A Williams Jet Rib Guide

I'm not familiar with these jet-ribs and the associated maintenance behind them, however they seem to be popular with the sorts of boats we're looking at (Princess V53/56). I've test driven 3 different boats over the last few weeks and only taken the tender out on one of the occasions. Great fun and a wild ride but possibly a bit manic for the SWIMBO and 2x 2year old twins.

Either way, what is the agreed procedure + frequency for flushing these Williams jet-ribs? Is it after every single use or is once a day acceptable? For example after a drive, time to put the tender away to go move anchorages etc - does it need a flush NOW or can it wait until the end of the day when it will be used again? We took a V56 out for a test and launched the Williams for 15 mins of running around, and then they put it away without flushing it. Would it be OK to do it later in the day once back in the marina for example or do you need to do it fairly soon after use before all the salt cakes in and dries out?

Also - the sorts of boats we're looking at have circa 400L water tanks, how much water do you need to flush through the engine on a Williams 325 for example? I fear a flush after each use, 2-3 times a day and I'll be fast running out of water!



Thanks
 
tom2018 said:
I'm not familiar with these jet-ribs and the associated maintenance behind them, however they seem to be popular with the sorts of boats we're looking at (Princess V53/56). I've test driven 3 different boats over the last few weeks and only taken the tender out on one of the occasions. Great fun and a wild ride but possibly a bit manic for the SWIMBO and 2x 2year old twins.

Either way, what is the agreed procedure + frequency for flushing these Williams jet-ribs? Is it after every single use or is once a day acceptable? For example after a drive, time to put the tender away to go move anchorages etc - does it need a flush NOW or can it wait until the end of the day when it will be used again? We took a V56 out for a test and launched the Williams for 15 mins of running around, and then they put it away without flushing it. Would it be OK to do it later in the day once back in the marina for example or do you need to do it fairly soon after use before all the salt cakes in and dries out?

Also - the sorts of boats we're looking at have circa 400L water tanks, how much water do you need to flush through the engine on a Williams 325 for example? I fear a flush after each use, 2-3 times a day and I'll be fast running out of water!



Thanks
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The difference between flushing it "quite regularly" and "once in a while" is the lifetime of the manifold. With very good look after, I had mine go for 6 years. I have heard many others replacing it every 2 years. The cost is around EUR 4.000 at the 750 engines and more with the new 850 engines as the new engine also has the catalytic converter attached to the manifold piece. So when the manifold breaks, you need to change the cat as well. The bill is around EUR 6.000. So, with second hands I would prefer to go with the 750 engine as this bill will come in front of you one day, if you keep the tender long enough.
 
PalmaTarga said:
TenderWorks in Palma have just contacted me. They are now offering a salt away service. This is what I received (and agreed to let me share). It's a 24 hour process which can be done on site or in situ.

160 Euros. We use a salt away solution and then we plumb two pipes into the cooling system. A pump sends the solution up and around the engine and then deposits back again in the container where it is filtered a pumped back through the system. We are the only people to do it once the island and the only other person I know who do this is Williams in Dubai. Due to the heat the salt crystallizes so quickly a simple fresh water flush won’t keep your engine salt free. The solution is safe and non damaging, it also coats the engine to prevent salt build up in the future.
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Is there another cooling cycle with seawater other than the one that we are flushing??? Normally I use "salt away" liquid connected to the fresh water hose with a special mixer unit that mixes the salt away liquid with water at a ratio of 1/512 if I am not wrong. I flush around 5 minutes. If there is a second cooling cycle, then it is another story.
 
There are two cooling systems. Fresh water ( antifreeze) and salt water.

The salt water system cools the intercooler, exhaust manifold and a heat exchanger.

I cannot see that a long flush etc will be much different to a short one post each use. There is no need to be paranoid but there is a need to ensure they don’t sit for months with salt in them - particularly as as there is no anode.

Salt away has corrosion inhibitors so there is probably some mild benefit to using it at the end of the season but once the salt water has gone so has the source of the corrosion.
 
So more problems solved and a post here in the hope it will assist others!

Rib running well but on acceleration would get to 6000 rpm and then falter.

