Really stern heavy

[Chopppywaters]

I know ive asked this already in like 4 different posts but no one ever seems to answer sooooo, I jsut got a RIbcraft 5.85 with a Honda 115 on the back....THe ideal engine for this boat is the honda 90 which is 135lbs lighter than the 115. How bad will my rough water handling be and my overall performance? and should I definetly put some wieght in the back so i dont come landing stern heavy everytime or should i try trim tabs and a ballast? Thanks, I take delivery in Novemeber

[Richard B]

You shouldn't do anything... yet!

You're doing the worst thing possible by trying to decide what to do so far in advance. You need to enjoy the boat once it's delivered and get familiar with the setup and handling.

The biggest adjustments will be you, not the boat. You will have a huge amount to learn. What's your experience of fast planing craft?

[roycruse]

Surely Ribcraft will balance the boat before you get it - i would assume they will vary the position of the consoles and the seating and the fuel tanks, batteries etc - to produce a balanced boat - have you asked them !!!!!

When I ordered mine I discussed console and seating position with them and that's exactly what they told me "this is the best position of the console to produce a balanced boat, but we can move it if you have specific requirements"

I presume that their American cousins will do the same ???

To be honest id be really pissed if after spending all that money they delivered me anything other than a perfectly balanced boat.

[eupa]

doesnt the driver need balancing as well?

Jonathan

[Chopppywaters]

Originally Posted by Richard B

The biggest adjustments will be you, not the boat. You will have a huge amount to learn. What's your experience of fast planing craft?

My last boat was not a RIB but a center console fishing boat. I assume by planing craft you mean that they plane lol, my last boat had minimum bow lift when i pushed the throttle. Most times i didnt even see the transition between planing and just getting started if you know what i mean.

And im gonna email the guy now to see if they balance the boat, hopefully they do

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

I know ive asked this already in like 4 different posts but no one ever seems to answer sooooo, I jsut got a RIbcraft 5.85 with a Honda 115 on the back....THe ideal engine for this boat is the honda 90 which is 135lbs lighter than the 115. How bad will my rough water handling be and my overall performance? and should I definetly put some wieght in the back so i dont come landing stern heavy everytime or should i try trim tabs and a ballast? Thanks, I take delivery in Novemeber

are you sure the 115 is 135lbs heaver than the 90?

[Chopppywaters]

umm im not 100% sure but im pretty sure.

And the Ribcraft guy said they would balance the boat so that it sits right in the water.....how will it sit when going off waves?

[Hugh Jardon]

just checked the honda website, the 90 is 174kg and the 115 is 225kg

that is a heck of a lot of weight for an engine of that power, if i was you i would change your mind on the honda engine and go for something lighter and more powerful, i have a honda 90 and it is a fab engine but the 115 is a lot heavier, infact seriously heavy for the power.

http://www.honda-marine.com/modelDet...odelGroup=BF90

if your boat will take the power of a 135 or 140 then go suz df140 or opti 135

chris

[Chopppywaters]

to late

[Richard B]

to infinity and beyond!

too much to handle.