which boat /motor

[sonny1]

Some interesting opinions / views here.
I find myself aligning with Kaman here - my boat is relatively underpowered, at only 9.9hp on a 3.8 Honwave, but as conditions worsen I don’t find myself wishing I had more power, in fact I slow down which is the safest thing to do. Running fast with a following sea can flip you over but it is less likely to happen if you drop to displacement speeds.
The ocean runner is only 40kg heavier than a T40. To put it in perspective that’s about the difference between a regular person and me, or having a young person on board as well.
The ocean runner has a far better hull than the T40.
If a T40 is safe with a 20 then I don’t see a problem with the ocean runner - after all you will only be going fast if the conditions permit.

[sparerib]

- after all you will only be going fast if the conditions permit........

Is the key phrase !

All depends what your intended use is?

Towing a big bloke on a wake board.... you might find a little more power useful.

One up fishing close to shore ... a smaller on would be fine.

Two folk and a load of camping gear for an extended trip, a little more would be useful

The key phrase and most important phrase when out on it tho , is the first sentence, as long as you can plod home when it turns to ratshit, doesn’t matter if it’s a 10hp or 100 !!

[kaman]

Yup S.R that's key for me too - being able to plod home when it turns to rat shit.
In my opinion in a small rib / sib your gonna need to work with the conditions to get back to port safetly.
That doesn't mean powering up to the max and blasting straight through oncoming waves at WOT. That's for the big boys in the 6m plus Ribs with gas guzzlers on the back.
For me it means a slow protracted indirect route back to port constantly watching the conditions and working with them.
For me the Ocean Runner 420 with a 20hp would certainly manage safe passage thru bad conditions even with a considerable weight on board.
It ain't gonna win any drag races but it'll do the job fine.
The OP hasn't stated what he intends to do with it so it's hard to say what engine will suit his needs best at present so can't say thay sticking a 20hp on it is going to be 'way underpowered'.

[sonny1]

well kamen the "op" whatever that is will not be turning into donald campbell anytime soon ,in fact i intend to pootle about along the jurassic coast mainly , and i intend to do it in fine weather whenever possible ,fully aware that conditions can change quickly, that said, i am a novice and well aware of my limitations so careful does it will be my mantra.

[sparerib]

well kamen the "op" whatever that is will not be turning into donald campbell anytime soon ,in fact i intend to pootle about along the jurassic coast mainly , and i intend to do it in fine weather whenever possible ,fully aware that conditions can change quickly, that said, i am a novice and well aware of my limitations so careful does it will be my mantra.

OP = Original poster

[sonny1]

so ,my final question to everyone ,given that there will hardly ever be more than two people in the boat can you all let me know what you would go for? 340 with a twenty (more power) or 420 with a twenty (more room /stability) . the more the merrier.

[harrison]

Size (length) matters!

Assuming keeping on a trailer and open deck tiller steer layout...420 would be my choice if budget not an issue.

It’s only 30 kg heavier and the longer hull will provide much better sea keeping and a tad more comfort. The 460 is also a deeper v than the 340 further softening the ride. One thing though...the 420 takes long shaft* while the 340 takes short shaft motors. The 340 will be a lot nippier, with a much harsher ride.

Open deck, tiller steer, two up and 20hp will still be ok and perfectly safe. As said before expect around 19/20 knots.

*Long shaft 20hp might not be as saleable secondhand as a short shaft.

[sonny1]

I've kept out of this lately for a reason, It all seems to be running away very fast..
Having spoken to you previously over your ability to handle the weight of larger outboards etc, i'm just wondering how your going to cope launching the said heavy rib on your own..
I still think you should look at going out with the guys and try handling a variety of boats before you spend your hard earned money.

I'm not being negative, i'm just concerened you may buy something you shortly find you can't handle launching/recovery on your own.

Martin

[sonny1]

point taken martin ,does anybody else launch and retrieve such a craft solo

[chris moody]

I launch and recover a Ribcraft 4.8m solo. The whole lot on it's trailer must weigh in at around 700kg including trailer. Another forum member launches an Avon Adventure 4m solo. The key bit is to use the towing vehicle to move the boat and trailer around.

point taken martin ,does anybody else launch and retrieve such a craft solo