Which Engine ?

erico · 04 March 2002, 13:11

Can anyone give me any ideas...
Thinking of buying a Lencraft 6.5m rib...
Which engine...130 Honda ...Yamaha 130 2 stroke or 150 Hpdi ..

thanks

GraemeCooper · 04 March 2002, 14:37

Erico

I recently purchased a 6.2 Metre Avon, and chose the Honda 130HP 4 Stroke

I is still early days, but the low noise level, excllent fuel economy and overall performance is impressive.

I did test drive RIBs with other engines - and the Honda 130 was, for me, the best for my RIB.

I understand the new Suzuki 140HP 4 Stroke is also worth a look.

Graeme

Alan · 04 March 2002, 16:33

Honda 130 is a cracking engine but HEAVY. Really heavy. Not sure how it compares with the Suzuki 140. I wouldn't bother with an "ordinary" 2 stroke - fuel consumption of the direct injections ones is significantly better and more than outweighs the increase in purchase cost imho. Yam HPDI's are supposed to be excellent but are expensive. I run a Merc Optimax 150 on a 6.5m rib and am very impressed with it. Performance and fuel economy are excellent. You are more likely to get a good deal on a merc than a yam I'd think. (I can recommend TL Harvey in Birmingham who supplied and fitted my Opti at a very competitive cost.)

Other option with a new build RIB would be the Mercruiser 1.7Tdi (120hp) diesel. Supposed to be the dogs danglies in terms of weight vs economy vs power.

HTH,
Alan W

GraemeCooper · 04 March 2002, 17:44

Iagree that the Honda is a heavy engine - but if you are having a RIB built you can accommodate this by moving the consoles etc slightly forward, and having your fuel tanks twoards the bow. Even a couple of inches can make all the difference.

Also Honda offera 5 year free warranty - not to be sniffed at!

Having tested some RIBs with the Mercruiser engine the main fault I found was the noise. You certainly couldnt speak to the peron nex to you at cruising speeds. Ths may be helped slightly with additional soundproofing.

erico · 04 March 2002, 19:00

I have to say I like the idea of the engine being quiet and the fuel consumption...but is it worth the extra...the Honda is costing about £ 8500 the 125 Mariner and 130 Yamaha about £ 7000 so I am wondering is it worth the extra..
I can really only see about 4 adults max using the boat but don't want to be saying later " if only I had got ! "

I am sure most of you know the probs...

any other suggestions are welcome..

Erico

Alan Mckewan · 09 March 2002, 07:37

I've tested the Suzuki 140 and its a cracking engine! Only problem is they are like hens teeth at the moment. If you're in no rush its probably worth the wait. I'm now running a S/H Honda 90 which is excellent, quiet and very miserly, but I could do with a few more HPs. Not sure I would have paid the full new price though..

erico · 09 March 2002, 10:08

Thanks Alan

Just ordered the Suzuki engine from a place very close to you...!

Thanks for the advice...... looking forward to it..!

EricO