Tornado 5.3

[martin33100]

Hi, I am still after a 5m-5.5m rib and this has come up, it is a 1985 boat that was re-engined in 2000 and re-tubed in Hypolon in 2005 buy Ribbit, it is up for around £5000, any views would be great? and how they compare to ribtec/Osprey etc?

[Jizm]

The tubes look wrong for a tornado, has it been re-tubed?

edit: probably as it's 1985 and you said so in your post "doh!"...

Anyway will be a good sea boat and looks like a decent motor. Not a bad price either, wouldn't think you would be dissapointed....

[prairie tuber]

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32681

[Doug Stormforce]

Originally Posted by martin33100

and how they compare to ribtec/Osprey etc?

In my opinion (and there will be others who differ) Tornado kicks the Ribtec's arse.

I have owned a Tornado myself (4.5) and bought quite a few for a business I used to run (4-5.5). In fact we had two of the older ones (mid eighties) re tubed by Barnett. I have also owned a Ribtec (4.75) and run several others (4.55-6.5).

Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with Ribtecs and in fact I was very happy with our old one but Tornado's of that vintage are in a different league

Can't really compare with Osprey as i don't have enough first hand/ownership experience.

That said you have to be very careful buying an engine of that age. Those 2 Stroke Yams were good engines, but 9 years is getting on a bit.

[davej]

We have a 96 Yam 115hp 2 stroke on our BSAC branch tornado RIb, which is a fantastic engine. However it has been serviced by the book /best practice but is really as good as new or near as damm it.
Check it goes well on the boat, everything works power T&T, check the gen is outputing if its got a voltmeter. Check the compresson in each cylinder, they shoud be within 10% of each other. Unscrew the bottom drain and have a look at the gear oil after its been standing, play on the prop shaft, check the gear shifting.

Both my own tornado 5m and the branch 5,5m are just excellent boats, light, strong and handle well in any sea, (within reason)

Dave

[tornado_ribs]

Originally Posted by martin33100

Hi, I am still after a 5m-5.5m rib and this has come up, it is a 1985 boat that was re-engined in 2000 and re-tubed in Hypolon in 2005 buy Ribbit, it is up for around £5000, any views would be great? and how they compare to ribtec/Osprey etc?

Hi,,
Not sure that I can help with your purchase. I am the UK agent for Tornado so if you need any help , call me.
Peter - 07710 380522