Costal Trip in 3.5m SIB

J S · 23 October 2006, 13:15

Most of the time this year and last i have spent blasting up and down Aberdovey estuary and i have experienced large waves caused by wind over tide. On some calm days i have ventured over the bar to the outer marker but i have not been much past that. I work on a 10m Humber passenger rib that operates out of the estuary so i know the water quite well.

Looking to do a bit more crusing in my boat next year what do people think is a safe distance for a 3.5 m sib with a 15hp to travel on a calm day with safety equiment on board vhf, flares and anchor and other stuff.

To other poeple with simlar sized sibs what is their biggest trip they have done.

Any comments/advice appreciated

Thanks

James

codprawn · 23 October 2006, 14:08

Well I have a 3.1m Quicksilver with a 15hp suzuki 4 stroke. We crossed to Ilfracombe from Swansea no probs - about 25miles each way. Also made numerous trips down the coast as far as nash point/Porthcawl etc. Everyone thought we were mad but what the hell.

Carried the following

Mobile phones in freezer bags
pocket flares
lifejackets
Small anchor
oars
first aid kit with foil bags/blankets

J S · 23 October 2006, 14:21

Wow that a big trip thanks codprawn. Only thing i need to add to safety equipment list is first aid kit.

To add to the question whats the worst conditions someone has been out in a small sib.

Thanks

James

codprawn · 23 October 2006, 14:25

To be honest conditions were very good - worst it got was about 4' waves - had to slow down quite a bit as it got quite bouncy.

Some people go out in really bonkers conditions - the RNLI D class is a SIB and they go out in a Force 10......

J S · 23 October 2006, 14:38

I Have been out in force 7 with 8ft wind over tide this year but inside the estuary it was actually a bit scary but the boat handled it. On that occasion i rescued a kite surfer that had lost his board and he had no way of effectivly moving himself to shore. Makes you think its not that safe if you loose your board. Are they not meant to have a landyard on the board to stop that happening. At this point the tide was running at 6kts and the board drifted away from him very quickly.

James

Louise · 23 October 2006, 15:24

Do a search for threads by Keith Hart. He's based in Scotland now and champions the SIB. There's an account of his trip from John O'Groats to the Orkneys here.

J S · 23 October 2006, 15:50

Thanks Louise i will Have a read through that thread. What an achievement John O'Groats to the Orkneys .

Thanks

James

Louise · 23 October 2006, 15:55

The SIB trip starts from post no. 14. The first part is mainly photos of the journey taken on the 'support boats', Brian Elliott's Scorpion cabin RIB 'Cyanide' and the Garsides' Ribtec cabin RIB 'Magellan Alpha'. Keith's done lots of trips in his SIB on his own too.

J S · 30 October 2006, 17:15

So what do the other other ribbers thing about a trip from Aberdovey to Abersoch and what route would you take. Stick to the coast or go straight across. Of course with all safety equipment on board. How safe or stupid do you think it would be.

James

Brian · 31 October 2006, 20:34

Pick a calm day. Tell people where/when/how long.
Go via the Sarn-y-Bwch, the Sarn Badrig and the Carrey Trai bouys. This will miss the Sarn Badrig flats.
Less than 25miles.
Good luck.

J S · 31 October 2006, 22:13

Thanks for the advice brian

. Any other suggestions ?

James

Biggles · 31 October 2006, 22:35

JS,

I once took my little Bombard SIB to Italy with its 4 HP Mercury motor. Launched on the beach in complete ignorance of VHF, flares etc but did have a Life jacket. And this was in 1988 way before mobiles. Sailed out for a couple of hours. Waved at the local Eyties, Had to cut my anchor free when it got stuck and managed to get back to the same beach again.

The way I look at it is a SIB will never sink as long as you don't pop it and YOU can row it back to shore because its that small.

Oars/Paddles on RIBs are a bit of joke.

Get a friend to go with you on any journey. Take a VHF, take a Mobile, join Sea start, anything is possible. Take an anchor so you can stop yourself drifting whilst you sort out what your going to do next.

J S · 31 October 2006, 22:48

Yes was planning to go with a friend so we could take turns driving etc. Have got an anchor, mobile and vhf and paddles and the rest, thanks for the advice biggles. How much fuel do you think i should take i have a 12 litre tank but do you think i should take extra. Engine is 15hp four stroke from experience that last about 8 hrs general use but on a long didtance cruise what do you think fuel consumption will be like.

James

Brian · 01 November 2006, 16:27

Your fuel will be fine.
Anyway there is a danger that if you take another fuel tank it will only get in the way.
What do we reckon guys?
3-4 hours?

Nos4r2 · 01 November 2006, 16:34

Take a gallon extra in a can just in case. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

J S · 01 November 2006, 18:53

What speed do you think i should cruise at. I think about 15-20 kts would be comfortable.

James

Brian · 02 November 2006, 10:55

20 knots is quite fast.
I would have thought that 10-15 would be more reasonable.
Slow down. Enjoy the ride!
You will still do it in under 3 hours.