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Old 26 July 2016, 13:26   #1
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Narrowing engine selection for new 8m plus RIB

Afternoon all.

It's that perennial decision- what engine setup do I go for? I'm looking at picking up a larger RIB- currently using a 6 metre XS in conjunction with a 150 Honda. I've been very happy with the economy, performance and reliability. Perhaps a little less happy with the initial price of the engine, but then it seems churlish to put a price on the trouble-free boating she has given us.

So I'm now considering stepping up to a larger RIB, perhaps an 8.4 Redbay. My initial thoughts have been to equipping her with twin engines, ranging from two Honda 135's up to twin 200s. I'd like a good cruising speed for relaxed transits, but also a bit of performance to be there on tap for when I have guests onboard who might want a bit of excitement. As we all do, I'd like as much performance as possible while at the same time achieving as much economy as possible. Not asking for much then!

I'd be delighted to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences with any of these set ups, or anything I haven't thought of to aid me in the decision making process. I should say that I'm not keen on Suzukis due to a dispute with the local dealer some time ago- I wouldn't want to have to deal with him again

Thanks in advance.
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Old 26 July 2016, 13:42   #2
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I would look at a pair of merc 150s as the suzuki 200a isn't an option for you if you want twins.

However, last year when I was looking for a redbay they would not sell me one without suzuki engine with a new build, I was forced into a suzuki due to the way their type approval works there. I would need to dig the email out to confirm wording.

They also refused to sell me Hull only due to the above, things may well have changed or who I was dealing with didn't have a clue....i bought a ribcraft so potentially they lost out either way.
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Old 26 July 2016, 13:59   #3
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Got to be some Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 H.O
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Old 26 July 2016, 14:52   #4
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However, last year when I was looking for a redbay they would not sell me one without suzuki engine with a new build, I was forced into a suzuki due to the way their type approval works there. I would need to dig the email out to confirm wording.

They also refused to sell me Hull only due to the above, things may well have changed or who I was dealing with didn't have a clue....i bought a ribcraft so potentially they lost out either way.

Maybe that's why the James Hunt's never replied to my email asking for a price and delivery on a 6.1m hull without an engine ......
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Old 26 July 2016, 15:09   #5
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Inboard diesel?


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Old 26 July 2016, 15:10   #6
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I have never seen an outboard redbay without a suzuki in real life so this may be the normal or as I said, it could be things have changed so if I wanted a redbay I would 100% phone and ask if you have engine options rather than rely on my info which is at best over a year old.

BTW, I am sure redbay will have ribs out there without suzuki on them but I have never seen one is all, i am sure a Google would fix that.
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Old 26 July 2016, 15:10   #7
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However, last year when I was looking for a redbay they would not sell me one without suzuki engine with a new build, I was forced into a suzuki due to the way their type approval works there. I would need to dig the email out to confirm wording.

They also refused to sell me Hull only due to the above, things may well have changed or who I was dealing with didn't have a clue....i bought a ribcraft so potentially they lost out either way.
That's very interesting Xk59D, I can certainly see why they didn't get your business! I don't imagine there's too many punters who'd be keen to be given these type of strictures when they're on the cusp of dropping the sort of cash we're talking about here!
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Old 26 July 2016, 15:12   #8
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Got to be some Evinrude E-TEC G2 200 H.O
Yeah these are on the radar Steve. I've just heard a lot of horror stories about Evinrudes over the years (admittedly this seems to be less the case nowadays) and I have some residual anxiety about them for this reason.
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Old 26 July 2016, 15:16   #9
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I have never seen an outboard redbay without a suzuki in real life so this may be the normal or as I said, it could be things have changed so if I wanted a redbay I would 100% phone and ask if you have engine options rather than rely on my info which is at best over a year old.

BTW, I am sure redbay will have ribs out there without suzuki on them but I have never seen one is all, i am sure a Google would fix that.
They offered to put a Yam on mine as far as I remember.
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Old 26 July 2016, 15:31   #10
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Yeah these are on the radar Steve. I've just heard a lot of horror stories about Evinrudes over the years (admittedly this seems to be less the case nowadays) and I have some residual anxiety about them for this reason.
The new G2's can (do) have issues, certainly do your homework before you commit to any brand, good luck!
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Old 26 July 2016, 16:23   #11
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They offered to put a Yam on mine as far as I remember.

I certainly know of one with twin Hondas


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Old 26 July 2016, 16:26   #12
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I'd be delighted to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences with any of these set ups,
That would be me then. I've driven a range of large Redbay twins and own a 10m long range cruising inboard version. I'm happy to chat about them all day

Ignore all the stuff about Redbay only fitting Suzukis, it's not correct - they'll fit almost any outboard you want. They do like their Suzukis though!

You say a 8.4m Redbay, but they make a few configurations - open and Cabin and Wraparound. Which caught your eye?
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Old 26 July 2016, 16:31   #13
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That would be me then. I've driven a range of large Redbay twins and own a 10m long range cruising inboard version. I'm happy to chat about them all day

Ignore all the stuff about Redbay only fitting Suzukis, it's not correct - they'll fit almost any outboard you want. They do like their Suzukis though!

