Outboard Wanted

Razorbill RIBs · 05 October 2009, 19:30

As you may know, am hoping to repower the RIB over the winter. I will be looking to go XL (build up the transom to do away with the Hypalon skirt required for coding - Thanks to Nasher for his tech drawings on how he did this)

I need to power 'up' and want the economy of 4 stroke or modern 2 stroke (Opti /Etec)

I don't have a fixed idea of what I want, but for example have been looking at........

Suzi DF140
Honda BF 130 /150
Opti 135 /150

Mainly because there are local dealers for these (within 40 miles which is local around here!)

Would also consider up to 175's etc

What have you got? Any suggestions /leads greatly appreciated.

In due course will also be looking to sell on the Yam 90 - mid 90's....running sweet, just need more oomph!

Thanks,

Dan

Razorbill RIBs · 05 October 2009, 19:31

Sorry...should have been clearer....second hand preferred.

J S · 05 October 2009, 19:58

Hi Dan

Hope things are well, Just a few things to consider that we found when doing some charter work we had the opti 135/150 and it was fantastic, my preferred engine, best on fuel, nice and reliable but when the charter was for wildlife filming the noise became an annoyance for them and it had to be switched on and off all the time. The same boat with a four stroke was horrible in comparison with no performance. I would say an ideal setup would be an opti then with a small four stroke trolling engine for quiet work. If that can be accommodated on your boat.

James

Razorbill RIBs · 06 October 2009, 07:02

Hi James,

how are things mate? You driving supertankers yet?

Good point re the Opti. I've got a new 4hp 4 stroke OB which I bought for my Dory as an aux. Unfortunately it's not really up to the job with the RIB, so will probably need to sell on at some point...out of interest what where you running on the O.P. 6.3 in terms of aux?

Thx

Dan

Jono Garton · 06 October 2009, 07:13

Hi Dan

I may have a Suzuki 115hp Four Stroke Coming up.

Ill keep you posted.

Jono

J S · 06 October 2009, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Worth

Hi James,

how are things mate? You driving supertankers yet?

Good point re the Opti. I've got a new 4hp 4 stroke OB which I bought for my Dory as an aux. Unfortunately it's not really up to the job with the RIB, so will probably need to sell on at some point...out of interest what where you running on the O.P. 6.3 in terms of aux?

Thx

Dan

We never did, just when on the boat with the opti it was switched off when we needed it to be quiet. Not ideal when working with tide.

Not yet go to sea in Jan

still in southampton doing some training.

James

Rogue Wave · 06 October 2009, 08:51

The Honda 130 lump is very heavy,nearly a quarter of a ton I think and is a faitly limp wristed engine I think Etecs are a lot quieter than Opti's but beware buying an Opti out of warranty they are expensive to fix. I still love em though

The person on this forum with the most knowledge of running Honda 150's would be trailer bloke as hes run a fleet of them on a daily basus for a few years now.

Razorbill RIBs · 06 October 2009, 12:45

Rogue.....Trailer bloke dropped me a line recently re a Honda 150 he was looking to sell shortly. The hours were a little higher than i wanted (but I'm sure it has been looked after well and would suit someone who would be using it for leisure solely).

Jono.....Thanks mate, but will need bigger HP than 115........it will be for lugging around 8 people including 6 divers and kit! On a sperate note did anything come of that proposal?

Anybody else know of anything?

D.

Chris · 06 October 2009, 22:18

www.ribstuff.com are doing very good pricing on a new E-tec 175 or alternatively a used 200HP for 7k

http://www.ribstuff.com/component/pa...art/Itemid,29/

Razorbill RIBs · 09 October 2009, 19:43

Hi guys......

I've been talking to the owner of this (see below). It's an early Optimax (1999) and whilst it has no clock the owner thinks it's done circa 40 hrs per season, so 400 hours (although no proof!).....I also assume its pre smart craft?

He's going to check shaft length (L or XL) if anyone here wants to have an educated guess in advance that would be great (difficult from photos i guess).

Also has top mount controls which I need.....

What's it worth? It belongs to an old forum user and some of you will probably know the engine - any info greatly appreciated.

Generally - what should you look out for in an old Opti? Is it a bad idea - going to prove costly in the long term? If it goes wrong are there new /second hand parts readily available? Is it the same internally as newer models?

Any help appreciated as always....thanks

Dan

Jono Garton · 09 October 2009, 20:23

1999's Optis are best left

Jono

Downhilldai · 09 October 2009, 20:37

XL
Lots to go wrong on an Opti, but you may be lucky. Mollers had a '99 Opti on his last RIB and I don't recall him having any problems with it. Injectors were an issue on early models, but they should have been sorted on this one by now (if it was affected).
Best to get it checked over by someone familiar with Optis before agreeing to buy it