Coastal waters w/ many Oyster beds - Will a SIB survive?

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Hey y'all - New boater and glad to be here.

I am on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina and we have an amazing maze of marshland, rivers and other tidal waters surrounding the islands that I am dying to get out and explore much further than I have previously. (my current 'boat' is a paddleboard)

But I don't want to die exploring them ya know? The waters are just littered with sharp above ground Oyster beds. On the banks and some on mounds in the water you can see at low tide. I am worried what happens to a SIB hull if I don't see a cluster at high tide or some other bottom puncture emergency happens.

Will a basic soft bottom SIB last long in these coastal waters with sharp shells? Or am I better off with a true full Rigid Aluminum hull?

I really like the sectional aluminum decks as I need to deflate and store this boat indoors between uses (will that be bad for the boat?) and a rigid 3-4 meters of aluminum will be quite hard to store.

So this what I am thinking as a true beginner let me know if I am on the right track -

The sectional aluminum deck wont stop something super sharp from puncturing the inflatable hull underneath but in an emergency, a sectioned alu deck will remain 'more stable of a boat' if the hull is punctured over its air deck counterpart? And yet still be easier to store over the full aluminum hull RIB. As well as provide some interior deck protection in case a crab gets loose or my oyster bucket over turns etc
And a Rigid aircraft aluminum hull a'int being bothered by no oyster shell hahah but again the storage issue.

Thank you for anything you have to offer - if you can recall when you first got the boating bug it is kinda overwhelming - so many options and opinions!
Feel free to copy paste any threads that might be helpful I may have missed while scrolling.

Thanks a Million y'all!
PS the oysters are delicious and I hope to use the boat to land on a sandy spit nearby thes beds and harvest some of those razor sharp bad boys . Cheers!

[Tim M]

Based on your description I would be looking at a proper RIB with solid hull. If you snag a fabric floor the best case scenario is you'll get wet feet. I've been on a fabric floor inflatable where the floor fabric developed a split towards the transom. This was unbeknown to me. As soon as I applied some power the water pressure caused the split to run along the full beam of the boat causing the plywood floor to fall into the water. Fortunately it was still well secured at the front so stayed attached to the tubes albeit below the waterline at the back. Very unpleasant experience. Fortunately I was very close to shore and able to get out with only wet shoes. If it had been further out it would have been a mayday call for sure.

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Based on your description I would be looking at a proper RIB with solid hull. If you snag a fabric floor the best case scenario is you'll get wet feet. I've been on a fabric floor inflatable where the floor fabric developed a split towards the transom. This was unbeknown to me. As soon as I applied some power the water pressure caused the split to run along the full beam of the boat causing the plywood floor to fall into the water. Fortunately it was still well secured at the front so stayed attached to the tubes albeit below the waterline at the back. Very unpleasant experience. Fortunately I was very close to shore and able to get out with only wet shoes. If it had been further out it would have been a mayday call for sure.

Thanks Tim! My fears exactly! I was hoping these "hybrids" as i have been calling them with the inflatable keel/bottoms but a robust full aluminum deck interior would save me from such a situation?

It looks like the full aluminum decks on a Zodiac are suspended by the air deck but also supported in place by the tubing and very snug. I would think the whole bottom would have to tear out to lose the alu style decks (hard to confirm) So in the event of a major air hull tear i figured I would still be able to idle or row back to shore with an alu deck but Im worried that your wood deck fell through eeek

Thanks again for the responce - Cheers!

[Mikefule]

In impact with a hard and sharp object, a SIB may tear, an aluminium hull may dent, a GRP hull may crack, a wooden hull may be scratched or otherwise damaged.

Some of the advantages of a SIB are:

• You can fold it up and put it away when you're not using it. Do you need this?
• It is stable at anchor, for example if you need a fishing platform or swimming platform. Do you need this?
• It bounces off other boats, jetties, rocks, etc. in low speed impacts without suffering any damage.
• It is softer than a conventional boat if you fall while on board, or if you bang your head while trying to climb back onboard.
• It remains buoyant even when swamped by a big wave. Do you need this?
• It remains buoyant enough to keep you afloat even if part of the hull is badly compromised, damaged, punctured, etc. (Most SIBs have 2 or 3 separate air chambers within what looks like one tube around the hull.)
• Comparatively light and easy to manhandle out of the water.

If you do not need these particular features, it means that your range of options to consider includes other hull types as well as SIBs.

Some disadvantages of the SIB, if you are looking at other options as well:

• The tubes take up space. A 12 ft SIB has less internal space than a 12 ft aluminium boat.
• Harder to row than a conventional boat of comparable size.
• Probably less efficient in terms of speed and fuel than a conventional hull.
• You need to monitor the pressure if you use it in an extreme range of temperatures. (Pressure increases in direct hot sunlight, decreases on a cold night.)

[Callum B]

The other boat to consider may be a Dory,.
The shallow draft and relatively large deck space may be advantageous.
Dorys, whilst reputedly unsinkable, are fairly wet boats if there is any kind of sea running, however, for inland and sheltered waterways they provide a good option.

