Help from Porthcawl, South Wales

rob.franks · 14 January 2014, 21:15

Hello everyone,
I'm new to Ribnet (posting at least...) I've bought a Ribcraft 4.8m and will using it for days out and wakeboarding locally and up around Anglesey....
Will also be asking for advice and guidance as I learn whats what.....

First question...... would like to re power for a larger engine, staying with Evinrude, but should I go 60HP or 75HP? The 60HP sounds like a safe bet, but I have found threads suggesting Ribcraft have used the 75hp engine on the 4.8, but can't find much more info and can't find any information on max transom weight for the boat????? Any advice, or experience welcome..

Chris Caton · 14 January 2014, 21:20

hi, welcome to RIBnet

have you tried ringing Ribcraft? when we were looking at a Ribcraft a few years back we spoke to Jason who was very helpful, worth a try

rob.franks · 14 January 2014, 21:40

Hi Chris,
Thanks, yes I have called Ribcraft, they told me it was possible with the 75HP, but its a "bit heavy" so was really looking for Some feedback from anyone who has any experience of this combination?
If its not a good match, sounds like the 60HP might be a good option.

Also interested to hear from any rib (or boat) owners in the porthcawl / Swansea / Cardiff area?

Chris Caton · 15 January 2014, 05:58

loads of launching spots around Anglesey, we launch from Ty Calch nr Caernarfon, good base for exploring The Menai Straits and access to Caernarfon Bay, the Llyn Peninsula, Anglesey, Puffin Island etc

Jeff Hutcheon · 15 January 2014, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob.franks

Hello everyone,
I'm new to Ribnet (posting at least...) I've bought a Ribcraft 4.8m and will using it for days out and wakeboarding locally and up around Anglesey....
Will also be asking for advice and guidance as I learn whats what.....

First question...... would like to re power for a larger engine, staying with Evinrude, but should I go 60HP or 75HP? The 60HP sounds like a safe bet, but I have found threads suggesting Ribcraft have used the 75hp engine on the 4.8, but can't find much more info and can't find any information on max transom weight for the boat????? Any advice, or experience welcome..

Hi Rob and welcome,
My 4.8 tornado run a 75, had no problems and it flew.

HUMBER P4VWL · 15 January 2014, 14:40

this thread may interest you.....

http://www.rib.net/forum/f18/round-a...tml#post593894

rob.franks · 15 January 2014, 18:27

Heard back from Ribcraft.... 4.8m will be fine with an etec 75HP.
I spoke with win Jason Purvey (via email). Really nice guy and very helpful. He explained that the 4.8m designed for 75HP motors, but in the sales literature it was rated 60hp as the 4 stroke 60+HP motors where too heavy at the time.

Round Anglesey in April sounds good, will have have a look at the diary and see if I can talk the other half into it....

Chris Caton · 15 January 2014, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob.franks

Heard back from Ribcraft.... 4.8m will be fine with an etec 75HP.
I spoke with win Jason Purvey (via email). Really nice guy and very helpful. He explained that the 4.8m designed for 75HP motors, but in the sales literature it was rated 60hp as the 4 stroke 60+HP motors where too heavy at the time.

Round Anglesey in April sounds good, will have have a look at the diary and see if I can talk the other half into it....

good stuff

if you can't make April but still want a blast sometime let me know, hopefully we will be about as much as possible this season

spartacus · 15 January 2014, 20:04

Regards re-powering, then 60hp is a good call. The 4.8 is a bit lardy, due to the rigorous build (takes a battering in UK waters).

If you're likely to have 2-3 up with minimum of 50 litres of fuel then 60hp is adequate. If it was regularly weighted (with diver's and kit for example) then the 75hp would be my choice.

The new Yamaha F70 is a beautiful looking engine, but not cheap. Weighs just 116kg and is uber quiet!

My Tohatsu 60hp 2-stroke sounds like a tractor on a frosty morning but pulls like an Amtrak locomotive. It weighs in at 118kg. It's possible to advance the throttle stop (same as a 70hp).

Other tweaks can include upgrading to a 17" pitch stainless steel Mercury Vengeance propeller, but if you're anywhere near rocks or shallows, stick with the 15" aluminium. Better to damage the prop than goose the gearbox!

Exe treme · 16 January 2014, 20:20

Just a few weight stats:
The step up from 60 to 75 usually involves an extra cylinder, hence the weight increase. For example, Suzuki 60 and 70 used to share the same block, but post 2011 Suzuki 60's are now 3 cyl and only 104kg.
Honda have similar differences: 60hp is 3 cyl and 108kg, 75hp is 4 cyl and 168kg, so think of these 4 cyls as having an additional small adult strapped to the transom, then the usual weight v performance comparisons apply:

rob.franks · 16 January 2014, 21:16

Hi,
Yep thats what l had realised, which is why I am looking at the ETEC 75 and yam f70.. both lower weight than typical 70 + motors.