First outing in the Honwave.

[Cliff B]

I've been like a kid waiting for Christmas with this!

So... The alarm clock went off, opened the curtains and it was dry. The sky was blue and the wife and I both have the day off, there's only one thing for it. Let's get the SIB wet!

We dropped the kids off at school, coupled the trailer up to the car and off we went. Destination.... Jones Boatyard Fenstanton. When we got there the sun was shining, the sky blue and it was 15 degrees. Perfect for our first sib experience.

The boat and engine both performed perfectly, we spent about 4 hours burning up and down before we had to get back for the school run Pt 2. I was especially impressed with how stable the boat is, how well the Tohatsu 18hp 4 stroke went and how little petrol it used.

I think could be the start of a beautiful friendship!

[jeffstevens763@g]

Excellent cliff you picked the right day for it any idea of speed and revs or were you limited or too excited to be bothered

[Max...]

You can't ask for more than that. Many a first trip starts (or ends) with non-starters, fuel issues, iffy pumps, leaky valves, splashy transoms, floppy floors, crappy water...

Glad you had a great baptism!

(And we'll let you off for sitting on the wrong side and putting your kill cord round your wrist...)

[Cliff B]

Hi Jeff, I borrowed a GPS and it was reading 21, as for revs it was all of them ��

Really was the perfect day for it. Parked up outside the pub for lunch too, it don't get much better than that!

[Cliff B]

It was a great baptism Max. Completely problem free, and may it continue !

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Cliff B

Hi Jeff, I borrowed a GPS and it was reading 21, as for revs it was all of them ��

Really was the perfect day for it. Parked up outside the pub for lunch too, it don't get much better than that!

21 knots I would say that's Bob on and you have it set up perfect.
Pub was a bonus
Cheers

[Cliff B]

With the two of us (Mrs at the bow) me at the wrong side it was up on the plane instantly with minimal revs.

[Fenlander]

Yep those alloy floor Honwaves are amazingly stable. Well done in getting that first trip ticked off without problems. Lunch at The Dolphin I assume?

[Cliff B]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Yep those alloy floor Honwaves are amazingly stable. Well done in getting that first trip ticked off without problems. Lunch at The Dolphin I assume?

Well spotted. It's just too convenient perched on the river bank !

[phoenixpete]

Originally Posted by Cliff B

Well spotted. It's just too convenient perched on the river bank !

That looks like a great outfit you have there
Don't let them tell you which side to sit I could never see a good reason to sit on the other side, with the throttle in your right hand and the steering arm nearer makes it much more comfortable i reckon. Just seems natural to me As for kill cord also with hand throttle makes more sense to go on wrist same as jet ski. Any way enjoy!

[jeffstevens763@g]

yep i sit on the port side right-handed me, seems more natural and comfy i also have a lanyard made from a dog lead clipped to the splash rail forward to hang onto for extra stability when driving in the rough.
kill cord round my leg but i have no preference each to their own

[Max...]

Originally Posted by phoenixpete

That looks like a great outfit you have there
Don't let them tell you which side to sit I could never see a good reason to sit on the other side, with the throttle in your right hand and the steering arm nearer makes it much more comfortable i reckon. Just seems natural to me As for kill cord also with hand throttle makes more sense to go on wrist same as jet ski. Any way enjoy!

Starboard side is correct* and the way they are designed to be used and always been the RNLI way. Tiller is up against your body otherwise when turning sharp to starboard, especially so when you pilot the boat the way the RNLI always teach (ie kneeling on floor, especially in bigger seas). Plus the throttle rotates the correct way (ie like a motorbike). And for most you can hang on harder with your dominant (right) hand. All this is more academic pootling on the river but best to stick to one side otherwise in an emergency or just normal docking you're likely to turn the throttle the wrong way.

*or not.

Kill cord round wrist is not advised as many stories of it slipping off and not activating following an ejection. Best to attach to a solid link on your LJ.

Anyway, 'which side' is another old chestnut on Ribnet, here's a useful old topic link with plenty of opinion from both 'sides' and started by ...pete as it happens...

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/what-si...-on-57137.html

[chipko]

Starboard for me too for all the above reasons plus helps to counter balance prop torque listing boat to port. [emoji106]

[Cliff B]

I sit where I sit because it feels more natural and I feel like I'm more in control of the throttle and steering. I'm right-handed so it's my stronger hand. As for the kill cord again it feels good there and much better than not using it. Each to their own, I don't personally believe there are right or wrong sides for things like this!

[Starovich]

If you have to reach round the engine (often standing up) to get to the gear shift lever, which you cant see from sitting position, i suggest thats not best practice

[69cmw]

Originally Posted by Cliff B

Each to their own, I don't personally believe there are right or wrong sides for things like this!

Well said [emoji106][emoji106]

[Cliff B]

Originally Posted by Starovich

If you have to reach round the engine (often standing up) to get to the gear shift lever, which you cant see from sitting position, i suggest thats not best practice

My gear shift lever is on the front (10 inches from the tiller) so not a problem shifting forward, neutural or reverse from port or starboard seating position ��

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Cliff B

I sit where I sit because it feels more natural and I feel like I'm more in control of the throttle and steering. I'm right-handed so it's my stronger hand. As for the kill cord again it feels good there and much better than not using it. Each to their own, I don't personally believe there are right or wrong sides for things like this!

Well said mate and totally agree comments on gear shift how many times do you shift gear it's not a six speed box and at low speed, water tell tail nothing to have a look now and then do you watch it from the helm on a rib most new engines have a warning now anyway, which side do you sit what's best for you because it's the safest and most comfy,doesn't matter if the RNLI sit starboard it's thier training method and the boat is set up to kneel because they go out in extream conditions, twist on the throttle your hand compensates for forward or back twist and has a return Spring isn't an issue. The kill switch doesn't matter where it's attached so long as it works, I don't ride horses but I wouldn't ride side saddle although it is an accepted method. As you say each to their own if it works for you then it's right IMO

[Starovich]

Originally Posted by Cliff B

My gear shift lever is on the front (10 inches from the tiller) so not a problem shifting forward, neutural or reverse from port or starboard seating position ��

Hence the "If"

[Rover310]

Originally Posted by Max...

Starboard side is correct...

I agree, starboard is the correct side to operate a tiller control outboard. Which is why the small outboard manufacturers all mount the tiller on the port side of the motor. Also worth noting is that (with the exception of boats equipped with center consoles), boats equipped with side steering consoles always have the console located on the starboard side, and never on the port side.