JET RIB TEST

DERF

DERF

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Last year we were discussing jet ribs of sorts, (after Magnums report on his Williams) and I recall suggesting that it would be good to see a group test on the current ones available. MBY responded saying that they would be featuring a group jetrib test in an up comming issue.

Now I've been away for a while so have I missed it?

Is there still much interest in seeing a group test?
 
I dont think you have missed it - I don't recall an MBY test.

A group test would be good. But remember jetrib choice is often down to critical things like weight capacity of your crane, whether will fit in garage, etc. Thus, you often find only one model is suitable, often the Avon 320 (which is excelllent boat imho)
 
We've been trying to set this test up for months and keep being thwarted. Avon are not keen to have their two-stroke Jet Rib compared with Williams latest 4-stroke Turbo Jet. Make of this what you will, suffice it to say that Avon are working on a new model due for realease later this year. Can't imagine what kind of engine that might have then!
If one of you would like to volunteer your own Avon for the test we could use this for comparison purposes otherwise wwe will do a solo test on the Williams and run a comparison when the new Avon is available.

Hugo
 
Can lend a 320DL Avon to this worthy cause. 2004, 60hours. Wd have to be SofF :-) I dont much care what you do to it, the only way to drive it is jam it on full throttle and generally rip the @rse out of it. That's how I ttreat it anyway...

You wd need to get a Projet 350 Zodiac from somewhere (there are loads in SofF) and tcm might provide the Merc 175hp 3.5m white knuckle thing from his boat.
 
Re: novamarine

yes yes. In fact i think we have enuf to do the lot on Mol S at Antibes one a quiet day ie not easter weekend but almost any other time, effectively on spec - the pro skippers can't take the boats out for testing but the tenders is no prob at all. There is surely a full load of jetboats there?

Woompah. I can't g'tee than all the testers will come back tho. Son#1 has had loads of practise on this and can bizarrely control thing v accurtately, not the apparent ooer diirectionless thing it would seem to be at first go tho it seems to need repeated "snaking" to drop speed on approach and other tricks as far as i can make out. These days i just fix it.

Anyway I was sitting on front of the thing last season with son#1 driving, going like the clappers and me at the front for balance saying weyhey ooer yeehah as i thought we were at full tilt. Evidentlly not. I think he decided i might be ready for stage 2 and said how about going a bit faster, hm dad? Eh what i said, a bit faster? Okay dad, really REALY fast if you fancy it!! Arggh nononono frigginnel no.

I stil haven't ever gottit faste than with jfm on utterly flat day day at 45ish? knots tho not really tried followed by coliholic saying pah but flipping himself into the sea and then saying ooh you won't mention this on the forum will yer? Happy days. I hope to see coli on saturday actually.

Anyway back to the test it quite good if several pilots all had a go on the sevral boats to give their opinions like in the car mags, cos it's a mtter of opinion really,
and of course mby pay for a refuel.

Bagsy me NOT be any of the testers at all! Son#1 wd be a useful pilot tho - someone who has driv the things a fair bit, really. Imho anyway

Mind you our actual shape boat is obsolete innit. it's the TUG thing now innit. Same engine tho i spose, and still a rib.
 
Re: novamarine

All agreed. There are 4 or 5 Zodiac Projet 350s on Mol Sud so easy to get one of them. The Swiss guy with Sq 58 at the town end of the quay would be up for it I'm sure. His is mint, 12mths old. I don't think the D2 Novamarine is obsolete - the TUG is a new model but they still make the traditional 350 like yours, I think.

I see one of the UK petrol majors is doing 99 octane fuel now. Better take a can of that.

Would have to find a non speed restrict place for all this with nice scenery for the photos. East side Cap Ferrat, near Mirabella Rock. 1 hour boat test then big lunch in the sun?
 
Re: novamarine

okay, right. Unless easterlies in which case GJ bay and Bijou Plage for lunch.

This magazine stuff is a doddle innit? Or at least, it is if you know east and west unlike ahem MBY feb which got a bit confused. Even the bit on magnum got a bit all confused as well...
 
I've got a "well used" Avon SE 320 Jet that you could test if you like.
I've currently got it on a trailer in my garage - didnt want it on the back of the boat over the winter.
The Jet RIB was built in about 2002/2003 and was well used before we got it - it came with our boat.
In Fact - it didnt work and we had to have it "re bored".
I could give you a good accurate report on its use and problems etc.
I would probably buy another after this one - great fun - rubbish to manouver.

Also, I'm a member at the sailing club on the Queen Mother Reservoir - beside the M4 west of London.
I could arrange for you to test it there if you like - we have nice warm water!!!
The club also has several RIBs
I'm sure I could arrange for one that we can use as a chase boat for photos etc.
 
avon jet rib

I have a 320 jet rib so far I like it! I am however having steering problems that does any one have any expereance with this. It is hard to control at high speed . I have checked the play in the jet there does not seem to be a lot. How ever there is some in the steering can that be adjusted? or is there any where to buy a new steering gear?
 
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