Advise for a freshman please

[enwulff]

Do yourself a favor and have a certified engine tech take a look at the engine and steering system and do a full service on it prior to buying it. Check the manual for what a 100 or 200 hour service would be but it would involve at least changing the oil, fuel filters, lower unit oil, and the spark plugs. They can also do a computer diagnostic on the engine to make sure that it is running inline with the specs and doesn't need anything adjusted in terms of idle or timing. You will spend a couple of hundred bucks servicing it, but you should get it done anyways when you buy somebody elses boat and you will know that for the next 100 hours you shouldn't have much problems.

Ask the tech to give his opinion on how well the enginge has been maintained. If the tech sees a problem, the only thing you are on the hook for is the cost to service the engine. Having a bad engine is the biggest $$$$$ problem you could have with a RIB.

When I bought my RIB there was a very small leak in the hydraulic steering shaft that got worse over time. I never picked up on it, till it was to late, though I did notice some oily residue on the transom. I just assumed it always was from the grease fitting on the engine. The good news was all the parts to replace the steering system were under warranty and all I had to pay for was the labor.

[pathalla]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Got news for you, buddy;

With enough cavitation, aluminum can be taken right off the blades. Don't ask how I know, as I'll disavow all knowledge of running a prop without a spacer to take up the slack between the prop and the prop nut...

jky

Haven't done that yet John but there is a first time for everything.

[RichardP]

Sorry for such late reply; have not been checking the thread lately... I only had the boat on the water few times as the weather turned ugly (Farsider would now) with rain and snow - that would be one of only few disatvantages of ribing - kind of hard to hold an umbrella over your head while riding... As the prop goes - it is SS with few dings but straight as far as I can say. I will have the engine serviced with new season and I may find out some more info on its shape than but I feel pretty optimistic. One thing I noticed is that when trimmed all the way down I get some vibrations from it; may this be something to do with aftermentioned cavitation? It disappears with little notch up. Otherwise it goes like a stink - I'll now exactly how fast when I finally install my new GPS/chartplotter.
It is somwhat transom heavy, especially with people sitting on the back bench (I think that's why the fin was fitted) but I'm trying to do some modifications with weight distribution ie anchor chain and another seat at front of the console to counter act it.
Farsider - if you want some more info on what's available in Vancouver area (I've been keeping good eye on what's out there) send me a private message.
To everyone - thanks for all the info and I hope to see you out there...
Richard

[RichardP]

Forgot to attach it to the last reply... Sorry don't have any pics on the water.
By the way: does anyone have a simple explanation on what is the difference between Zodiac SRMN (what I have) and Hurricane - some of you may laugh at me for asking but when I was trying to compare specs it was'nt so obvious - SRMN actually has heavier Hypalon (1800) and is built to military specs ("Zodiac's SRMN were originally built for Military use so their hulls are reinforced to take the maximum G forces that are applied when fully laden and powered at maximum speed"). I know Hurricane is significantly more expensive (SRMN is no cheapie either). I'm sure Stoo will have something to say on that topic if he gets a hold of it
Maybe I should start a new thread... will see
Richard

[pathalla]

good luck with the boat Richard, hope it turns out to be everything you anticipate and then some, Peace, Pat