Sib handling in choppy waters? - Page 2

prairie tuber · 09 September 2007, 05:22

Great pictures & a nice looking setup. Looks as though your seating location would be the same whether you use a tiller or wheel.

AndrewUkR6 · 09 September 2007, 10:18

thanks for the replies, interested in this front launch wheel as to be honest its still a bit weight to lug on the rear launch wheels with only my girlfriend helping, a front wheel would make it safer.

It would certainly be nice to forego the slipway but im not sure of a launch point i can use with the launch wheels - certinaly not brighton beach. Anyone from around here suggest a suitable location for wheeling it in?

codprawn · 09 September 2007, 14:45

What rear launch wheels have you got - I can't see them in the photos.

Looking at your setup I can see why you have problems - it's because you have more weight forward than a usual SIB - great at sea but not so great when you are trying to use it like a wheelbarrow in reverse!!!

As to launching places look at Google Earth - very easy to spot suitable places with local knowledge as well. Is that angles slip suitable 500yds to the left of the marina area?

geoff · 09 September 2007, 15:24

Interesting video showing how the experts deal with choppy water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3gpMijZ2Hg

codprawn · 09 September 2007, 19:54

Funnily enough I saw almost EXACTLY the same setup as your being launched in Mumbles today - even the same colour - proper launching wheels on the back and one bloke walking it down the slip no probs.

Amber1 · 10 September 2007, 00:33

That's a very good boat you've got there.

I would also recommend Dag Pike's book, 'inflatables'. It is an older book now, but the text on boat handling is still very relevant for gaining experience, and is written by someone with a wealth of experience. I still refer back to it.

Check out his recent publication, 'challenges', where he describes the development of early inshore lifeboats, which he was involved in.

We had a Bombard 3.8m previously, (from the same stable as yours), and as has been mentioned aready, once you learn how to handle these type of boats they are very capable, allowing you to explore areas where some bigger boats couldn't.

I think the thing these boats really teach you is how to read the waves, and know your limitations.

They also teach you how to make best progress, and you should have little difficulty in the futura, either aiming off from a head sea to make progress, or running in a cross sea. Your boat also looks has a good power to weight ratio, which should also help to keep you out of bother, (dodging breaking crests!).

Where our Bombard showed its limitations was in a head sea, where it would tend to lift to a wave, instead of cutting through.

We did one trip in our Bombard of 50nm, and had some brilliant trips. Bigger is not necessarliy better!

Hope you enjoy the Zodiac, it's very capable and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with it.

ZodiacFuturaMk2 · 10 September 2007, 01:00

Had a cracking day out on the futura today!

Pics can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&id=848920556

ian parkes · 10 September 2007, 13:40

It was a nice flat glassy weekend , shame the sun didn't shine sunday like saturday .
Nice mix of craft there , I like the grey ribtec .

How did the futura perform compared to the others ? for sure you used less fuel which makes the day more rewarding to start with .

ZodiacFuturaMk2 · 10 September 2007, 16:51

Totally perfect conditions - We covered about 50 miles in a day on one 25 litre plastic yamaha fuel tank - still some fuel left in it too!

We were all cruising between 30 and 40mph but im sure if the Tornado or Ribtec went full throttle they would be much faster. But the little 50hp Futura kept up very well I though - would be a VERY different story in even the slightest chop though!

Cheers

Gareth

ian parkes · 10 September 2007, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZodiacFuturaMk2

Totally perfect conditions - We covered about 50 miles in a day on one 25 litre plastic yamaha fuel tank - still some fuel left in it too!

We were all cruising between 30 and 40mph but im sure if the Tornado or Ribtec went full throttle they would be much faster. But the little 50hp Futura kept up very well I though - would be a VERY different story in even the slightest chop though!

Cheers

Gareth

Thats good going really I can't really cruise much more than 30 without giving it wot everywhere . Futura must be a good bit quicker then most 5m ribs .

Mollers · 10 September 2007, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by ian parkes

Thats good going really I can't really cruise much more than 30 without giving it wot everywhere . Futura must be a good bit quicker then most 5m ribs .

Are we confusing mph's with k'nots here?

ZodiacFuturaMk2 · 10 September 2007, 20:23

It was about as calm as it ever gets, incredible conditions, 102kg boat, 60kg pull start 50hp outboard with one up and a 15 pitch prop. It felt like being on a skimming stone - and I think the instant sharp near full speed turns would have made a zapcat racer's jaw drop! Will post some video soon.

G

ian parkes · 10 September 2007, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Are we confusing mph's with k'nots here?

no its MPh on my gps mate . Ok it ill just do 40 with just me aboard but add some kit full tank of fuel a soup dragon and a triainee seal its down to 36 then add some chop etc its 34 .but still the same with 2 more teenagers aboard it may get better with the right prop though , just can;t find one .

so 28-30 is a good cruise speed for me .

ZodiacFuturaMk2 · 10 September 2007, 21:14

Some poor quality mobile phone vids of the little Futura from Sunday can be found at the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lxMj8I_ca4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0eCJqRgHOI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmfiZ5p9uOw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpzs49nGqJ0

Cheers

G