Ribcraft 585 twins vs single engine

[Daniel]

Any one any experience of a 585 with twins?

Considering this hull for round Britain. Also considering twins, I've seen one (Google seen not in the flesh) so it's possible but wanted some feedback from any users, it'll be a lot of weight at the back on a short boat.

The alternative is probably the new Merc 150 4stroke. I'd rather like an opti as I LOVE them but I'm not sure I could stand 12 days of opti noise in my ear when I know I could have had a 4 stroke.

Same debate with twins really. Pair of 75 or 90 opti' is rather tempting but a pair of F80's aernt much heavier.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Daniel

Any one any experience of a 585 with twins? Considering this hull for round Britain. Also considering twins, I've seen one (Google seen not in the flesh) so it's possible but wanted some feedback from any users, it'll be a lot of weight at the back on a short boat. The alternative is probably the new Merc 150 4stroke. I'd rather like an opti as I LOVE them but I'm not sure I could stand 12 days of opti noise in my ear when I know I could have had a 4 stroke. Same debate with twins really. Pair of 75 or 90 opti' is rather tempting but a pair of F80's aernt much heavier.

Why don't you give Jace at Ribcraft a phone as a RC owner I've always found them most informative re what my 585 can do it not. They are also very supportive and I think would more than assist if you tell them your plans.

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[Daniel]

The boat won't be new but yes, hadn't thought of doing the obvious - asking the manufacturer !

Never the less, if anyone has owned or driven or comments welcome !!

[lakelandterrier]

Why would you fit twins on such a hull? - Lots more weight at he back and what about fuel supply - I think that normally a 585 has single built in tank. I'd want separate tanks, one for each engine.
I think the 585 has a max rating of 140 - but give Ribcraft a call.

[peterwhite]

Twin engines are a good choice especially for around Britain cruise. I would definitely recommend the new 150 merc fourstroke brilliant engine and seems to be bombproof. Weighs only 206kg too. I'd be wary of using twin 80's or 90 opti's due to weight as you will be heading for 350 - 400 kgs with either of these which is a lump of weight on a sub 6m boat. If I were you I'd be thinking more along the lines of twin 60s at the 200kg weight total. You'd be better on fuel and the boat will probably perform better too as you will be saving a lot of weight. Remember merc also do the Bigfoot in the 60s to give better thrust for heavy load applications. Hope this helps even just to add to thoughts.

[willk]

IMHO, the single Merc 150

...based on my experience over some of the RI2013.

[CJL]

Get the 150 on the Ribcraft, you'll love it!

Chris

[Maximus]

I side with The Terrier Man...,Sub 6m RIBs do IMO labour with twins.unless you have a specific reason for wanting twins??...
I'd certainly prefer to spend the money you'd save on two!..pluss considerable rigging costs..tanks..ect ect .On a really good low hours single!...and a load of Fuel!
The FS 140 Suzi does a good around job,(ask AJ and Whisper..and without compromising balance and performance,as most of us know,it's not really about Top end BUT..keeping it Nimble responsive! ESPECIALY in the Rough Stuff.
GREAT Hulls they are though

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Why would you fit twins on such a hull?.

Like Peter says, for a round Britain !

I'm well aware of the common point of failure being one fuel tank but I'll be carrying a lot of additional fuel not in the main tank some of which will be in engine tanks so if a contamination were to occur there would be some resilience although limited endurance.

I did think of lifting the deck and retanking, but that's going to be too much work and expense for me in the timeframe.

[CJL]

Originally Posted by Maximus

The FS 140 Suzi does a good around job,

There is an emerging issue on these with the water pump. Might be worth a google before any purchase.

Chris

[Pikey Dave]

I had a RC585 with a single 175 2 stroke on the back, I now have a RC6.4 with twin 115 etecs (2 strokes). The 6.4 with the twins is heavy on the back end & you need to balance the boat to get the best out of it. I have twin batteries up front in the console & twin fuel tanks. If the boat you're looking at was originally fitted for a single, chances are it will have the cutaway transom & could be problematic fitting twins. My 585 used to take a fair amount of water over the stern when we had divers onboard. Twins would be worse, the 175 engine was the same block as the 135/150, so the same weight.

Personally I'd stick to the single 150/175, check the rating plate, they DO vary.

PS, the 585 with the 175 2s was FUN!!!

[MustRib]

Originally Posted by willk

IMHO, the single Merc 150

...based on my experience over some of the RI2013.

I agree with Willk ...single engine over twins.
doing Round Britain you will be crusing with a bunch of people so you would get a tow if you have an engine failure.

[Maximus]

Not sure which size...model your referring too 'CGL'.One thing I am Sure of though!..Going down the Google trip about ANY engine will show up many people with their 'issues' on ALL MArques!..try it if you don't believe me..
.FAR better IMO to ask a few people in the Trade who you can trust that have direct and comparative experience if you have limited experience yourself..I have a few who repair and indeed supply a wide range of Outboards..and I'm certainly more than happy with my DF 250

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by CJL

There is an emerging issue on these with the water pump. Might be worth a google before any purchase. Chris

It will be a Merc.

Any boat also needs a "life after RB14" so this combined with comments from a few who did RI13 means single 150 looking likely.

The boat I have in mind is an old one and no transom markings / ratings. I'll speak to ribcraft this week but I very much doubt I could go larger than a 150 4 stroke. I've been thinking the transom might want some reinforcement to accommodate this - no real reason except that it's was probably built with a 150 2 stroke in mind !!

[Daniel]

Oh, and yes the shape of the transom is suited to a single engine, not an obstacle to twins but less work involved is another pro for a big single engine.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Daniel

It will be a Merc.

Any boat also needs a "life after RB14" so this combined with comments from a few who did RI13 means single 150 looking likely.

The boat I have in mind is an old one and no transom markings / ratings. I'll speak to ribcraft this week but I very much doubt I could go larger than a 150 4 stroke. I've been thinking the transom might want some reinforcement to accommodate this - no real reason except that it's was probably built with a 150 2 stroke in mind !!

I was wondering why your not doing it with the Ribtec?

[Daniel]

It kind of seams like cheating.

All those wee open boats and me in a 9m cabin rib with suspension seats and a kettle ???

Isn't it supposed to be the round Brittan challenge? LOL

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Daniel

It kind of seams like cheating.

All those wee open boats and me in a 9m cabin rib with suspension seats and a kettle ???

Isn't it supposed to be the round Brittan challenge? LOL

Cheating!?
..You May change your mind about that after a few Hundred Miles
I know the 'Intents' trip around Britain for Charity with one other RIB were originally going to use a R.C.585..,they changed to 6.8
In fact They did a Video Diary you may find of interest.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Daniel

It kind of seams like cheating.

All those wee open boats and me in a 9m cabin rib with suspension seats and a kettle ???

Isn't it supposed to be the round Brittan challenge? LOL

Nah! it's only cheating if you fail to complete, get towed in, trailer to the next stage & then claim you won

[willk]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Nah! it's only cheating if you fail to complete, get towed in, trailer to the next stage & then claim you won

Yer can't cheat if it's not a race!