Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

[briantroy]

Hey Guys. I am new to boating and recently bought an 2.8 Meter (9ft 3in) fiberglass RIB. I found a 15 hp outboard with a steering bar that I am thinking of purchasing. The boat is rated for 10 hp, but when I called the manufacturer (JP Marine, here in San Diego, he said the 2 stroke 10 hp and 15 hp weighed about the same and I should be fine. Now that I have read a little more here, I am beginning to wonder if too much power is a bad thing. I'm hoping to move the steering bar forward to help with weight distribution (I'm a big guy-250 lbs). Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Anyway a 2.80 is too small for a 15 HP. The issue is that at full throtttle the rib will turn too nervous or unpredictable for peace of mind driving due to it's lenght & higher power, on the contray a larger rib + 320 with same engine will be more pleasent and predictable to drive. To plane a small size rib will need to go up front as a bow mask and thottle fully. Probably will skyrocket for some seconds untill bow comes down and out you go.

Before doing cracy driving learn to control rib throughout the whole throttle range till you have tamed the beast. Although both engines weights same + 5 HP is way more than 10 HP. If possible go for a larger 320, will enjoy it much better than a 280 which is more suitable as tender use.-

Being a heavy champ, would suggest that on your first water outing with a 15 HP, seat on middle deck rather than on side tube, move yourself the most to bow and with extended arm full throtttle, check how much time it takes to plane. Sitting on side tube with your 250 lb weight will definitely unballance rib to iit's side, add more power and your set up could turn into being dangerous to drive.

Happy Boating

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

I found a really good deal ($600) for a 2011 that he says he used twice. The guy was 80 miles into Mexico, had already bought another tender (he decided he wanted one with a console for his yacht) and I got the sense he was ready to set sail and just wanted to get rid of her. I jumped on the deal since and, despite it being a little smaller than I wanted, I jumped on the deal. I plan on using it to rip around the bay and maybe offshore for some fishing. I haven't bought the engine yet (1988 15 hp Evinrude) but the guy selling it is including the steering system and controls (he will only sell together) but $500 for the whole setup sounds like another great deal, especially since I can move the steering and control close to the bow and not have to worry about reaching back for the tiller. If just learning to control is the only issue, I can do that. If performance is somehow impeded, then I have a problem.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

That is a pretty small craft and you will lose room in it with a steering set up. Additionally, 15 HP is 50% more than the boat is rated for. Don't be surprised if it is a squirrel to handle.

Just use as much throttle as feels safe.

If you look at the weight of a 4 stroke 10 HP, motor weight is not the limiting factor.

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

I think with the steering bar moved forward I will still have room for a passenger (or 2 cramped) behind me. It is my understanding that a 4 stroke 10 hp motor weighs the same, or more, than a 2 stroke 15 hp. Am I mistaken? I will be extra careful with the throttle. I would just rather have the power and not use it, than plow through the water wishing I had more.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Four strokes are heavy, so the newer design inflatables have enlarged tubes behind the transom to handle the weight.

We ran a 10 ft Avon with a 15 HP Evinrude which was a pain to control the speed. There was but a small change in throttle cam position to cause the engine to rev considerably. Running the same boat with a 15 HP Yamaha, the throttle response is gradual enough to work much better at controlling speed at the point the boat goes on plane.

There is a great difference between the 10 and 15 HP engines, so you will have to play with it to see how well it performs and if there are any pitfalls. Just don't jump in it and go full throttle until you get a feel for it.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Does the bar include a driving wheel attached to it ? will you place a remote control box side of bar ? You will have about 2.0 mt of interior available deck space for you, fuel tank, fishing gear, beers and boating mate, very tight space indeed. 2 strokes 10-15 HP engines weights same. about 36-38 KG, same 4 strokes versions weights 8-10 Kg more. Post some pics to have a look.

Happy Boating

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

The steering bar comes with a wheel and the seller claims there is a remote box (I assume this is for throttle control and gear shifting), but he didn't send pictures of that. It was on an 11 foot Caribe and supposedly in perfect working order along with the outboard that he says runs OK but needs needs some carb work. I know I will have to modify the steering bar to fit my boat, as I plan on moving it forward (narrower span than the Caribe) and will have to figure out attachment points (I have heard you can glue strips of material with eyelets onto the the tubes). My boat is a 2011 JP Marine Yacht Series hypalon (They still make the Yacht Series, but my model has been discontinued). Attached are pics of the boat, motor and steering bar. I live in a condo so my Dad and I engineered a pulley system so that the boat hangs in my tiny garage above my car.

