| Boat Used :
7.5 Metre Ribeye with a 225HP Four-Stroke Yamaha
Out Board Engine
Boat Supplier: Albert Clarke Marina, Comber,
Northern Ireland
Boat Crew: Ewan Ballantine, Sam McCreery,
John McMaster, Gary Jones, Tony McCourt, Brian McAleer and
Keith McCabe
Dates: 28th July 2002 to 3 August 2002.
The purpose of this report is to provide a brief summary
of the handling and abilities of the Ribeye 7.5 Metre Rib
and the 225 Hp Four-Stroke Engine used by the crew of Enniskillen
RNLI to compete in the Round Ireland Challenge, organised
by Rib International Magazine.
It is worthy mentioning that the crew of the boat for the
challenge, were all experienced boat handlers. Their skills
are varied and each had experience in Sports Cruisers, RIBS
and Speedboats. Five of the Crew are qualified Helms for Enniskillen
RNLI.
The package supplied by Albert Clarke Marine was probably
ideal for the intended use. The 225 Four-Stroke Engine complemented
the 7.5 Metre Ribeye Boat.
Of the 19 initial entries in the challenge, this was the
only Ribeye boat and Yamaha Out-Board engine participating
in the event. The quality of the boat was excellent and it's
catching colours and finish attracted favourable comments
from other crews and spectators. The boat handled well in
both calm and rough seas.
The crew felt safe in the boat even when faced with 'force
8' seas. The console was effective with no additional movement
in rough seas. The 'A' frame provided a strong and functional
addition to the boat.
The Yamaha engine was put to the test over the seven-day
and 1000 mile challenge. It was the envy of many other crews,
particularly those crews who used Two-Stroke Out-Boards. The
economy of the Four-Stroke Yamaha over the Competitors Two-Stroke
engines was greatly welcome by the Enniskillen crew and eventually
well recognised at refuelling times by the other competitors.
The Yamaha engine, which could hardly be heard when 'ticking
over,' provided superb torque and possessed a responsive turn
of speed when necessary.
After spending approximately sixty hours in varying seas
in the Ribeye, the crew had the opportunity to put the boat
'to the test'. Whether in flat calm seas or preparing for
'take off' in 20-30 feet waves; the Ribeye lived up to the
crews expectations and deservedly proved itself as a quality
product.
In conclusion all the crew feel very fortunate to have completed
in this challenge and without Albert Clarke Marine, Yamaha
and Ribeye then such an undertaking would not have been possible.
The crew has raised approximately £4000.00, which is
to be divided between Marie Currie Cancer Care and the RNLI.
If you have any comments or wish additional contact then
contact me at ewanballantine@hotmail.com
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