Family of 5

Lordy · 26 January 2008, 08:23

Somewhere on this esteemed forum I'm sure I read that someone had a 3.8/4.3m SIB and it comfortably accomodated a family of 5.

I can't find the thread, but in recent threads a couple of my 'advisers' tell me that this would be too small for a family of 5.

Is there anyone out there with a family of 5 who could give me some 'hands on' advice?

Thanks all!

Poly · 26 January 2008, 16:53

I have a 3.9m boat and although it is not actually a rib/sib it is close enough for an indication. Firstly the manufacturer rates is for 6 adults in cat D waters and 3 in cat C waters. My experience would suggest that it is probably reasonable guidelines.

I have a centre console so that takes up space.

There are two benches across my hull and seating built in around the sides and front which is equivalent to sitting on the tubes in a sib. You probably don't want to be sitting on the tubes for prolonged periods.

We routinely go with 2 adults and 1 child. I have also been out with an extra adult. There is still space for more, safely and relatively comfortably. BUT I would expect the speed would go down noticably. So I think 5 adults (or older children) in a 4m boat is doable... but for long periods or in choppy weather I suspect it is going to be a bit small. Depending upon the age of the children and the weather you may not want them on the tubes... ...can you fit them on the available seats/space in the centre?

It will also depend on the boat design & layout etc.

Locozodiac · 26 January 2008, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lordy

Somewhere on this esteemed forum I'm sure I read that someone had a 3.8/4.3m SIB and it comfortably accomodated a family of 5. A couple of my 'advisers' tell me that this would be too small for a family of 5. Is there anyone out there with a family of 5 who could give me some 'hands on' advice?

Thanks all!

A 380 Sib accomodates well a family of 5, (2 parents, 3 children) we use a 380 with 25/30 HP 2 strokes depending on the quantity/size of persons to transport on boat. If all were 5 adults, would recommend a 420/430 with a 30 HP 2 stroke engine. More room with a wider boat configuration. Will need for both models a tryler to launch and recover from water. Forget about carrying/ inflating/assembling/deflating/storing every time it's used, it's not a 1 person job, rather a crew job and a extenuating one...

Here is a 380 model to calculate space availability...

Happy Boating

ian parkes · 26 January 2008, 21:18

In India they get the whole family on a scooter

Lordy · 27 January 2008, 05:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

A 380 Sib accomodates well a family of 5, (2 parents, 3 children) we use a 380 with 25/30 HP 2 strokes depending on the quantity/size of persons to transport on boat. If all were 5 adults, would recommend a 420/430 with a 30 HP 2 stroke engine. More room with a wider boat configuration. Will need for both models a tryler to launch and recover from water. Forget about carrying/ inflating/assembling/deflating/storing every time it's used, it's not a 1 person job, rather a crew job and a extenuating one...

Here is a 380 model to calculate space availability...

Happy Boating

Thanks Locozodiac - good to know. Excellent pics, by the way!!

ian parkes · 27 January 2008, 18:24

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW430-QUICKSI...QQcmdZViewItem

This looks like a good buy they also have ex contract mariner 40's

9D280 · 28 January 2008, 10:03

I'd second Polwart's comments about sitting on the toobs. My RIb is an old DOT approved offshore safety boat, plated to carry 9, but 7 of them would be sat on the side (for which there are hand and footholds a plenty), BUT having done relatively short trips 3 up in a 3.2m OMC Express, spending that long sat on a toob is less than comfortable, as you generally need to cling on, (cue half a dozen Star Trek jokes?) and / or wedge your foot under the opposite side toob. Neither of which are particularly comfortable for a long spell on the move.

Remember these ratings are a maximum SAFE limit and don't take comfot into account - also you probably won't get on the plane too easily at the max loading.

Nick Hearne · 31 January 2008, 09:16

Lordy I have a 3.8 bombard Airodeck & yes a family of 2 adults & 3 kids fit in one no problem!
We have Had great fun in ours using it in Pool & going round to old hairy, on the river Thames & we toke it to Jersey last year & had great fun exploring the coast line & some small coves! But mostly we use it in Salcombe as a tender & going to the beach, I have as much fun in my Sib as I do in my hard boat!

John Kennett · 31 January 2008, 09:26

Nick, how well does the air floor cope when things get a bit choppy?

John

Nick Hearne · 31 January 2008, 09:36

Hi, it dose start to give a bit if you start to do a bit of wave hopping!
But it is very ridged & quite deep for a Sib as it has 2 sections wedged in to make the v shape hull & blows up very hard!

paul holder · 31 January 2008, 17:03

its all according to were you are .we have dived 6 off 5.3 humber 1 mile out .but felt very small with 2 ,10 miles out when sea started to chop

Lordy · 02 February 2008, 06:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Lordy I have a 3.8 bombard Airodeck & yes a family of 2 adults & 3 kids fit in one no problem!
We have Had great fun in ours using it in Pool & going round to old hairy, on the river Thames & we toke it to Jersey last year & had great fun exploring the coast line & some small coves! But mostly we use it in Salcombe as a tender & going to the beach, I have as much fun in my Sib as I do in my hard boat!

Thanks Nick - great pics and totally relevant to my situation. Have PMd you.