Ribcraft 545 project

[Stewy]

New member, have just picked up this ribcraft 545 project. Will try and keep this post updated with progress along the way.

Have lots of questions!

[willk]

Originally Posted by Stewy

New member, have just picked up this ribcraft 545 project. Will try and keep this post updated with progress along the way.

Have lots of questions!

Welcome to RIBnet - that's just what we were waiting for - a RIBcraft project!

Post lots of pictures and expect plenty of interest - good and, well, let's run with plenty of interest

[Stewy]

Already regretting it, the trailer and boat both over 8ft,

The gap between my porch wall and fence at the front of the drive 7ft!!

Spent the day removing the trailer axle and dragging the boat back. What a job.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stewy

Already regretting it, the trailer and boat both over 8ft,

The gap between my porch wall and fence at the front of the drive 7ft!!

Spent the day removing the trailer axle and dragging the boat back. What a job.

Great hull, punches well above it's weight. Needs plenty of power though, they are a heavy layup & a full length V keel, no planing pad. That transom cutout looks deep, what shaft length is the transom for, XL or L?

[Stewy]

No idea yet, there was very little information about the boat and the tag is missing. Do you no of anywhere else on the hulls a number might be?

I was just planning a 115, but I see you've got a 140/150. But I'm unsure what this one was specced
as.

Cut out looks similar to this one for sale on Facebook

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stewy

No idea yet, there was very little information about the boat and the tag is missing. Do you no of anywhere else on the hulls a number might be?

I was just planning a 115, but I see you've got a 140/150. But I'm unsure what this one was specced
as.

Cut out looks similar to this one for sale on Facebook

Depending on age, there should be a HIN number moulded into the gelcoat on the outside of the transom, starboard side.

[Stewy]

Nothing there unfortunately

[beamishken]

Good to see another rebuild thread & another Geordie on the forum. The transom does look low so probably long shaft but if your doing any glass work maybe a good idea to build up to xl shaft, engines are easier to find in xl nowadays & it improves the freeboard significantly.

[whiskylee]

I remember the hull advertised for sale, it's had a full refurbishment? I would guess they have removed or re glassed over any hull ID.

The transom does look low ?

Long shaft 20" inch

Extra long 25" inch

[Stewy]

Originally Posted by whiskylee

I remember the hull advertised for sale, it's had a full refurbishment? I would guess they have removed or re glassed over any hull ID.

The transom does look low ?

Long shaft 20" inch

Extra long 25" inch

Yeah just checked the transom is 20inch.

It's pretty much ready to fit out. So reluctant to do any work on the transom.

[whiskylee]

Originally Posted by Stewy

Yeah just checked the transom is 20inch.

It's pretty much ready to fit out. So reluctant to do any work on the transom.

Got you, it was more so you put the correct length outboard on the transom, wouldn't want a XL on a 20" transom

[Stewy]

Thanks.

So first question, internal tank.

Best way to test it and find out its volume?

Also what are all of the pipes, fill, fuel to engine, sender and a access point?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Stewy

Thanks.

So first question, internal tank.

Best way to test it and find out its volume?

Also what are all of the pipes, fill, fuel to engine, sender and a access point?

Blue is the filler, you'll need a flange to suit your filler hose & the hole.
Red is the level sender, waste of time, they are notoriously inaccurate. If your engine of choice is NMEA2000, use the fuel flow data from the engine for fuel remaining, figures. Mine is accurate to the litre.
Green & White, one is the breather, the other is the pickup, not sure which is which.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Stewy

Also what are all of the pipes, fill, fuel to engine, sender and a access point?

Fill will be the large one. Fuel to engine will extend to the bottom of the tank, Sender/Access is the big hole and the VENT/Breather will be from the top of the tank.

[Stewy]

Cheers guys, very helpful.

Next one. The control lines/wiring etc. Where should the other end be? As apart from the fuel tank. There isn't anything else in the console.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Blue is the filler, you'll need a flange to suit your filler hose & the hole.
Red is the level sender, waste of time, they are notoriously inaccurate. If your engine of choice is NMEA2000, use the fuel flow data from the engine for fuel remaining, figures. Mine is accurate to the litre.
Green & White, one is the breather, the other is the pickup, not sure which is which.

I'd disagree with the 'fuel sender being useless', it's kinda handy when you're filling up so you don't get covered.
Apart from that, it isnt much use.
A mirror or an endoscope will tell you which is the breather . Phone endoscopes are cheaper than a mirror these days

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

it's kinda handy when you're filling up so you don't get covered.

This is the best thing since sliced bread
https://www.marinesuperstore.com/engine-accessories/fuel-tanks-lines/barton-fuel-whistle

[Yardstick]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

This is the best thing since sliced bread
https://www.marinesuperstore.com/eng...n-fuel-whistle

Wot he said

[A1an]

Ah I do like a project thread.

[Stewy]

Originally Posted by A1an

Ah I do like a project thread.

You're in for a treat tomorrow, I've ordered a cheap endoscope. Once I've finished checking my piles, I'm going to have a look in the tank.

I'll try to keep the pictures PG