Decisions, decisions

[rhhmunro]

Hi all

Newbie here, just wondered if anyone could spare time for some quick advice/opinion. I was originally planning on buying a new SIB but after researching things, I think a RIB suits my needs better. So I'm now looking at second hand boats. I'm very interested in a 2015 4.2 Mercury Ocean Runner with a Yamaha 40 HP but it's right at the top end of my budget at £5K. I'm going to see this next week but I've just this morning spotted a 1999 Mercury 4.7 Gemini with a 60 HP 2006 Mercury stroker for £3500. I'm thinking the Gemini may just be too old and wont last long so I'm better off shelling out for the Ocean Runner? The other thing is the cheaper boat has a jockey console and bench seat whereas the other one only has a jockey. I'm in a quandary but don't want to mess the seller around so need to decide...!

TIA for any help!

[twigg]

Hi wouldn't consider the 1999 unless it's been re tubed they'll be getting to the end of there life my guess the motor is the most valuable part push the budget newer the better and if you want go bigger in in the future you'll have a better resale value regards ian

[rhhmunro]

Thanks Ian - that concurs with my thinking! Appreciated.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by twigg

Hi wouldn't consider the 1999 unless it's been re tubed they'll be getting to the end of there life

Are they PVC or Hypalon? If Hypalon and looked after it could well have as much life left as a 2015 PVC boat...

4.7 should be a better ride than 4.2 - BUT most people here would opt for jockey over bench seat every time, and I think that is important.

[rhhmunro]

Good point Poly, will check but I think they're PVC. Good tip about the jockey, thinking about that, I can see it would be better for coping with lateral forces.

[willk]

Originally Posted by rhhmunro

Good tip about the jockey, thinking about that, I can see it would be better for coping with lateral forces.

Yes - but everyone else will be perched on the tubes - so unless you're solo....

[rhhmunro]

Very true - what's your solution, helm with care when passengers are on board?

[willk]

Originally Posted by rhhmunro

- Very true - what's your solution, get a bench seat?

EDIT: You've outpenned me! Yes - that was my conclusion too!

Actually no. I have spent a very great deal on time perched on tubes over the last three decades and I can say with confidence that the best solution is to drive slowly and carefully. Under 20kts and no sudden turns. I don't like bench seats (thwarts). I notice a lot of buyers asking too much from a small boat - generally the loading of PAX or safety equipment. No harm in a small boat, just accept the limitations and work with them. So jockey seat for the helm (for the MANY solo days ) and modify the driving/plan when carrying PAX. Same with safety gear - leave the second anchor and the defib kit at home, pack a picnic instead folks!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by willk

i have spent a very great deal on time perched on tubes over the last three decades and i can say with confidence that the best solution is to drive slowly and carefully.not to take pax

ftfy!

[rhhmunro]

Thanks, sound advice I reckon! I'm getting the message that sensible and safe is the key when PAX are involved, particularly in the turn. Been reading the MAIB report into the rib Millie accident, sounds like a hook is similar to a high side on a motorbike where the back wheel loses grip then gets it back, with disastrous consequences.




(Sorry for the edit, need to get my brain in gear before typing.)

[GuyC]

The mechanics of a hook are very similar to a high side.

Wearing a working kill cord would have prevented the Millie accident and no doubt many more.

It's very easy to wear a kill cord but equally very easy not to wear one.

Passengers - tell them what you're doing. If you are going to hoon around, build up to it and only go as fast as the least confident person is happy with.

The 4.7 will be a fair bit bigger than the 4.2 even though its only 0.5m longer but condition is everything.

[rhhmunro]

Thanks Guy - think I'll go for the newer 4.2 Mercury with the 40HP Yamaha. Going to be super careful once I get out on the water - at least when the wife and kids are on board.

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by twigg

Hi wouldn't consider the 1999 unless it's been re tubed they'll be getting to the end of there life

My boat is a 2001 & tubes look like new.
I take they're just going to suddenly disintegrate some time in the next two years?

[rhhmunro]

Also looking at an Ocean Runner 420 with a Mercury 20 HP. Am I right in thinking this would be a little underpowered for the Solent?

[chipko]

Well it would certainly go a lot better with a 40 or even a 30hp motor. All depends what you want it to do, how heavily loaded, and budget.
Bare boat weighs around 120kg so a 20hp is going to work hard, probably not dangerously underpowered but also not much fun either.

[rhhmunro]

Good point - thanks. Fun is pretty high on the agenda!

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by GuyC

The mechanics of a hook are very similar to a high side.

Wearing a working kill cord would have prevented the Millie accident and no doubt many more.

I think that would have reduced the severity and consequences of the accident.
What would probably have prevented it was having a 250HP engine instead of a 300HP

[chipko]

Definitely try and go for a 40 then.
For a lightweight, medium v rib the 420 and 460 Ocean Runners are surprisingly good value if cared for.
Had a go in a 460 with a 60 on the back last year and was great fun in fairly sheltered waters.

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by Last Tango

I think that would have reduced the severity and consequences of the accident.
What would probably have prevented it was having a 250HP engine instead of a 300HP

Sorry yes - my comment was poorly worded. The kill cord wouldn't have prevented the hook nor the occupants being thrown over the side but it would have prevented the boat continuing round in a circle and hitting them.