Searider 5.4m speed question..

[badbaws]

I have gone back down a size to a 3.45m RIB and have a cracking 40hp, that said I may be looking at a 5.4m Searider at the weekend. Has anyone ever run a 5.4m with a single 40hp, and what speed did you get out of it? I would reckon just over 20knots maybe?? I know a 60hp will give about 27knots - 30knots.

[9D280]

I've driven one with a single 30, (had twins , one was away for a repair) It was a bit sluggish to say the least, but it did plane 5 up.

[Hambleite]

We had 5.4 sr with a 2st 90hp Mariner with a Laser 11 prop. The best we ever got out it was 39.4 knots and that was just before the chine-walking set in......

The acceleration and overal 'grunt' was great.

Smaller engines will be fine but you might be a bit limited if you load up the boat with people, gear etc. Also, depending on your driving style, you might appreciate more ponies when playing in the rough stuff - good acceleration to get out of and over rough stuff can be a really useful aid.

[badbaws]

I have driven many seariders with 90's, 75's 70's and 60's just never one with a 40hp.. I know will be more sluggish, but I am thinking of having two hulls and one engine, and as I am already going 10hp over for the smaller RIB, thought best not anything bigger..
The little beastie gives 35 knots, so for a little 3.5m RIB gives al the thrills, but to have a day out need the bigger hull for the lovely Solent Chop, and having been out in a force 8 in a 5.4m, I only got up to 15 knots anyway!!

[ollyit]

Originally Posted by badbaws

I know a 60hp will give about 27knots - 30knots.

second that, bit more if you have a larger prop

[no excuses]

I ran a 35hp merc on mine for a while and it would do 25mph with two in it, not a ball of fire but it worked for a while.

[badbaws]

I am sure if i get the one I am due to look at and run a 40hp I will get bored quickly, however, the aim is to have two different boats for different occasions, so hopefully having it for purpose will help the lack of a nice shiny 90hp sat on the back.. (or who am I kidding!!!)
We shall see.

[9D280]

Originally Posted by badbaws

I am thinking of having two hulls and one engine,

Why not find another 40, twin lumps on the 5.4 (Kev has that setup) and then you only have on engine sat doing nothing when the wee boat is out to play? You;ll still be shifting one engine around, and if you;'re clever and make the one that doesnlt have the steering tube through the clamp the one you move, it;s one less thing to unbolt when you swap it across.......

[JSP]

Originally Posted by Hambleite

We had 5.4 sr with a 2st 90hp Mariner with a Laser 11 prop. The best we ever got out it was 39.4 knots and that was just before the chine-walking set in......

I've not had a problem with chine walking over that speed but mine does run a little bow light.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by JSP

I've not had a problem with chine walking over that speed but mine does run a little bow light.

Something to do with that heavyweight 115 on the back?