Found a small amount of water in the fuel filter. Changed fuel and filter. Same.

Assumed fuel starvation given what it was doing. New fuel pump ( £24 on eBay so not a major £).

Same, but actually was getting a bit worse.

New plugs, swapped the ignition coils with a known good unit and a new MAP sensor. Same. Bugger.

Call the ever helpful Willaims. Probably a blocked water intake, getting to hot. Put you hand on the exhausts, should be cool but if hot a blockage. It was cool. Damn.

In the end it was a faulty water temp sensor ( or loose connection to it). Tells engine how hot and ECU makes adjustments so Williams were almost right! It is now fine so assume a poor connection, but for £8 ordered another one anyway.

Frustrating but fortunately a simple fix.

If the unit goes very very lumpy and will only rev to 2-3000 rpm then it is in limp home mode. Limp home runs it on one cylinder only ( I dont know if it decides which one based on sensor readings) hence the lumpiness. Limp home seems to be capable or being triggered by all sorts which is above my pay grade!

I still actually really like the Williams but it has tested my patience and wallet this year!
 
jrudge said:
I still actually really like the Williams but it has tested my patience and wallet this year!
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I know how you feel. I love the thing but have spent more time tinkering with it and problem solving rather that using it. The Williams is always a "it could be this, it could be that. Change this first and see what happens".

If it was close to home, this would be fine but now I just want to maximise the time we have in Mallorca, not spend it in the sweaty garage making a list of bits to buy on ebay in hope they're the the source of the issue to fix on the next visit. This is as well as wanting something reliable and not leave us stranded on board when at anchor.

Starting to look for new options, unfortunately as we know Williams have their own niche in the market and nothing compares, especially in the limited space we have.
 
not much different to the yamaha engined 2T avons and zodiacs then, is it?
:rolleyes:

serious, I wasn't expecting all these issues with the williams (not that I could ever justify the cost of even a s/h one)
Makes the avon look v.simple and trouble free :D
Although it seems that the williams throw a lot of errors but still move albeit slowly and the yamahas when they have issues they simple wont run at all!

cheers

V.
 
I used my first Williams for 6 years (from new) without any problems. Just had shown the necessary care and all in all it was a very good experience. Now I have the 2012 model 385S which I bought 2 years ago. The first year was a nightmare. She left us stranded in the middle of sea, at the restaurant return at night and many other things. At the beginning of last season I took her to the service and cleared out the problems. I also changed the old upholstery and decided to gave her another chance of one more season. That season she started each and every time and there were zero problems. I don't know how the previous owner had treated her but then she was under my good care and it looks like the boat has stabilized.

So, if the boat has not been under your regular care before, solve out the minor problems and start looking after her properly. Soon the boat stabilizes and becomes problem free. That has been my experience. After this season's problem free usage, I am giving her (actually myself:)) a gift and replacing the tube. So after upholstery and tube change, I am having a brand new looking Williams at the fraction of a new one. I am happy!
 
To some extent yes, but there are LOTs of sensors etc and buying them all is probably over kill.

The main issue I had this year was corrosion of the exhaust which allowed salt water onto the turbo. The cost and effort was frightening!

On the flip side my experience with outboards is equally dire. The small ones give me constant trouble and with Whitelighter this summer his large one did not work either!

The new one gave no issues BUT of course did do 2 engines under warranty!

I still love it and would not even consider an outboard with kids in the water, so it is what it is! When it works ( which is most of the time) it is great and it has not actually stopped working all season - but it was down to about 5 knots at times!
 
jrudge said:
To some extent yes, but there are LOTs of sensors etc and buying them all is probably over kill.

The main issue I had this year was corrosion of the exhaust which allowed salt water onto the turbo. The cost and effort was frightening!

On the flip side my experience with outboards is equally dire. The small ones give me constant trouble and with Whitelighter this summer his large one did not work either!

The new one gave no issues BUT of course did do 2 engines under warranty!

I still love it and would not even consider an outboard with kids in the water, so it is what it is! When it works ( which is most of the time) it is great and it has not actually stopped working all season - but it was down to about 5 knots at times!
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May I learn how old is yours and have you been the first owner?
 
