Boats & Outboards, Osprey Rib XR18 with a Mercury 175hp

tinker · 14 June 2007, 16:53

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F149413/
Any thoughts? Looks over powered to me? spoke to seller says it has some glazing cracks and the front has had the fibre glass removed or re made, cant look till next week though so prob chancing it posting on here, oh well

Tims Osprey · 14 June 2007, 17:11

The maximum size engine on that boat i think should be a 90 hp or possible 115 max, so 175 is well overpowered unless its a misprint and he means 115?

Nos4r2 · 14 June 2007, 17:23

Think it's a 175-I blew the pic up and think I can see a 1 and a 7

Tims Osprey · 15 June 2007, 11:00

Going on other ospreys max power allowed for the type and size of craft:

5.2 sparrow hawk: max 90hp
5.25 viper: max 115hp

The 6.2 sea harrier i think will take up to a 175 max, but thats a much bigger craft than the one for sale, so yes it is well overpowered

Pete7 · 15 June 2007, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinker

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F149413/
Any thoughts?

Seller doesn't know what he has got. Its not an XR18 it is an Osprey 18 which was there very first model, so 1988 to 1991 and was replaced by the Sparrowhawk.

That said if it all works then not a bad price, although way to much hp which might show itself up during a sea trial in that the rib will lean over during hard acceleration. If your after a hairy fast boat keep the 175 on it, if your after something more sensible then 75 would be more appropriate.

Pete

Hugh Jardon · 15 June 2007, 12:08

as the engine is way overpowerd for the boat then carefully check the transom for cracking and damage as the engine will put additional stresses on the transom that it was not designed for both in power and probably weight

the ospreys have always been heavily and well built so it may well be ok but best to have a good check round, if you see any fresh recent repairs at the back end then be careful and ask questions etc

spence · 15 June 2007, 13:49

The Merc 175 does look too big on the back of it!

Defininetly check out what the maximum manufacturer hp is for that model & year - thinking about insurance ramifications....

psychopic · 15 June 2007, 14:00

if that is a 175hp (it looks a bit small to me) that setup would go like the clappers..

Mollers · 15 June 2007, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Seller doesn't know what he has got. Its not an XR18 it is an Osprey 18 which was there very first model, so 1988 to 1991 and was replaced by the Sparrowhawk.

That said if it all works then not a bad price, although way to much hp which might show itself up during a sea trial in that the rib will lean over during hard acceleration. If your after a hairy fast boat keep the 175 on it, if your after something more sensible then 75 would be more appropriate.

Pete

In my experience, boats fitted with very over-rated hp outboards handle like dogs. The two examples I'm thinking of chine walked like there was no tomorrow. The combination of excessive transom weight and power tend to throw the handling right out of the window.

The desired high speeds are rarely attained as you'll get chucked out before you get there.

Hugh Jardon · 15 June 2007, 14:07

perhaps that is why it has not had much usage, it is too scarey to use much, definately take it for a good bit of a sea trial and make sure you are happy before parting with hard earned cash

tinker · 19 June 2007, 05:38

Thanks all, its not going to happen, with a child on board any rib I get, its just not worth the risk of being thrown out during a sudden rush of blood

Pete7 · 19 June 2007, 07:55

I wouldn't right her off just yet as she has a lot going for her. Good price, built in fuel tank and A frame, trailer looks good and has some electronics on board. That Mercury should be worth about £1200 on E Bay and for that you cold pick up a nice Evinrude 70 or Mercury 75 which would be much more suitable.

Pete

RAZZER · 20 June 2007, 19:25

Jason at RC sold a Ribcraft 4.8 with a mariner 50 2 stroke many years ago and about 12 months later he had a call from a new owner (3 rd hand now) complaining about the handling being twitchey. Jason suggested he bring it back for checking, the chap turned up with his old boat with a johnson 150 on the back.......

Nos4r2 · 20 June 2007, 23:26

I'm surprised there aren't more stories of transoms falling off