Tornado 5.8

Roger Rhodes · 20 February 2004, 16:59

I have been offered a 5.8 Tornado approx 6 yrs old with low hours 55hp 2 stroke engine for about £8000. has some extras 2 seater, windsreen, stainless steel frame and trailer. Apparently in good condition but not seen as yet. Looking for some helpful comments and tips please.

John Kennett · 20 February 2004, 17:41

It's hard to comment on value without seeing the condition -- a six year old RIB could look like new, or could be a basket case!

It's likely to be underpowered with only a 55hp engine, and I would suggest something more like a 90 on this size RIB.

John

Andy · 20 February 2004, 19:58

Tornados are heavy boats, and this is 5.8m which is not a small boat. I think that 55hp is underpowered.

I have a 5.85 Ribtec boat with a 115hp and its great, power to weight is a perfect match, and so I would never get a 55hp on that size boat.

What are you going to do with the RIB?

Jizm · 24 February 2004, 17:25

I used to use a 5.8 tornado for a diving club with a 70hp motor (can't remember make). Even that was underpowered. We upgraded to a 90hp 2 stroke yam and that was great then, even when fully laden with divers etc!
regards
Jiz

ribraff · 24 February 2004, 18:43

for leeks in the tubes, if they are the original set they could be at the end of their working life, the most common fault with old tubes on these boats is leeking bulkheads, i've had quite a few in for re-tube where all of the chambers can be inflated on one valve!
If you are paying this much for the boat i would expect the tubes to be in good order, the best thing to do is pump it up hard and go over them with soapy water, pay particular attention around the strake as the join in the fabric is hidden behind it.
I had a 5.8 in recently with tubes that appeared to be in excellent condition, however on closer inspection all the joins had let go behind the strake, this made it unrepairable and in need of a re-tube.

Good luck

Robert1 · 24 February 2004, 23:18

Quote:

Originally posted by ribraff
Look out for leeks in the tubes

Wow! Leeks in the tubes! The condition of such tubes must be immensely poor to allow such a vegetable to begin visible growth. Good advice sir, steer well clear.

Robert

(Please feel free to mock any of my typo's or spelling errors!!)