bigger fenders. Those ones are just bonkers !

Haha thanks, didn't even cross my mind..

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by Chris

Yes... Get some bigger fenders. Those ones are just bonkers !

What do you need fenders for at all. The whole boat is a fender

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by captnjack

What do you need fenders for at all. The whole boat is a fender

[actions]

Originally Posted by captnjack

What do you need fenders for at all. The whole boat is a fender

Really.... How can you say that. Surely you protect the tubes using the fender. A scuffed tube is not a good sight. A scuffed fender, who cares.

Noted the popcorn........ Need smiley things on mobile app.

Sent from my galaxy s2

[ncp]

Originally Posted by actions

Really.... How can you say that. Surely you protect the tubes using the fender. A scuffed tube is not a good sight. A scuffed fender, who cares.

Noted the popcorn........ Need smiley things on mobile app.

Sent from my galaxy s2

My rubstrakes are 12 inches wide (PVC strakes on PU tubes). No reason carry fenders. The hull is surrounded by a 22 inch diameter fender!

More popcorn please!

[thomas]

Is this a fender thread? I use flat ones, if the pontoons are a little high the back end slips under and makes a terible mess.

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Originally Posted by ncp

My rubstrakes are 12 inches wide (PVC strakes on PU tubes). No reason carry fenders. The hull is surrounded by a 22 inch diameter fender!

More popcorn please!

Agreed! Our strake covers 2/3 bow then from centre to hull all the way along and completely over the cones. The strake is there to protect the tubes. Go get a Fletcher/Quicksilver if you don't need them.

There are whole threads on this debate.

[boristhebold]

Looks good but agree fenders look too small. Can you post some pics when your out and about, my better half is wanting me to take her to IOM for a holliday so would be interested in the scenery

[Mollers]

Nice rig.

I found a lot of 'fenders' similar to those, when our Klargester at work blocked.

[gotchiguy]

Originally Posted by thomas

Is this a fender thread? I use flat ones, if the pontoons are a little high the back end slips under and makes a terible mess.

This happens to us too, can be quite annoying. We carry a mixture of boards and normal ones from our old boat. Boards get more use generally!

[Poly]

And back to the question:

Originally Posted by Crezzlin

. The main engine is a 135HP Mercury 2stroke, with a small version for back up. not had chance to look them over properly yet but anything i should look for.. thanks

I don't know your specific engines but in general outboard problems are typically fuel, electrics or overheating related. On a "new to you" engine its probably worth a good service and checking the compression on the cylinders.

Fuel, I don't think there is much you can do as preventative maintainence other than drain the carbs out (to remove any crap) and change the filters. Make sure the fuel tanks are clean and dry. If any hoses are cracked then replace them. Spare primer bulb and hose can be useful to carry. Useful to familiarise yourself with where the fuel filters are and the carb drain points are and ensure you have the right size screwdriver with you on the boat.

Electrics, always a pain to diagnose and probably not much you can do to prevent problems - but have a good look at all the wiring you can see - make sure its not chaffed/rubbing anywhere (especially likely where it passes through covers/cases etc) as if it shorts onto the case you'll go nowhere. Dodgy connections are worth considering too - so look for any signs of corrosion and clean them up - putting something like vaseline on once you get to bare metal on both parts helps keep moisture out next time. Know where the master fuse is and carry a spare. Might be sensible to know where the kill cord connects at the engine end (kill cords do cause starting problems but should only ever be disconnected as a last resort to get you home). Always worth identifying where the starter motor/solenoid is, as these can stick and knowing where to hit can save you a tow!

Overheating, theres not much you can do by having a quick look - but change the impellor (or make sure it gets done when serviced). Its not something you can do at sea, or even easily in a harbour.

When its serviced they should grease anything that moves and replace the gearbox oil. Make sure they remove and refit the prop as otherwise it can seize in place.

[Crezzlin]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Looks good but agree fenders look too small. Can you post some pics when your out and about, my better half is wanting me to take her to IOM for a holliday so would be interested in the scenery

Yeah no problem, I’m out on Sunday if all goes well, I'm sure she would love it, loads to do and see on land and water, must admit going around the island and stopping off at different towns on a boat would be amazing in the summer.

[actions]

My little rib has a rubbing strake too but can see where its been scuffed from the harbour on occasions. I only use them if the boats bouncing about against the harbour arm for any length of time and leave them tucked away if its calm. I would just have thought its best not to have any marks at all on them. but that's just me. Leaving the thread now......

Sent from my galaxy s2

[9D280]

Wot Pol said +

Other thing to check on the big one is it's probably power trim. For the first wee while keep an eye on it's angle relative to the boat. If it "tucks in" while motoring along, chances are the system has a leak or needs topped up. another way to test it ashore is to wind it up to "ful lup", sit on the leg & see if it moves. If it does move, post back.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by thomas

Is this a fender thread? I use flat ones, if the pontoons are a little high the back end slips under and makes a terible mess.

Raft. Someone else's boat is usually much nicer than a rusty old pontoon or quay and you get double the fenders. You also get to use their boat to wipe your feet when reboarding.

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Raft. Someone else's boat is usually much nicer than a rusty old pontoon or quay and you get double the fenders. You also get to use their boat to wipe your feet when reboarding.

LMAO you guys are killing me. I have 4 fenders and never use them. Sure the rubbing strake is scuffed but less from the wharves than from hauling scuba tanks back aboard.

My biggest engine issue is the power trim indicator sticks. Its up underneath on the side of the mounting bracket. Any sort of water displacing spray seems to keep it working. I use WD40 although I'm not sure you have that over there.

I grease every grease point on the engine, and change the lower unit oil annually. The impeller got changed at 5 yrs and 135hrs because I started to worry about it. It still worked at the time.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by captnjack

I use WD40 although I'm not sure you have that over there.

Yes we do that's what the Black Shadow Gang use first... before getting into their suits.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by kerny

Yes we do that's what the Black Shadow Gang use first... before getting into their suits.

Yea and I have heard they also use a bit of captain jack's crack filler just to fill in those ackward places where the latex don't touch