Ribcraft Honda Advise Please

marknj · 25 February 2004, 21:42

Hello, I am about to look at a Ribcraft 5.85 with a Honda 130, any comments/advise/particular things to check would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Mark.

simmons0 · 25 February 2004, 22:09

The ribcraft 585 is a great hull. I nearly bought one before i decided to go diesel. Great for long distance cruising and rough sees that is. if you want to go really fast then look elswhere but its a pretty perfect family and cruising boat.

The honda engine will go for ever and you get the 5 year warrenty on it, but, its heavy and uses a lot of fuel.
I tested one with a suzuki 115 fourstroke and it seemed perfectly matched up though it still handles fine with the suzuki 140 if your after a bit more speed.

Im a fourstroke man but a mercury/mariner 135 optimax will give better performance than a honda 130 or suzi 140 and someone ran a test on an opti 135 and a honda 130 and in all the tests except WOT the opti consumed less fuel.

marknj · 25 February 2004, 22:14

Thanks, forgot to mention it's second hand,

Mark

Alan · 26 February 2004, 08:16

Honda 130 way too heavy for that size of boat IMHO.
Good engine, excellent boat just mismatched when together.

Pete7 · 26 February 2004, 09:16

Agree with Alan, I think so much weight on the back end would upset the handling and cause lots of bow up attitude. The Honda has lots of power but you may not be able to use it in anything other than a flat sea.

The Honda will run at 45 lph flat out were as a nice Yamaha 90 2 stoke for example will use far less and the reduced weight would ensure the boat handles better. Although its going to need 2 stroke oil the servicing bill each year will be much cheaper. Hint! price up a service for a Honda compared to a 2 stroke before you buy it.

If the boat is in good condition consider changing the engine as there is a demand for a Honda.

Pete

Rogue Wave · 26 February 2004, 10:02

if the Honda is in Good condition then it should be worth around 3.5 to 4 K but it does need to leave that boat. that money would go a long way to buying a 115 merc or Yammie, It would probably buy a new Tohatsu 90.

Real thing is to put the boat in the water and see what you feel, if you are happy with it as it stands you can always improve it later.

benjamin · 26 February 2004, 11:18

I really, really would not recommend that engine with that boat. I adore the sea-kindliness, soft ride and general feeling of security which my Rib craft hull gives to the family in coastal conditions. The boat is very sensitive to weight on the transom and even the extra few kilos of my auxiliary 4hp Mercury on the back will make her adopt a distinct degree or two more of bows up attitude. I do not know the weight difference between the H130 and my Merc 90, but it must be several kilos. To handle that, the boat should have been set up with a console slightly ahead of the standard position (like mine), as R/Craft do when they fit a rear bench seat. Having said all of that, as my predecessor said, there is no substitute - take her out and see how she feels. With that must power she must be an absolute blast in a flat sea!!!

mstacey · 26 February 2004, 11:43

The boats are excellent.

I'd advise take it out on the water for a trial.

I have the 585 fitted with a Suzuki DF140 and it moves.

As for the suitability of the Honda, well it does depend on how the boat is set up. The Honda wieghs in at around 229KG compared to the Suzuki at 183KG so a fair bit more weight hanging on the back however the psoition and fitment of consoles, seating , fuel tanks can all make a difference to the ride.

marknj · 26 February 2004, 18:29

Thanks all for your advise. I'll have a look at it and take it for a run. I'll post the result after the weekend, if I'm not snowed in!

Thanks again,
Mark.

simmons0 · 26 February 2004, 19:05

Are you looking at the yellow and black one with the bottle rack advertised on the Ribcraft website?

marknj · 26 February 2004, 19:10

Yeh, thats the one.

simmons0 · 26 February 2004, 19:19

I didnt say that because i knew something about it but i seriously looked at it when i was looking fro a new boat, its certainly well priced, i chose not to persue it for quite a few reasons:

The A-frame wouldnt fit under the roof where i intend to keep it.

I didnt want a twin axle trailer because there alot harder to manouver by hand.

I wanted jockey seating for 4 with a twin console and i would have had to change it all on that boat with costs a lot more than you would think.

Just my reasons for not buying it, if its to be kept on the water then 2 of my problems wont affect you in anyway at all. The twin axle trailer is alot safer for towing anyway and if the seatign is fine for you then its pretty much perfect.

marknj · 26 February 2004, 19:26

Thanks,

A frame no probs as will be kept outside,
Twin trailer if I get it will suck it and see?
Seating.. yes would like more, what has it now as the photo is not too clear?

Many thanks,
Mark

marknj · 29 February 2004, 18:19

Had a look today. Nice Trailer, nice layout, well equiped, lovely engine two yrs old with history. Shame about the crack all way round the hull just below the tubes covered in clear silicone!!!

waste of a 300 mile drive - thats boats!

Thanks for all the good advice though,

Mark.