6.5m challenge, Solent - 2008 tba

[brucehawsker]

the gauntlet has been flung down by riva! I propose a date in october with as many 6.5 hull types as we can muster. We need some unbiased experts to form the panel. Cruising from buoy to buoy in solent. No flash turns. Two criteria for success. Speed and comfort at speed. Do we have takers?

[Carl]

ok

[brucehawsker]

OK. Earlier post was from my mobile. I am looking to get a number of 6.5m hulls with 140-200hp engines to try and dispell some of the urban myths on ride and speed in varying conditions. RIVA (Ballistic) has sugggested the challenge and I am keen to respond. This is not about rib racing - sharp turns, navigation etc - but about real world cruising by typical helms (not Cookee) at speed with no hard slamming (to upset those of a tender disposition). In other words, what is manageable and practical for a fast autumn spin in typical conditions. Assertions have been made that the Solent runs fast in the flat but can't keep up in the rough. My experience is that Ballistics are a hard ride. The Ribeye / Yam 150 4 stroke looked good at the weekend to / from Alderney, but I felt was siginificantly slower than the Solent in flatish conditions. I suggest we get a bunch of hulls together and invite a panel of experts to score the rides at the fastest practical (no slamming) speeds - awarding points for speed and ride. And we check the speeds properly two ways.

This is not about my boat is better than yours - it is about a recognition that all boats are an inevitable compromise, but some are speed oriented, others rough weather oriented. Ideally we should do the tests out beyond the Bridge and again in, say, Southampton Water.

This would be a real unbiased road test. Not sure who the experts should be - my nomination is Blue Ice's helm (RichardB) - but who else??

Perhaps manufactureres could pay for a day's fuel.......

[Carl]

if i only use half my ponies can i come and play

[Biggles]

How are you going to get a definitive answer on which is best ?

Far too many variables. Which will still leave plenty of room for more argueing.

Good luck though. If I'm off I'll certainly come down and watch.

NR.

[UKPOWERBOAT]

Originally Posted by Carl

if i only use half my ponies can i come and play

As long as I can be Co-Pilot

[Carl]

ill let you drive in the afternoon ill be to pissed by then

[Nasher]

I'd be happy for 'The Nashers Revenge' to mix it with the younger boats.

Might be an interesting comparison, as its a slightly older design comercial hull.

Nasher.

[UKPOWERBOAT]

Actually I might bring the Thunderbolt out. I appreciate it is only 5.3m but would be interesting to see how it stacks up against a 6m. Was out with a mate a couple of weeks back and it kept up really easily with him across the Solent chop so could be an interesting run. Might not keep up with the 200hp boys but would think it would give the 150hp ribs a good run.

[Hightower]

This certainly is a challenge, as I would like to partisipate with my 6.2 Vipermax (if this is possible). The Challenge.......Getting it ready in time