One small step

Keith Hart · 16 August 2004, 18:53

Ages ago (a couple of years actually) I posted about my wish to take my SIB out to the east cardinal 'Kings Reef Buoy' in the Moray Firth. Alan Priddy replied, and others and I was encouraged to have a go and to 'push my boundaries'. Well of course I did and have since even crossed the Pentland Firth in my SIB.

Now I make the trip out to the 'Kings Reef Buoy' with no problem at all. I was out there last Saturday, on my own with just a bag of rocks (ballast) for company. My new cabin boy, Duncan, was away for a few days. There was a massive but long frequency swell. It felt like about 20 feet in height but was probably about 10 feet in reality. One minute there I was looking down on the sea, the next minute I was in a massive hole of water and couldn't even see the land!

Anyway, thanks to all who encouraged me.

Here are a couple of pictures of the said buoy, just to prove I really was there.

Regards

Keith Hart

Daniel TD5 · 16 August 2004, 19:52

great keith

it looks like you are haveing lots of fun

dan

Andy.R · 17 August 2004, 06:24

Nice one Keith!
I understand what you mean about the "bag of rocks"! When I am depressed I still look at the video of you in your SIB at the SOC send-off in Cardiff, and when you open that throttle, you almost go vertical! Brings a smile to my face every time!
Cheers,
Andy.
z

Keith Hart · 17 August 2004, 06:43

It's a bit sad really - no friends, just a bag of rocks. Can I please point out though, it was the boat that went vertical, not ME.

Keith (are you pleased to see me, or is that a bag of rocks?) Hart

TQBoater · 17 August 2004, 07:40

I'm interested to know what changes you make if any to your equipment setup when you go out for a solo trip ?

As I don't know your area, what sort of range is it your covering ?

Keith Hart · 17 August 2004, 16:43

Hi TQBoater

Not much change really, it's all a matter of weight distribution (ie. I need to balance my considerable bulk at the back with something at the front).

First of all I strap the fuel tank in at the bow. Then I strap my 80 ltr watreproof 'Nookie' kit bag in the bow alongside the tank. Next I get the SIB down to the waters edge and fill it with nice smooth rocks off the beach.

It really does make a difference to the handling of the SIB. Oh yes, the engine is trimmed right in as well.

The trip out to the buoy is about 4 miles round trip. However I may be doing about 10 or 12 miles in a trip. Not much compared with the big boys but quite a lot for a tiddler like mine.

Take a look at the attached pictures and you will see the set up.

Keith Hart

robin · 17 August 2004, 16:48

Keith...you have probably considered this already but FWIW....I used to have a SIB (avon seasport with a marine ply floor and a mercury 25hp. It flew!)

Anyhoo....I had exactly the same problems regards trimming the boat so I got one of these (well similar anyway) tiller extension. Problem solved, made life much easier.

www.seamarknunn.co.uk/catalog/subcat535.htm
Regards
Robin

ollyit · 17 August 2004, 16:54

cool little boat you got there keith - very clean too

Erin · 17 August 2004, 20:17

I used to play around on a 2.7m Qucksilver. Excellent fun once I got the engine trim right. I couldn't believe what a difference one notch on the trim stop could make. Until I'd worked this out I just couldn't understand why it wouldn't get onto the plane and run level.

And so versatile as well. If it got too shallow for the engine I'd just get the oars out and start some exercise

Naked Dave · 17 August 2004, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Hart

Hi TQBoater

The trip out to the buoy is about 4 miles round trip. However I may be doing about 10 or 12 miles in a trip. Not much compared with the big boys but quite a lot for a tiddler like mine.

Keith, the smaller the craft, the more adventure you have!!

There I was in the bath the other day, making waves with my 7" mamba.........oh hang on, I'm on the wrong forum!!!

bogib · 17 August 2004, 21:46

Thumb up Keith for yourself and your SIB

Louise · 17 August 2004, 21:47

Ouch! Sounds painful!

keithm · 26 August 2004, 13:01

Hi Keith. I have trouble with my Bombard (i think that might be a dirty word on this site), because all the weight (me and the engine) are at the back she struggles with just me. She gets on to the plane easily but anything less than say 12-14 knots, she's nose right up in the air and me trying desparately hard not to fall off the back.

This is a real problem where i launch as there are 8knt speed limits all over the place. I have got storage room at the bow (which drains all the way out the stern). I am thinking of filling up some big floatation bags with water and if I want more less or non at all just draining it off.

Nothing really to add to your thread just that its nice to know I'm not the only person with this erectile problem

Keith Hart · 26 August 2004, 13:16

Hi Keithm

The flexible water tank is a good idea, especially if you can fill it up when the boat is in the water. Do you have your fuel tank in the bow as well?

Keith Hart

Brian · 26 August 2004, 13:38

I think someone has suggested putting on an extension tiller arm and then sitting/kneeling further forward.
Does this not work if you are single-handed?

Colin F · 26 August 2004, 18:14

you could always try some doel fin type foils. i had the same problem on an Avon Adventure 4m which was cured by them. There are varying opinions and experiences on here of the foils but my experience on a similar size, arse heavy boat was that they cured the nose high / high planing speed. They are a relatively cheap fix (if it works) but beware they will leave 4 holes in your anti-ventilation plate if you remove them.

shifting ballast forward will also help as also suggested

hope this helps

colin

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithm

Hi Keith. I have trouble with my Bombard (i think that might be a dirty word on this site), because all the weight (me and the engine) are at the back she struggles with just me. She gets on to the plane easily but anything less than say 12-14 knots, she's nose right up in the air and me trying desparately hard not to fall off the back.

This is a real problem where i launch as there are 8knt speed limits all over the place. I have got storage room at the bow (which drains all the way out the stern). I am thinking of filling up some big floatation bags with water and if I want more less or non at all just draining it off.

Nothing really to add to your thread just that its nice to know I'm not the only person with this erectile problem