I have had 2. The first was a new 2014. Did 2 engines under warranty

This one is a 2008 ( I think ) and I am not the first owner. Second I think.

Regular flushing would have probably prevented the exhaust cooling leak from happening.
 
jrudge said:
The main issue I had this year was corrosion of the exhaust which allowed salt water onto the turbo. The cost and effort was frightening!
Click to expand...

If you have changed the exhaust manifold (with our without the turbo on it) you have already done the most expensive replacement on your Weber engine. Should be around 3.000 quids. The new exhaust manifold will serve you minimum 5 years if you flush it regularly. So you have already done the investment, just enjoy for many more years.
 
jrudge said:
I have had 2 Williams ribs.

Whenever anything is posted on the forum there are few if any informed replies, and most engineers wont touch them ( In Mallorca anyway) and say call Williams !

The forum has various opinions on Jet Ribs - which having owned them I can understand - but we all like different things !

I thought it might be useful to create a guide listing all i have learned so far in running them in the hope it might help others are a later date.

I have had a 2014 and 2008 Williams 325. The 2008 is a 750 cc model and the 2014 an 850.

The 750 Webber engine is no longer made. There is not much real difference. The 850 includes a hi/lo power switch, an auto greaser for the prop shaft and a towing valve to stop water ingress to the engine when being towed.

Pros and Cons

Pro

- good looking boat seen as a universal accessory
- no prop to catch kids ( this would stop me buying any outboard under any circumstances so it huge for me)
- Williams and their dealers are universally helpful and knowledgable
- Parts from Williams arrive next day and are the same price as anywhere else. They may not be cheap, but you dont pay more to buy from them and it fits when it arrives
- Fast and fun

Cons

- if the sea is not flat the ride is very hard / wet ( post 2015 there is a dryer hull I gather)
- if you were in an area without a Williams dealer I would think twice
- skip ropes etc up the drive can take time and effort to remove
- they cost a lot!
- no one other than Williams really want to repair them
- from new they sound like a bag of nails - this is however perfectly normal!


Spares

The 750 engine is no longer made. No one I can find has second hand spares so you are into new parts. Just order them from Williams. They have it all in stock and nothing I have bought ( even down to steering wheels and filters) is any more expensive than anywhere else - sometimes cheaper.

Parts catalogs here

https://cdn.williamsjettenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WJT-TurboJet-2018-Rev-01.pdf

you can find older ones on line as well. Google is your friend.

Engine Parts Manual

http://www.lncmarine.com/weber-motor/files/2011/11/103666_Spars_Parts_EN_Williams.pdf


These guys in the USA sell Webber parts, but they are really no cheaper than Williams and you have to pay duty and VAT. It is useful to see prices which Williams dont publish .

http://www.weberpower.com/weber-engine-parts.html

Engine Service Manual

https://manualzz.com/doc/1860581/weber-automotive-mpe-750-turbo-marine-service-manual
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Hi Sir,

Your guide is excellent and still serves purpose up to now. I need to replace the tube on my 2006 Williams turbojet 325. I am squeezed on budget. I am trying to order a custom made one but don’t have exact measurements. Can you help me with that please?

Also the engine does not start since they left not working for 3-4 months without proper maintenance. What could be the issue? Battery has been charged, I hear small noise like zzzzzz and then nothing happen.

I am trying to revive this wonderful boat and need any help I could get as you could probably realize I am new to all this.

Many thanks for any help in advance.
 
Tubes are about £1k plus vat from willaims for pvc. No one else can supply. . I may have a second hand set in a few weeks

No starting. No idea ! Does it turn over ? Basic fault finding. Fuel spark etc. They have lots of sensors ( all engines Do ). The zzzx noise is the fuel pump priming. Do you have the kill chord on ( and is the contact closing) as if not it won’t turn over.
 
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Thanks jrudge for the tips. I will explore them and let you know what happen. For the tube, I am trying to avoid to shell that much money on a rib unless it is my only option. Keep me posted about the used one. I am exploring duplicating the original. Let’s see how it goes.
 
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