RIBs in SW Florida

[Across the Pond]

As a way of introduction, I have visited—and admired-- your website on numerous occasions to guide me in buying a RIB that I can operate in the relative calm and warm waters of SW Florida. Believe it or not, there are only a handful of these incredible boats making passage in our waters. I intend to be among them. I’m in the process of having a 4.5 m AB Inflatable rigged for cruising along the hurricane-prone shores of Florida (really not anywhere as bad as the North Sea!) Anyway, I’m interested in anything you can toss my way in terms of tips for successful ribbing. I have the basics down, having been an avoid Fiberglas boater for some 30 years. But Ribs are special, and I’d like your advice on how best to use them. That is, if you don’t mind a Yank barging in here.

[Nos4r2]

Hard

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Across the Pond

(really not anywhere as bad as the North Sea!)

Unless there's a hurricane passing

Wish I had your weather here for boating....

Not a lot I can tell you if you've been doing it for 30 years as I've been doing it for only about 30 weeks (maybe a bit longer now). The main instruction which needs to be obeyed at all times is:

Enjoy!

[codprawn]

Hope you have great fun and please post some pics. 30 years boating must mean your are pretty experienced by now. Looking at the website it looks like your seats are right at the back as is the steering position. If that is the case you will need to get a few people up front in the rough stuff or some sand bags if you are on your own. Then again in Florida you don't need to go out in the rough!!!

[Jimmy_Beam]

Man,
If only most of us here had your weather!! When I get chicks on my boat up here it's in a sweatshirt and rubber rain gear. This is great and all, but I like to see some titties on the water now and again!!! AHHHH, warm weather on the ocean, what a dream!

Jimmy

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by Jimmy_Beam

Man, If only most of us here had your weather!! When I get chicks on my boat up here it's in a sweatshirt and rubber rain gear.

Ya, but you know a woman is HOT when she looks good in a Floater suit!

Pond, if you managed to survive in a fibreglass boat, just keep doing it... only twice as fast in waves that are twice as big. Be prepared to get wet on occasion... and watch out for nails and the like sticking out of docks!

BTW, what colour are your tubes? Dark ones will heat up in intense heat which will speed up deterioration. UV rays are hard on hypalon and you would be well advised to use an overall cover when you're not using the boat. Along the same lines, make certain you have overpressure valves in all chambers, as the heat from the sun will cause expansion, and potential damage to the tubes, especially if it's out of the water.

I store my boat on a trailer and I have always tarped it with a silver-colored tarp which reflects sun well.

[pathalla]

Originally Posted by Jimmy_Beam

Man,
This is great and all, but I like to see some titties on the water now and again!!!

Jimmy

Ah Jimmy, A man after my own heart! Nothing like the view of a nice rack to set the day right....