You say a 8.4m Redbay, but they make a few configurations - open and Cabin and Wraparound. Which caught your eye?
It would be the open I have my eye on. I often take people out fishing, or take out groups of people, so I'd not be keen on either the cabin or the wraparound.

And it's these different uses that has me puzzling over it. When I potter about I'd be happy to have a cruising speed of 30-35 knots, but I would like the option to really blitz it on occasion if the situation warrants! So I'm going to be doing my utmost to make sure that she doesn't end up underpowered
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Old 26 July 2016, 17:18   #14
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It would be the open I have my eye on. I often take people out fishing, or take out groups of people, so I'd not be keen on either the cabin or the wraparound.

And it's these different uses that has me puzzling over it. When I potter about I'd be happy to have a cruising speed of 30-35 knots, but I would like the option to really blitz it on occasion if the situation warrants! So I'm going to be doing my utmost to make sure that she doesn't end up underpowered
You'll need a decent pair of engines to achieve those figures. You can put a pair of 250hps on the Open 8.4m. My personal preference would be for the Patrol console (bigger, taller, wider) with individual pod seats and a bench in the splash well moulding. Maybe a locker/seat in front of the console.
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Old 26 July 2016, 17:32   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xk59D View Post
I would look at a pair of merc 150s as the suzuki 200a isn't an option for you if you want twins.

However, last year when I was looking for a redbay they would not sell me one without suzuki engine with a new build, I was forced into a suzuki due to the way their type approval works there. I would need to dig the email out to confirm wording.

They also refused to sell me Hull only due to the above, things may well have changed or who I was dealing with didn't have a clue....i bought a ribcraft so potentially they lost out either way.
Worked out for the best in the end anyway then!
If the OP doesn't like the local Suz dealer plenty...more around!
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Old 26 July 2016, 17:39   #16
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Ignore all the stuff about Redbay only fitting Suzukis, it's not correct - they'll fit almost any outboard you want. They do like their Suzukis though!
if they will fit anything then it begs the question why tell me something else and ultimately cost themselves a new build potentially.....we will never know i guess.

anyways, as it isn't an issue now the OP can buy whatever outboard they want

TBH if you forced me to pick ANY 200 it would be the suzuki 200A and i would find another dealer, the reports are outstanding on them from our chums across the pond.

However, if you like honda then you won't go wrong with that either or the tohatsu (same engine) maybe a bit cheaper so worth looking at perhaps?

the rumour is merc is bringing out a 200 based on the current 150hp, which is epic by all accounts, so maybe worth looking at if/when this rumour may be substantiated if you want a merc.

if you are considering an ETEC then hit up the etec owners forum as lot of good info over there.
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Old 26 July 2016, 17:44   #17
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if they will fit anything then it begs the question why tell me something else and ultimately cost themselves a new build potentially.....we will never know i guess..
One of life's Great Mysteries I suppose...

But like I say - they'll supply and fit pretty much any mainstream outboard. They'll even fit an OXE Diesel outboard or if you want to go REALLY alternative, an ETEC...
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Old 26 July 2016, 18:19   #18
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You'll need a decent pair of engines to achieve those figures. You can put a pair of 250hps on the Open 8.4m. My personal preference would be for the Patrol console (bigger, taller, wider) with individual pod seats and a bench in the splash well moulding. Maybe a locker/seat in front of the console.
Yes I figure that there'll be no scrimping if I really want to push her along. I saw a commerical 8.4 out a while ago with twin 300 Verados on her and I must admit, my knees went a little weak I appreciate I'll have to pay to play but I'm kind of hoping that a pair of 200's might get it done. I really think any less won't.

Xk59D- maybe you happened to speak to a temp on work experience or something mate. Sounds like whoever it was shot themselves in the foot as you took your business elsewhere. I have been doing some genning up on ETecs but given their comparatively recent release, I guess it's a little questionable if they've been out long enough to form an idea. That said, initial reports seem favourable.
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Old 26 July 2016, 18:24   #19
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I should have mentioned that I was in the workshop last Thursday - they were doing the finishing touches to a 9.5m with twin ETEC G2 300s.

I believe the performance was up there with the Verados on sister craft.
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Old 26 July 2016, 18:26   #20
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That's very interesting Xk59D, I can certainly see why they didn't get your business! I don't imagine there's too many punters who'd be keen to be given these type of strictures when they're on the cusp of dropping the sort of cash we're talking about here!
Plenty of credible rib suppliers who have special arrangements with engine co's. e.g. Ribeye - Yamaha; Parker - Mercury; Valiant - Mercury. Others will have a preferred partner - which means they can package a deal better with their chosen supplier and make it more expensive (or their margin less interesting) to use any old supplier.

I used to think it was odd, but you wouldn't expect to pick the engine manufacturer separately from the chassis when you buy a car. You do get the advantage that is they specialise in setting up and rigging with one particular brand you are more likely to get a good set up first time - I'm always surprised when I read of people having issues refining the set up on well known brands - doesn't the manufacturer sea trial things any more?
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