Ribcraft 4.8 - Page 2

Amber1 · 19 May 2007, 02:21

Here's a few more pics of recent trips. Roll on the summer weather!!

Amber1 · 19 May 2007, 02:29

Does anybody carry a spare prop for the main engine when they're out and about?

It's something I've thought about, over and above carrying an auxilliary motor.

Amber1 · 20 May 2007, 22:34

The west Coast of Scotland was pretty wet and windy yesterday....

There was a good three metre swell running in the area to the east of Great Cumbrae......

We were out and about, mixing it up in the big waves....what a gas!!

The ribcaft is fantastic! You take a wave, and wait for the spine shattering landing, and nothing happens....it just sinks in, and absorbs all the energy. The boat never gives you any surprises, and punches through the smaller waves like it's possessed!

I was practicing the technique of aiming off the direction of the waves, both running upwind and downwind. This takes you off your exact track, but effectively increases the wave length, and keeps the hull in contact with the water, (which is what you want). This reduces shock loading on the hull and the engine. It looks spectacular to launch off the top of a wave, but when you've only got one engine, it pays to look after it.

The technique works well, in particular for smaller boats, which don't have the waterline length to bridge bigger waves.

Anywhere from 20 - 45 degrees off the centre makes a big difference to the ride and allows boat speed to be kept on, which is particularly important in following seas, where there is a risk of broaching. The other benefit of this technique is that you get a better field of vision, and can see any breaking crests, and power away from them..

Hope I'm not teaching my granny how to suck eggs, (as they say up here), but I thought I'd share this bit of experience, as it's particularly relevant to smaller boats, and it actually works!

Cheers

bedajim · 21 May 2007, 02:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber1

Does anybody carry a spare prop for the main engine when they're out and about?

It's something I've thought about, over and above carrying an auxilliary motor.

Hi

I carry a spare prop for the main and tools, also have a 15 hp aux to get me home or to shore to sort the main out

James

al40 · 22 May 2007, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber1

Thanks for the interest in the wee trip....

I thought it would be a good idea to raise some funds for a good cause......

I thought about the Troon, Campbeltown options, but I thought it best to stick to the more sheltered waters in this instance.

In particular, anyone who would want to come along, would be doing so at their own risk, and would be responsible for the safe running and operation of their own boat, and the welfare of their own crew....which I'm sure everyone already looks out for.

If there's a good weather window, I think the distance is ok, not too long... not too short, and wouldn't be so costly on fuel for everyone. While it's good sometimes to get out in the rough stuff, it wouldn't be much fun battling the elements for charity.

My thinking is that it would be a cruise done at moderate speed, (about 20 knots) with a few stops, and maybe some good photo opportunities, as opposed to a blast over large areas of open water....

Let me know your thoughts

Cheers

yeah that sounds good. 20knts is fast as I can go anyway until I get my fuel problem sorted.....

Biggles · 22 May 2007, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber1

Does anybody carry a spare prop for the main engine when they're out and about?

It's something I've thought about, over and above carrying an auxilliary motor.

I will be after my last trip. Dunno how you change one in the middle of the channel though. Is it a case of tie yourself on to the boat and go swimming ?

Amber1 · 22 May 2007, 22:21

I'm thinking of getting a spare for the main engine...as well as taking the auxilliary. Modern engines are pretty reliable. My biggest concern is if the prop strikes a half submerged bottle or such like at speed...

The last course I was on,the instructor was saying they had lost a couple of props this way, and the boat can be on top of these objects before you see them.

In respect of changing it.... I think if you were close in to shore, it would be a case of getting onto the nearest beach or shoal area. If out at sea, I think it would be very difficult.

I've read about using a large waterproof bag to surround the prop, and you work within that, ...but that sounds very difficult indeed. You would also need to have the wrench on a long line, or one that floats.

I think the best idea is to keep a good look out, and try not to hit anything!

Amber1 · 31 July 2007, 20:44

Ref our idea for an RNLI fundraiser day......we are aiming for the 25th of August. See post on upcoming trips section.

Cheers

Tim M · 31 July 2007, 22:16

Just out of interest what's the best top speed you've had out of your 4.8? I have driven two identicle 4.8s both with Mariner 60s (one 4 stroke, one 2 stroke) and there was a quite a difference in top speed. The 4 stroke beat the 2 stroke.

Amber1 · 31 July 2007, 22:42

31 knots. Yamaha F60 4 stroke, fuel injection. 13G prop.

Cheers

Amber1 · 09 August 2007, 18:46

Anybody interested in the RNLI trip, see the 'upcoming trips' forum.

Cheers