Newbie question, I think..

[Nutorious]

Hi all,

Presume this is the right forum. Me and my mate basically just bought a boat, bit of an impulse buy we got a fairly decent sib I think, it's a yamaha 280 sti. And can hold up to a 8hp engine (maybe a 10 if weight is ok?). We only plan on going on the sea on it, obviously not too far out and when the water is fairly calm. Only problem is we are struggling to find a reasonable priced 8hp engine, but there are loads of 6hp floating about. So my question is, would a 6hp engine for 2 people in that boat be enough for the sea and go at a semi decent speed like 8mph or so? I have done a lot of research but I suspectan 8 would be better (and of course ffaster). Though just wondered if a 6 would do the job?

Appreciate any responses

 

[kashurst]

Hi
first thing the engine - 8hp will get you going onto the plane with 1 person, maybe 2 if you aren't too heavy. Never sure how fast that is but will feel quick. A 6hp will struggle. Don't fit a more powerful engine than the rating plate states - its not the weight thats the problem, its the strength of the transom/tubes (the flat bit of wood at the back). Also insurance co won't be happy.

going out to sea - if the sea is flat calm (really flat calm) you will be OK close in with lifejackets and a VHF handheld radio (nope a phone alone won't do!). You haven't mentioned your experience/knowledge etc so if you are a total newbie to be honest you would be better on a lake or a river to begin with. Get the feel of things and learn about tides and weather - the sea can be unpredictable.

 

[rafiki_]

Welcome to the forum. Cant add much to Kashurst's notes. I have a 6hp 4 stroke on a 2.6m Rib. It will plane easily 1 up. Have not tried it 2 up. I would not plan to go to sea in it, only in an emergency. Safety is vital, if not for you, then perhaps for those who may have to be on rescue duty if it all goes wrong. If you don't have much experience, then a potter around on a nice calm river or estuary will give you good experience and more confidence, and you will learn your own limitations before going to sea.

 

[henryf]

And wear a lanyard (kill cord) at all times.



All times.


Henry

 

[Nick_H]

I think the perfect outboard for that boat will be a Tohatsu 9.8hp 2 stroke. A Yamaha 8 hp 2 stroke would also be a good option. Both are nice and light, but with lots of punch (modern 4 strokes are a bit gutless), and you should be able to plane with 2 normal sized blokes on board. You're really only going to be able to use it in flat calm conditions. As others have said, you'll probably do better in sheltered bays, estuaries, etc.

 

[Nick_H]

And wear a lanyard (kill cord) at all times.



All times.


Henry

Wont they look a bit daft going to work with a kill cord wrapped around their legs?

 

[Beamishken]

Hi all,

Presume this is the right forum. Me and my mate basically just bought a boat, bit of an impulse buy we got a fairly decent sib I think, it's a yamaha 280 sti. And can hold up to a 8hp engine (maybe a 10 if weight is ok?). We only plan on going on the sea on it, obviously not too far out and when the water is fairly calm. Only problem is we are struggling to find a reasonable priced 8hp engine, but there are loads of 6hp floating about. So my question is, would a 6hp engine for 2 people in that boat be enough for the sea and go at a semi decent speed like 8mph or so? I have done a lot of research but I suspectan 8 would be better (and of course ffaster). Though just wondered if a 6 would do the job?

Appreciate any responses

you might be better posting your question on rib.net which has lots of rib & sib owners & people who mess about in small boats there are often people looking for others to join in outings in company to ensure safety in numbers

to help with your question we have a 290 sib we use as a tender & it will just plane with myself & a small child onboard with a 5hp Yamaha so 6hp may be ok I guess it depends on how big you both are

the same boat with a 9.9 fitted was far more lively & planed with 2 adults & 2 kids great fun & we have done some quite long sea runs with the 9.9 in company with other sibs & thoroughly enjoyed it

as already said a tohatsu or yam 9.9 /9.8 two stroke would be the Ideal for you but they are quite sort after so usually command a good price the good thing is small outboards are fairly easy to sell so if you buy a 6 & its too small then fairly easy to sell on again

best of luck