Avon Rover 340 - 25hp 2-stroke or 20hp 4-stroke?

[NSS]

Evening all. New member here seeking some advice. Have just bought my first RIB (in fact, my first boat), a 2002 Avon Rover 340. It is currently a bare boat (ie no console or seating) and is fitted with an older Mariner Marathon 15hp. My intention is to fit a side console and bench seat, and to replace the Mariner with a larger, remote outboard.

The transom is rated to a max 25hp and max engine weight of 62kg. This effectively gives me the choice of a 25hp 2-stroke, or a 20hp 4-stroke. I'm not too bothered about out and out speed, but don't want to buy a 4-stroke and then find it's not powerful enough to get the boat up on the plane with two adults aboard.

Can anyone advise as to whether the 20hp 4/s would suffice, or would I need to go with a 25hp 2/s ?

Would appreciate your opinions, particularly from anyone with similarly sized and equipped RIBs.

[NSS]

Incidentally, I don't have the budget for a brand new engine so will be looking for a good 3 to 6 year old motor. Other than Ebay and Boatsandoutboards.com, can anyone suggest any other sites listing/advertising a good selection of (UK located) used outboards?

Cheers!

[Polwart]

3.9 m boat with console (presumably heavier than yours) with 20HP 2str Yam happily planed in calm weather with 4 adults and 2 kids on board, 30L fuel, gear etc. So don't think you should have two much trouble whichever engine you opt for.

[Locozodiac]

Originally Posted by NSS

Incidentally, I don't have the budget for a brand new engine so will be looking for a good 3 to 6 year old motor.

If easy to find, go for a Mariner or Tohatsu 2 strokes 25 HP and retune it to 30 HP for peanuts, is same size & weight as a Tohatsu 30 HP, 52 kilos with extra 5 HP just in case.

Happy Boating

[NSS]

Thanks guys. Must admit, I'm more inclined toward the 4-stroke 20hp option than the 25hp 2-stroke, so good to hear your experience with a 20hp on a loaded 3.9 RIB, Polwart.

Howver, I guess it's a case now of seeing what I can find within my budget.

I'd still appreciate any recommendations on good sources for used motors. Cheers!

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by NSS

Thanks guys. Must admit, I'm more inclined toward the 4-stroke 20hp option than the 25hp 2-stroke, so good to hear your experience with a 20hp on a loaded 3.9 RIB, Polwart.

Howver, I guess it's a case now of seeing what I can find within my budget.

I'd still appreciate any recommendations on good sources for used motors. Cheers!

Just realised you are talking RIB not SIB here. I'm sure you'll still get on the plane (I have an oddball boat that is neither but does have a rigid reasonable v-hull but lighter that a typical RIB).

[chris123]

As well as the usual suspect you have listed, Fairweather Marine in Fareham usually have a few 2nd hand outboards for sale:

http://www.fairweathermarine.co.uk/

I have always found them very helpful.

Ron Hale in Portsmouth usually have a few:

http://www.ronhalemarine.co.uk/super...Used_Outboards

I've never used them, possibly a bit pricey?

Also try Home Marine in Emsworth, I have bought a few things from them and again found them very helpful:

http://www.emsworth-marina.co.uk/Services.htm

Finally, I bought my outboard new from Pacer Marine, at a good discount:

http://www.pacermarine.co.uk/NO-CARTgallery1.htm

Cheers

Chris

[9D280]

Other plus side to the 4- stroke if you aren't bothereda bout flat out top sped is the 4- stroke will likely be quieter & more frugal at lower rpms.

If you get the prop pitch right planing should be no problem.

I had no issues with a Suzi DT25 on an Avon SR4. Said engine may be available soon, depending what happens with the Merc rebuild! (i.e once I know for sure that it's not going to be needed for more "standby duty" while I look for a replacement 60)

[PeterM]

A mate runs a 20 Honda on a 3.5 & regularly does 20 mile runs to the Isle of Wight & back - so reckon you wil be fine. You wont be going super quick , but I think will plane quite happily as I think the hulls are quite flat so will plane with a lower HP than say an SR4 .

[NSS]

Thank you all for your comments. Much appreciated.