Katch
Cadet
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2012
- Messages
- 24
So, I ended up patching three small leaks in my AB Inflatable and took it on a couple trial runs in the nearby Potomac River. (see http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=574914 )
While some suggested I go no larger than a 15hp for the 10.5 RIB (rated for a 25hp), I couldn't pass up on a deal for a 1999 20hp Evanrude - in pristine shape $800. Let me know if this is good, bad, or average; but it will get up on plane somewhere between 13-15mph and has a max speed (on the choppy river) of 27mph. Does anyone else here RIB on the Potomac?
I took the seats out because I plan to add a rubber coat and paint, but I cannot see how they could be comfortable anyway. The boat bounces much more than I anticipated and the seat cushion would not way absorb the bumps like the tubes. I've also placed the 6 gallon fuel tank toward the front next to the bow storage compartment. Is there a consensus on where the fuel tank should be located? Will it ride smoother if I keep it next to the transom? I eventually want to do some diving from my RIB, but as bumpy as it gets, I'll have to figure a way to secure the tanks and other scuba gear.
What I like best is that it is small enough to tow around on its jet ski trailer with my Jeep. It will be easy to take on some semi-long road trips in the near future (maybe even down to the Florida Keys).
Steve
While some suggested I go no larger than a 15hp for the 10.5 RIB (rated for a 25hp), I couldn't pass up on a deal for a 1999 20hp Evanrude - in pristine shape $800. Let me know if this is good, bad, or average; but it will get up on plane somewhere between 13-15mph and has a max speed (on the choppy river) of 27mph. Does anyone else here RIB on the Potomac?
I took the seats out because I plan to add a rubber coat and paint, but I cannot see how they could be comfortable anyway. The boat bounces much more than I anticipated and the seat cushion would not way absorb the bumps like the tubes. I've also placed the 6 gallon fuel tank toward the front next to the bow storage compartment. Is there a consensus on where the fuel tank should be located? Will it ride smoother if I keep it next to the transom? I eventually want to do some diving from my RIB, but as bumpy as it gets, I'll have to figure a way to secure the tanks and other scuba gear.
What I like best is that it is small enough to tow around on its jet ski trailer with my Jeep. It will be easy to take on some semi-long road trips in the near future (maybe even down to the Florida Keys).
Steve
