Outboard for AB 8 UL

[geoffr]

We have just bough an AB 8-UL RIB. We currently have a 4HP 2 Stroke Yamaha and am wondering what others with this RIB are using. We can't currently "try it out" as we are on the hard... so are looking for others experience. It's spec'd for a max 5 HP, but will it plane with 2 (or 3) people with a 4HP, a 5HP? Or should I look for a 6 or 8HP (it will be a 2 stroke).

Do you have this dinghy and can you share your experiences.

thanks,
Geoff.

[Triumphant]

We have an AB 8AL which is almost the same, I think it is slightly heavier as we have the double floor and it is rated for a 6HP max

We have a 4Hp Yamaha 2 stroke which will almost plane with one person in it, definitely not with 2. We are not that heavy either, I am about 180 lbs and SWMBO is about 100 lbs

[geoffr]

Triumphant thanks for the comments... based on your comments there is no way we'll plane with a 4HP either. Yes the UL is slightly lighter but I think that the different hull shape will also discourage planing.. (We are about the same weight as you are 150, 125lbs).

Thanks!

Here is a comparison of the two boats:

			8UL			8AL
Overal Length 		8’ 5”/ 2.56m 		 8’ 5”/ 2.56m
Number of Chambers 	2			*3			
Overal Beam 		4’10”/ 1.47m 		*4'9" / 1.45m
Person Capacity 	4			 4
Inside Length 		5’10”/ 1.79m		 5'10" / 1.79m
Inside Beam		2’2”/ 0.66m		*2' / 0.62m
Tube Diameter 		16”/ 0.40m		 16" / 0.40m
Weight 			68lb / 31kg		*73 lb / 33kg
Recommended HP 		4hp / 3.0kw		 4hp / 3.0kw
Maximum HP 		5hp / 3.8kw		*6hp / 4.5kw

[captfolly]

hola Geoff,

we have the 9 UL and it is a real dog with a 4 hp...barely plane with just me (230 lbs)...we got a 20 year old 8 hp tohatsu 2 stroke with lift fins (which weighs about the same as the 4 hp, 4 stroke suzuki) and it is a rocketship...! planes with both of us (about 400 lbs)...go for the 8 hp 2 stroke, it probably weighs the same as a 6 hp and you have a bunch of reserve power! on the 8 UL it will probably be scary!!..you might want a seatbelt...!!

fair winds,

George

[geoffr]

George,

Thanks for you feedback now I'm certain we'll be looking for a replacement outboard.

Looks like you have done lots of work on Grace since we saw you in Charleston! We are in the mids of some similar work so I'll send you an e-mail with a few questions

thanks,
Geoff.