Outboard for 6.5m Rib

[divevet]

I am a member of a UK based Scuba Diving club that currently runs a 6.5m Humber Rib with a Johnson 150hp Ficht engine. The engine has spent more of its 3 years in the work shop than on the boat - 2 gear box failures, 1 crank/bearing failre and now 3 pistons out!!!<br /><br />The Dive club has decided it is time for it to GO...<br /><br />Would really appreciate some unbiased advise on a replacement. I have been told various things by a variety of dealers here in the UK. The suggestion is the Johnson engine was not ideally suited to large payloads (8 divers + gear) and the large amount of slow speed work (on dive-sites), but is happier being run flat out (en route to dive site).<br /><br />I have had the Suzuki 140hp 4-stroke recommended.<br /><br />Anyone have experience of this. Would we be better with a 4-stroke vs 2-stroke for this application.<br />Or any other recommendations?<br />Alastair

 

[OBJ]

Re: Outboard for 6.5m Rib

Hello divevet and welcome to iboats.<br /><br />I think your dealer is correct. 2 strokes are happier running flat out...especially the large ones.<br /><br />I think a 4 stroke application would be your best choice for what you and your group does. Yamaha is a good choice also in four strokes.<br /><br />Good Luck to you and your group.

 

[sinkunit0]

Re: Outboard for 6.5m Rib

our local dive shop has blown 2 merc 200efi and one 225 optimax inthe last two year this has cost them a fortune due to no warranty on commercail use and loss of charter work .they now have the honda 225 v tec .starts wonderfully use half the fuel and has 3 year warranty and can get 8 divers and kit to 45mph.they have never been happier with an engine

 

[Alex65]

Re: Outboard for 6.5m Rib

I am a member of a UK based Scuba Diving club that currently runs a 6.5m Humber Rib with a Johnson 150hp Ficht engine. The engine has spent more of its 3 years in the work shop than on the boat - 2 gear box failures, 1 crank/bearing failre and now 3 pistons out!!!<br /><br />The Dive club has decided it is time for it to GO...<br /><br />Would really appreciate some unbiased advise on a replacement. I have been told various things by a variety of dealers here in the UK. The suggestion is the Johnson engine was not ideally suited to large payloads (8 divers + gear) and the large amount of slow speed work (on dive-sites), but is happier being run flat out (en route to dive site).<br /><br />I have had the Suzuki 140hp 4-stroke recommended.<br /><br />Anyone have experience of this. Would we be better with a 4-stroke vs 2-stroke for this application.<br />Or any other recommendations?<br />Alastair <br /><br />Alastair: 1st, I do think that a 4-Stroke applies in your scenario. They are better suited running @ idle or lower RPM's. <br /><br />The Suzuki DF140 is a fine choice. I'm over here in the states & I looked @ the DF140 very, very hard. Although, I did purchase the just released Honda BF150 & I just love it! Sip's fuel thru an eye dropper. <br /><br />The reason I bought the Honda was because it has a larger block/powerhead. Also, the dealer where I bought the boat from sold Honda's (it was just easier for me)<br /><br />You'll save a lot of money buying the Suzuki ($9,000 US/Rigged) vs. the Honda BF150 ($12,990.00 US/Rigged) In addition the Suzuki is super light @ appx. 409 lbs. <br /><br />Suzuki "did" have a promotion over here in the US last month. They were offering a 6 year extended warranty @ no charge.<br /><br />Good Luck with your purchase!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Alex