[brveagle]

If i were you, i'd pick up a well used sib off FB marketplace or craigslist. In your part of the town they usually run for $500-700 all day long.

Take it out and use it. You aren't going to sink if you snag and rip the floor. If you dont like the sib or if you have problems with the floor getting all cut up, then you can sell it and invest in a proper boat.

Point being, cheap experiment.

[pagick]

This suggestion is venturing out a bit but
Look at zap cats or thunder cats. They roll up almost like a sib but the catamaran air tubes have thicker rubber on the bottom of the hijackers. Center part of hull is out of the water. They are reported to be very smooth running and with a larger motor they go like stink! When used for racing the finish line is up on the beach so they run full speed onto the beach.
The problem is, here in the states they are impossible to find used. Manufacturers ship here though. Ceaser is a brand to look at.

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Mikefule

In impact with a hard and sharp object, a SIB may tear, an aluminium hull may dent, a GRP hull may crack, a wooden hull may be scratched or otherwise damaged.

Some of the advantages of a SIB are:

• You can fold it up and put it away when you're not using it. Do you need this?
• It is stable at anchor, for example if you need a fishing platform or swimming platform. Do you need this?
• It bounces off other boats, jetties, rocks, etc. in low speed impacts without suffering any damage.
• It is softer than a conventional boat if you fall while on board, or if you bang your head while trying to climb back onboard.
• It remains buoyant even when swamped by a big wave. Do you need this?
• It remains buoyant enough to keep you afloat even if part of the hull is badly compromised, damaged, punctured, etc. (Most SIBs have 2 or 3 separate air chambers within what looks like one tube around the hull.)
• Comparatively light and easy to manhandle out of the water.

[/LIST]

Well that makes it pretty easy - I need all those things haha
I don't have outdoor storage options so a all alu boat was always out of the question. But I thought I may be able to manhandle a 3m RIB into my apartment.

The more I research though the more I realize if outdoor storage and a trailer isn't an option I can afford then by default my options are SIB and SIB w/ alu decking.

But cost aside is it just as bad to disassemble and reassemble a SIB weekly as it is to leave out in the 100degreeF/100% humid summer weather?

Thanks again for all your help! I have seen some other really helpful posts elsewhere from you sir.

Seems as much as I would like the RIB for piece of mind dealing with water hazards it would realistically require outdoor storage for $$

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Callum B

The other boat to consider may be a Dory,.
The shallow draft and relatively large deck space may be advantageous.
Dorys, whilst reputedly unsinkable, are fairly wet boats if there is any kind of sea running, however, for inland and sheltered waterways they provide a good option.

I will those out! Thanks! Unfortunately I will have to navigate a few miles+ of more open areas exposed to the winds and waves and wouldn't want to spend the rest of the trip in the marsh too wet in certain months.

added to the research list

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by brveagle

If i were you, i'd pick up a well used sib off FB marketplace or craigslist. In your part of the town they usually run for $500-700 all day long.

Point being, cheap experiment.

This is a solid plan and there are indeed some decent bundles on there but I am apprehensive with no previous outboard experience about getting something on its last leg and then being $1000 in the hole.
I would entertain getting as used boat though - but after a quick check people are greedy out there lol

Most boat only posts are from some reason "new still in the box" couple hundred off retail
Or they are 10+ years old and still asking close to a 1000.

I went through the same when I got my dirtbike with no experience and ended up going new for the piece of mind - but my bike is not as delicate lol

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by pagick

Look at zap cats or thunder cats. They roll up almost like a sib but the catamaran air tubes have thicker rubber on the bottom of the hijackers. Center part of hull is out of the water.

Thanks! Might be a little out of budget but will check it out! what happens when you take a wave with an open bow??

[pagick]

Just look on YouTube for what it takes to run a zapcat or build a sib. IBC is a zodiac dealer who has videos on building.
I use to build my first sib when I was in my 20s. Now I build in spring and trailer it all summer then put away in fall. But if I had a lighter setup I could still build it at 63 years. I just prefer not to.
Here is a link to my sib build. It’s a bigger deal than what you want. But it’s a fun ride. https://youtu.be/4bUkdRAqGOU

[Eddzoid]

You could look at a F-RIB. It's a folding inflatable with a solid hull. Ps Harbour Town Links is on my bucket list! ��

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by pagick

Just look on YouTube for what it takes to run a zapcat or build a sib. IBC is a zodiac dealer who has videos on building.
I use to build my first sib when I was in my 20s. Now I build in spring and trailer it all summer then put away in fall. But if I had a lighter setup I could still build it at 63 years. I just prefer not to.
Here is a link to my sib build. It’s a bigger deal than what you want. But it’s a fun ride. https://youtu.be/4bUkdRAqGOU

Beautiful set up! That's something I would like to upgrade too whenever I move and think to check if they allow trailer parking!