I know I will not have much room for mates, but I plan on putting my gas tank inside a big cooler that fits snugly between the tubes and doubles as a seat. I can shove the real cooler under my bench seat, or just use it as a seat myself. I also installed some transom wheels ($270 on ebay, but got refunded $190 due to missing pieces that I bought at the store for $18). I also bought a brand new cheapy Harbor Freight trailer for $120 from a neighbor that I am in the process of modifying. As for fishing gear, I have a couple collapsing rods, but I am not really a fisherman. I just use it as an excuse to get out on the water and have some beers. I really want to use the boat to blast away in the bay and pull my nieces around on tubes in the summer. Just clean, fast, cheap fun. I have a project limit of $2000 and I think I will make it!

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

I have watched videos of RIBS on a "plane", but I don't really understand the dynamics involved. As mentioned, I am new to boating, so I guess my big fear is that I will have a small boat with lots of power, but not able to enjoy that "plane" that everyone covets. From what I gather, I am OK to have the power, I will just have to learn how to dial it in with the equipment/weight distribution/throttle control, etc. Sound about right?

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

The 15hp will actually be perfect for that size .... the 2.8 meter ribs here are rated for 25hp 2-cyl max ...

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Wow. Differing views. Is it all about responsibility and learning how to "Tame The Beast"?

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Yes, it is about responsible boat handling. People feel that if they can drive a car, they can drive a boat, but cars generally do not have the third dimension of rolling over as easy as a boat and have brakes. Wave action is a far cry from a slightly bumpy road, and wind can be a factor. Just take your learning experience slowly until you get a feel for the craft.

When a boat planes, it runs on top of the water instead of just pushing forward through the water. It becomes lively and requires the pilot to be very vigilant. You can be thrown from a boat which could be deadly, as you ride on a boat rather than in a boat so to speak.

The engine should be fitted with a kill cord which should be attached to the pilot, and life preservers should be worn if in any kind of dangerous water. The impact of being thrown out of a boat can cause one to drown even if a good swimmer. In addition, a boat will often run in a circle when the pilot goes overboard and the propeller will chew up anyone it comes in contact with.

The cam on that Evinrude throttle goes from low speed to high speed quickly, so you want to become familiar with the running characteristics of your rig.

Responsible boating is an enjoyable activity. Irresponsible boat handling can get people hurt.

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Thank you, fbpooler. That sounds completely logical.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Briantroy,

The drive bar is usually attached at bow end extremes of both vertical pvc stripes called rope ties. Will need to cut to match rib's width and lock bar with side bolts The remote control box in same way to right side. The only down issues is that if that remote controlbox was working on a larger rib, will probably need to buy new steering, throttle and gear cables to match for shorter drive bar & engine lenght control space on a 285 rib.

As everyone recommends throttles with caution, start throughout idle, medium, wot throttle range till you know what's rib does and behaves, once the small beast has been completely tamed, fun will start. Like to run a 310 rib with a overpowered Tohatsu 18 HP and that small size sib rated for max 15 HP gets and rides very nervous once at full wot, so gentle tiller steering is the way to go or pay the consequences...

Happy Boating

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Thanks, Sea Rider. The guy I am buying from has extended the rope ties so that he can attach the steering bar forward. I have attached a pic of his setup. He says he glued them on. I want to do the same so that I can sit forward as well. I have contacted a couple boat supply shops and they have no idea what I am talking about and he can't remember where he got them. Has anyone ever heard of such a product? Not sure how I would be able to mount the steering bar without these. Any ideas/thoughts?

I see metal rings on the outside of the tubes that look to be in the right spot forward, I'm just not sure how that would work exactly. Also, the seller says the controls are part of the steering system, but I don't see it in the pic. Am I missing something? You are right, Sea Rider, I will have to make adjustments to the cables. I plan on mounting everything and then installing new cables to fit, I am sure the current cables will be too long. Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[briantroy]

Re: Is Too Much Power A Bad Thing?

Is that silver box, on the right, the controls?