90 or 100???

[lakelandterrier]

Just sitting ruminating over the engine for a new 5.3 Ribcraft - and whether I can afford one!!! - and can't decide whether a 90HP will be more than adequate for inshore / coastal family cruising with enough oomph for some fun, or whether to put the max engine size - 100HP on.

Significant difference in price (c. £800) and weight (190Kg v. 155Kg)

I know the consensus is put on the largest engine you can afford / the boat will take.

What will be the real difference in performance and fuel - bearing in mind with children on board most of the time I won't be hammering at WOT.

Ribcraft seem to be favouring Suzuki which I believe to be a perfectly god engine.

What are the views / experiences of the Ribnet sages, and any Ribcraft owners?

LT

[Mollers]

Ribcraft are Suzzy dealers, they're having another slice out of the engine. Put an Etec 90 on it, you wont regret it.

[Douglas]

I have a Ribcraft 5.3 with a Honda 90. Gives 40 knots with 4 up - when it is calm!

Planes happily with 9 aboard too! I think the Honda weighs 163kg

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Put an Etec 90 on it, you wont regret it.

He may be right

146kg, loads of torque and returning about 0.75L/Nm at cruising revs. I like them so much that I got two

[lakelandterrier]

Thanks for the replies so far chaps.....

I know they'll make on the engine, but I'd prefer to pick new boat up fully rigged & fitted - controls, gauges etc etc.... I'm not into building myself & am no mechanical engineer!!!

my heart wants the max power, my head is saying it's probably not worth it!

90 will probably be more than adequate from what yuo guys are saying. I wouldn't want to do 40kts+ with youngish children on board.

Douglas can I drop you a pm with some Ribcraft questions?

Bob

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

90 will probably be more than adequate from what yuo guys are saying.Bob

Ok, I'll say it again. Etec 90.
Speak to Ian at Liverpool Powerboats, or any other Evinrude agent and get a price for a new Etec 90 rigged (fitted). Then get the boat less engine price from Ribcraft.

The Etec 90 will be a lighter and a gutsier performer than either of your Suzzy options and IMV give you a more desirable rig.

[spartacus]

If you're looking for a nearly new Yamaha F100 - there's one here, only 10 hours. Ain't no lightweight though at 170kg.
http://www.caleyboats.co.uk/283/Powe...rd-Engine-2009.

[Nasher]

You'll only end up wanting more power next year, and knowing you can have the extra 10HP will gnaw away at you until you spend a load of extra money and do what you should have done in the first place.

You don't have to run around everywhere at full throttle, having the extra there just gives you the choice.

Nasher.

[sarahscottiedog]

For what it's worth I have been delighted with the Suzy on my boat. VERY quiet, both at idel and WOT, loads of power, and semi reasonable economy (considering i don't spare the horses much !

[lakelandterrier]

Really appreciate the advice & views, not making the choice any easier!

Being used to running a 4-stroke I'm happy to stay with that although i appreciate the weight/power benefit of an E-tec (don't really want to spark off the 2/4 stroke debate again!).

My heart is I think with Nasher - max it and have no regrets....but the cost and extra weight are considerations.

I do also consider there are benefits in doing the deal with the one manufacturer, no issue on warranties, who's responsible for what etc......that one mighr get with a partial fit out with one, with engine / cabling / controls / balance / gauges being fitted by another. Yes I know there are lots of ribbists out there who mix & match & do own builds, I don't think that route is the one I want to take (coward!).

I obviously need a large whisky and consider overnight!