And thank you - I have seen the IBC vids during my research and that's what made me say "Perfect! I can build this every weekend and manhandle up into my apartment to save it from the extreme heat when I'm done saving about $1,000 a year on storage and more on a trailer." But I have seen other members expressing their frustration with sectional deck sibs.

That problem aside I am still worried about the oyster beds - might start investigating these Fribs Eddzoid mentioned but from first look they put me out of budget and don't have as many USA options.

Thanks again! Cheers!

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Eddzoid

You could look at a F-RIB. It's a folding inflatable with a solid hull. Ps Harbour Town Links is on my bucket list! ��

If you have any suggestions I am all ears but I am struggling to find any in USA close to my budget. Frib brand is not transatlantic yet

It's amazing - seen the Heritage there a few times (i think that's the tournament ) but have never played. You can actually watch the 18th from the water if you have a boat!

[HiltonHeadMatt]

No WAY! I just saw in the specs that the zodiac 360 Alu RIB is actually 40 pounds LIGHTER than the Zodiac 350 SIB w/ alu decking. I didn't even look as I assumed the RIB would be much heavier...is this just a typo on the Zodiac website?? lol

So NOW I guess the only real question for my situation is that a rib doesn't REALLY gets smaller when deflated. So am I able to store a 3meterish long 1 meter wide boat inside comfortably? (I will have to measure and see)

And probably more importantly can I manhandle an awkward 105-110 pound up my stairs and into my apartment to store. I will probably make another thread for this question alone with pictures tomorrow in the daylight...

[pagick]

My first build was 1 hr 15 minutes to just build the boat alone. The 5th time it takes 20 for the boat. Learning curve and I think parts just fit better.

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by pagick

My first build was 1 hr 15 minutes to just build the boat alone. The 5th time it takes 20 for the boat. Learning curve and I think parts just fit better.

Good to know, thank you! I have temporarily moved onto seeing if I can use a pulley or electric wench to pull a 3.5 Alu RIB up 1 level to my front door and slide it into the spare room. Gonna post some pics up tomorrow in the daylight for advice on that and if it seems feasible I think I might go with that.

Nothin but inflate and go with those it seems - as long as its not more trouble to stow it inside than it is to assemble a SIB with decking hahah

Cheers!

[Mikefule]

My Zodiac 310 with plywood sectional floor goes together including launch wheels, engine, bow bag, oars and into the water in under half an hour from the car pulling up at the slipway.

There are some tricks you can learn about getting the floor in more quickly.

They're designed to be folded away, reassembled, etc. Wear and tear shouldn't be a major problem.

Some smaller SIBs have slatted floors. and can be assembled even more quickly.

Others have inflatable floors which have their pros and cons.

You are in danger of overthinking this. I treat the day's boating as the activity. There is a satisfaction in assembling the boat correctly and efficiently, checking it is all shipshape, and launching it, and a satisfaction in putting it away well at the end of the day. These two phases of 30 minutes are not a barrier to the enjoyment of the day, but part of the enjoyment of the day. It's the same with rigging and de-rigging my sailing dinghy: all part of a day "playing with boats".

You can find a used hull and engine together or separately for a very small investment. If the hull tears it can be repaired, and if it can't be repaired, you still have the engine. You will find another hull.

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Mikefule

My Zodiac 310 with plywood sectional floor goes together including launch wheels, engine, bow bag, oars and into the water in under half an hour from the car pulling up at the slipway.

There are some tricks you can learn about getting the floor in more quickly.

They're designed to be folded away, reassembled, etc. Wear and tear shouldn't be a major problem.

Some smaller SIBs have slatted floors. and can be assembled even more quickly.

Others have inflatable floors which have their pros and cons.

You are in danger of overthinking this. I treat the day's boating as the activity. There is a satisfaction in assembling the boat correctly and efficiently, checking it is all shipshape, and launching it, and a satisfaction in putting it away well at the end of the day. These two phases of 30 minutes are not a barrier to the enjoyment of the day, but part of the enjoyment of the day. It's the same with rigging and de-rigging my sailing dinghy: all part of a day "playing with boats".

You can find a used hull and engine together or separately for a very small investment. If the hull tears it can be repaired, and if it can't be repaired, you still have the engine. You will find another hull.

Great points - thanks again mike! I think I have some ideas that will enable me to get the Cadet Alu RIB and allow me to mellow out about the oysters a little ! Gonna post it up tomorrow when I can take some pictures but basically it involved an electric hoist (about the cost of 2 months storage)

And I tend to agree with your point on the assembly process - however knowing myself there will be some summer days after work closing in on dusk where I would much prefer to hoist a rigid hull onto my truck bed and inflate / attach motor and im on my way. Stay tuned for the post tomorrow - you have been most helpful so far, very much appreciated

PS I would like to know more about your sailing dinghy also, that sounds cool! I am interested in getting into sailing as well in the future. But that is a can of worms for another day or probably year at this rate hahah

Cheers!