New SIB on the block

John Kennett · 06 August 2007, 15:43

The latest addition to the Kennett family toybox (it's not for me, it's for the kids. Honest!

) is a Quicksilver 340 Airdeck with a 15hp Yamaha 2-stroke outboard.

I had been slightly suspicious of the Quicksilver inflatables because they are so much cheaper than Avon and Zodiac, but they seem to be earning a pretty good reputation so I decided to give one a try. Martin at Malthouse Marine sorted one out for me quickly (excellent service as you would expect from a RIBnet trade member

) and I tracked down a second hand motor that seemed to be in good order at a reasonable price. Then it was just a matter of waiting for some decent weather.

Yesterday was the day to put it to the test and I went back to Petersham, the spot where I first launched a boat of my own. That boat turned out to be horrendous in just about every way, but it's still one of my favourite places. It's on the Thames just upriver from Richmond, in the semi tidal section, and you don't need a licence which is a bonus.

The Airdeck is great. It may reduce the high speed performance, but it makes for a really easy and hassle free day. Especially combined with a LVM Hi-Speed Inflator and a cheapo 12v power pack that was on special at Maplin a couple of weeks ago!

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day out. First of many I hope; who's up for a SIB gathering sometime?

John

RibinSpain · 06 August 2007, 17:50

Fabulous place & we used to live in North Kingston before moving to Spain. The walk along the towpath from Kingston to Teddington, via the lock & then to Teddington & Twickenhham, is well worth a few hours.

The pub in Canbury Gardens is good too, I think its called the Anglers or it may have changed.

Anyone fancying a holiday there you can get a family room at the Kingston Travelodge for 26 GBP per night, right in the centre so no car needed.

codprawn · 06 August 2007, 19:34

Don't forget to get some decent dinghy wheels - they make all the difference.

John Kennett · 06 August 2007, 19:47

Any you recommend?

John

Brian · 06 August 2007, 20:07

Er, John, why is the second photo of an empty car park?

John Kennett · 06 August 2007, 21:00

That's no car park, that's the slipway/beach. Admittedly not the most exciting photo, but just wanted to show what the launch site is like.

If anyone does decide to park there (rather than just unload) then I suggest a look at the tide table first!

John

codprawn · 06 August 2007, 21:11

This is the type you need.

http://www.polymarine.com/products/p...%5B1839%5D.cfm

Around the £100 mark - shop around.

Whatever you do don't get the small rigid plastic wheels - they are useless.

The wheels totally transform the ease of using the boat. You can even lock them down before you come in and save the outboard.

John Kennett · 06 August 2007, 21:29

Don't they foul on the webs on the sides of the transom when you swing them up?

Any pictures of them on yours?

Ta!

John

codprawn · 06 August 2007, 21:45

You need the bent leg ones.

These don't really show you the attachment point - I will take some pics if you like.

They look very close to the outboard in the pics but plenty of room to turn the engine.

It's great when you turn up to launch - as you don't have a trailer I never get charged launching fees.

codprawn · 06 August 2007, 21:52

As far as attaching them goes it's just one bolt and a nylock nut - the rest of the fitting stays on the transom and doesn't get in the way when you roll it up.

Channel Ribs · 07 August 2007, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

... Martin at Malthouse sorted one out...

Glad you finally got the weather to enjoy it, they are great boats - just don't screw anything to the floor!

Nasher · 07 August 2007, 08:33

John

Hi, glad your family are enjoying the boat.

My kids have not tried their SIB yet, but that will hopefully change next week.
Plan is to roll it up in the bow of The Nashers Revenge, then blow it up and drop the engine on when we get to the beach.

Sounds like a good excuse for another Priory Bay Cruise. - SIB Regatta!
For the kids of course.

Nasher.

psychopic · 07 August 2007, 09:22

that thing should go pretty well with a 15 on the back. Reminds me of my flatacraft force 3 with a 15hp, the best fun i've ever had with a rib.

Nick Hearne · 07 August 2007, 16:06

Great fun, that was the combo I was after but ended up with the Bombard 3.80 & the yammi 15! Very happy & just shy of 20 knots so far!

Taking mine offer to Jersey end of the month for a weeks holiday (on the ferry!) for is bit of fun!