Really stern heavy

Chopppywaters · 24 September 2005, 03:24

I know ive asked this already in like 4 different posts but no one ever seems to answer sooooo, I jsut got a RIbcraft 5.85 with a Honda 115 on the back....THe ideal engine for this boat is the honda 90 which is 135lbs lighter than the 115. How bad will my rough water handling be and my overall performance? and should I definetly put some wieght in the back so i dont come landing stern heavy everytime or should i try trim tabs and a ballast? Thanks, I take delivery in Novemeber

Richard B · 24 September 2005, 06:35

You shouldn't do anything... yet!

You're doing the worst thing possible by trying to decide what to do so far in advance. You need to enjoy the boat once it's delivered and get familiar with the setup and handling.

The biggest adjustments will be you, not the boat. You will have a huge amount to learn. What's your experience of fast planing craft?

roycruse · 24 September 2005, 08:21

Surely Ribcraft will balance the boat before you get it - i would assume they will vary the position of the consoles and the seating and the fuel tanks, batteries etc - to produce a balanced boat - have you asked them !!!!!

When I ordered mine I discussed console and seating position with them and that's exactly what they told me "this is the best position of the console to produce a balanced boat, but we can move it if you have specific requirements"

I presume that their American cousins will do the same ???

To be honest id be really pissed if after spending all that money they delivered me anything other than a perfectly balanced boat.

eupa · 24 September 2005, 09:37

doesnt the driver need balancing as well?

Jonathan

Chopppywaters · 24 September 2005, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

The biggest adjustments will be you, not the boat. You will have a huge amount to learn. What's your experience of fast planing craft?

My last boat was not a RIB but a center console fishing boat. I assume by planing craft you mean that they plane lol, my last boat had minimum bow lift when i pushed the throttle. Most times i didnt even see the transition between planing and just getting started if you know what i mean.

And im gonna email the guy now to see if they balance the boat, hopefully they do

Hugh Jardon · 02 October 2005, 20:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

I know ive asked this already in like 4 different posts but no one ever seems to answer sooooo, I jsut got a RIbcraft 5.85 with a Honda 115 on the back....THe ideal engine for this boat is the honda 90 which is 135lbs lighter than the 115. How bad will my rough water handling be and my overall performance? and should I definetly put some wieght in the back so i dont come landing stern heavy everytime or should i try trim tabs and a ballast? Thanks, I take delivery in Novemeber

are you sure the 115 is 135lbs heaver than the 90?

Chopppywaters · 02 October 2005, 20:48

umm im not 100% sure but im pretty sure.

And the Ribcraft guy said they would balance the boat so that it sits right in the water.....how will it sit when going off waves?

Hugh Jardon · 02 October 2005, 21:00

just checked the honda website, the 90 is 174kg and the 115 is 225kg

that is a heck of a lot of weight for an engine of that power, if i was you i would change your mind on the honda engine and go for something lighter and more powerful, i have a honda 90 and it is a fab engine but the 115 is a lot heavier, infact seriously heavy for the power.

http://www.honda-marine.com/modelDet...odelGroup=BF90

if your boat will take the power of a 135 or 140 then go suz df140 or opti 135

chris

Chopppywaters · 02 October 2005, 21:38

to late

Richard B · 02 October 2005, 21:40

to infinity and beyond!

too much to handle.

eupa · 06 October 2005, 11:44

i suppose this will be the right thread - trim tabs Richard - dont go to bed without them

These are the automatic ones - and there are twin actuators per tab. They are currently set at 27 degress - but can go to 35 . Believe you me son, its light night and day...

Jonathan

codprawn · 06 October 2005, 14:38

I thought trim tabs were supposed to follow the shape of the V but others say not - is there a definitie answer on this???

eupa · 06 October 2005, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

I thought trim tabs were supposed to follow the shape of the V but others say not - is there a definitie answer on this???

I dont think it makes much difference---- except that you are looking for the
most effect- whether its in the V or not ( stand to be corrected on this)

In my case due to two engines and a relative small width - I had to put them at exremities and to assure they were always submerged.Anyway they work very well./ www.nauticusinc.com/ ask for john. price 250-270us$ FOB us port.

jonathan

hard1 · 06 October 2005, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by eupa

i suppose this will be the right thread - trim tabs Richard - dont go to bed without them

These are the automatic ones - and there are twin actuators per tab. They are currently set at 27 degress - but can go to 35 . Believe you me son, its light night and day...

Jonathan

Hi Eupa, interesting photo of your rig. I'm intrigued by the attitude of both tabs. If they're automatic, why is one up and one a little down? Does this reflect the last setting whilst in action in the water? I assume they move when a suitable thrust more than equal to the hydraulic resistance is placed on the tab by water pressure, such as in a hard turn. the tab will resist at first and then start to give? I would have thought that they would both return to fully down when water pressue removed.

Thanks in anticipation of your reply.

eupa · 06 October 2005, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by hard1

Hi Eupa, interesting photo of your rig. I'm intrigued by the attitude of both tabs. If they're automatic, why is one up and one a little down? Does this reflect the last setting whilst in action in the water? I assume they move when a suitable thrust more than equal to the hydraulic resistance is placed on the tab by water pressure, such as in a hard turn. the tab will resist at first and then start to give? I would have thought that they would both return to fully down when water pressue removed.

Thanks in anticipation of your reply.

Sorry my fault - i was testing them for freedon .. just before I took the photo
and pushed them up - the dampers take a little time to push down - and the boat is not square on the trailer.

jonathan

hard1 · 06 October 2005, 22:30

Thanks - my mind is now at rest. (At least over Smart Tabs!)

jackeen · 07 October 2005, 10:09

eupa,

we had a set of the auto tabs on our one .. great things.. great fun in a following sea , really had to keep the power on in following sea to stop the nose dropping very fast.

do you have anodes on the plates ??? i hadnt and the ball joints corroded, failed and popped out.

p

eupa · 07 October 2005, 14:22

do you have anodes on the plates ??? i hadnt and the ball joints corroded, failed and popped out.

No - did not cross my mind.. Now that you bring it up wll have to look into it.
I remember vaguely Nauticus saying somethng about this .. but did'nt give it miuch credence. A bit of zinc wont hurt i suppose!!!.

How many degrees to the plane have you set yours to??. The following sea is
great fun. I am really surprised people dont fit them more . For me-- the best part is the stability at high knots-- literally hands off. The trim surface on an
ob is pathetically small.

jonathan

Mollers · 09 October 2005, 17:13

Need a little extra weight up front? Don't forget Mrs Hightower! It's her speciality, you also get a little dredging done if required at no extra cost.

Chopppywaters · 29 October 2005, 14:43

what will happen when i get a little airborne and i have a 500 lbs engine hangin off the back of a 5.85? and if i get smart tabs will i even get the engine out of the water?