Ribcraft 585: Stern heavy solution ?

[Willbrooksy]

Anyone got any long term ideas to solve the common problem of ribcraft 585 being back heavy when fully seated! It's the 585 with 140 suzuki and 4 jockey seats and its about 3 years old!

So far we have used people on the bow and bags but were looking for something more permanment! This is our plan....

create a 'secret' bow compartment infront of the current anchor locker and fill with chain and sand bags ?

Anyone got any ideas on the above plan or any ideas of there own ?

and we are determined to do it DIY (i am a boat builder though)!!!


Thanks in advanced !

i'd also like to add that it is only an issue with a full boat and lots of baggage and the problem is only getting onto the plane! on your own or 2-up with a light boat... they are an aboslute blast ! We do alot of skiing etc so the lack of planing is abit of an issue !

[codprawn]

Fit trim tabs. The QL tabs from volvo marine are great and very easy to fit.

[Willbrooksy]

I looked into those breifly and had a play with some and didn't find them to useful!
the boats I were testing them with were 10m-ish, 7ish tonnes and 600+ hp! I tried a smalled boat witha trim tab and was quite supprised at the effectiveness but once the boat was outta the water, I realised the trim tab was 1m x 1m and isn't too appropriate since people climb over the transom!

Anyone know if the smaller tabs will be effictive on this kind of boat set up ?

Thanks again

[codprawn]

The QL tabs are just as effective as normal tabs but they are far less obtrusive. They stick down vertically and auto retract after use. Less prone to damage. They also do an auto version that is like a stability control for your boat. Similar systems are used on the fast cat ferries.


http://www.qlboattrim.co.uk/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJDnuQ_xsWI

[Top banana]

What size under deck tank have you, And do you find things get better as the fuel gets lower. I had a simillar experience with my 5.8 vipermax while running with a full tank. so started to gauge my fuel useage for what i was doing a bit better, A noticeable difference.

[BassBoy]

I have same set up.(only difference is mine is the stretched 585...now 6 meters)
Got the 180 ltr stainless tank... always near full, twin batts, big console, 2" A frame, but
I don't have a big issue 4 up. RC is a well built, heavier boat than many.

Have you checked for water in the hull? Undo the bung in the transom well and see what comes out when on your trailer with bow well up. Never found any in mine though. Suzi 140 only weighs 186 kg. Tabs will doubtless help below 4,000 rpm.
I'm running with 22" stainless suzi prop that has been balanced and 'tweaked' by Prop Solutions. (money well spent!)

[jambo]

Hi Will
I have the same rig as you and bass Boy only difference I have 150 mariner with fins.
Like BB I have not had any trouble and I reularly cruise the West of Scotland on full tank 40 galls and 4 up. BB's suggestion is a good one but also jhave you checked your trim mechanism?
Hope you find the cause as they are great boats in the weather/sea.
Happy ribbing.
J

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Fit trim tabs. The QL tabs from volvo marine are great and very easy to fit.

Cod did you fit these to the codship or did you put them on your sib?

[jambo]

Second thought, what type of prop have you got on, as it may make a differnce. If in doubt about the whole issue give Ribcraft a phone I have always found them very helpful in such situations.
Cheers
J

[BassBoy]

As Jambo says, prop choice is key. You need to bear in mind that the gear ratio on Suzi 140 was lowered a touch in 2006/7 I think. My standard supplied 21" ali prop was pretty crap really. Hole shot wasn't bad but top end and grip was pants. Then tried 23" ali and had engine lowered 1 notch. Much better. Then tried 22" SS......what a difference! Wouldn't mind trying a 23" SS though.
I also use iridium plugs and that great Aussie fuel treatment.....'FuelSet'.