Hiya Guys,

[Flanker1964]

My name is Shaun and after buying a Hon Wave 35t with a 6hp yamaha last June Im totally hooked on boating. Last summer we took the sib to Pentewan,Water Mouth Cove,Fresh Water East and Penmarlam twice.
Next year I will have a Seasonal pitch at Panmarlam and Im buying a RIB,I cant wait.
Ive posted on the main site with no response.

[cgf10]

Welcome Shaun - we look forward to hearing about your exploits. What size/make of Rib will you consider buying ?

[Flanker1964]

I have just brought home my Rapide 480s with a yamaha 50hp.

[kerny]

Nice one, enjoy

[Flanker1964]

Just had my RIB and outboard fully serviced by West Point Marine in Cardiff.Also decided to have a fixed VHF fitted.
Spring is in the air !!!!!

[Dhf]

Nice piece of kit Shaun, you'll be having loads of fun in the sun with that !

[Flanker1964]

Thanks,its a 2011 but with only 21 hours on the clock. Does anyone know what pressure I should keep the tubes at?

[Dhf]

Best to leave her slightly saggy whilst on the trailer, then pump to firm just before launch, taking the pump with you to top up if temperatures drop.

[Flanker1964]

Thanks Dhf.

[Dhf]

No worries Shaun, Air temp can have a huge effect, especially with black tubes,
say,if you where to leave her full pressure on the trailer on sunny day, then this could cause over pressure and burst a seam, unless you have pressure relief valves fitted of course.
The cool temp of the sea will balance temp flux whilst afloat during the daylight, you may need to top up though, if you stay afloat when evening temps drop.

[Flanker1964]

Stage 1 and 2 compleated, fully serviced RIB at West Point Marine in Cardiff and passed the VHF course last weekend.
West Point were fantastic, loads of patience and time to spare for the hundreds of questiions that I had about my new RIB.

[Flanker1964]

My next stage is the powerboat level 2 course on our rib,along with my 17 year old son and the Mrs.
There is no room for a fixed VHF on my dash (i don't think) does any have a side mounted radio they can recommend? and does anyone use apple apps to navigate if so whats the best?
I have attached a pic of the dash and the only way I can think of using a GPS system is to have a waterproof mount for my iPhone fixed on the right hand stainless steel bar. Any other suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[Poly]

What's the display in the middle? Just a sounder? Do you do a lot of fishing or diving?

How far are you planning to go? And will it be familiar waters or exploration?

[Andy C]

You can get a ‘black box’ VHF where the main body is fixed within the console and all the controls are on the mike which clips to wherever is convenient.

Downside is they tend to be more expensive than a regular fixed set.

Here’s an example:

Icom IC-M400BB Black Box VHF/DSC

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Andy C

You can get a ‘black box’ VHF where the main body is fixed within the console and all the controls are on the mike which clips to wherever is convenient.

Downside is they tend to be more expensive than a regular fixed set.

Here’s an example:

Icom IC-M400BB Black Box VHF/DSC

They are expensive, but another option is using something like the SH with a RAM mike (not all models take this so select carefully!). The "main unit" actually has a display etc and is therefore (somewhat bizarrely) cheaper. The RAM handset has all the controls you need to operate the set.

However at the budget end then I think most people would put it on one of the vertical faces - e.g. on the RHS of the console or the vertical bit below the wheel. Neither are particularly ergonomic / user friendly so depends how often you will use it (especially using it underway).

[Flanker1964]

Thanks for the advice about the VHF ,I think I will go for the black box option.
The screen in the centre is just a fish finder. I will have to check again if a dual fish finder/GPS will fit.
The only other option would be a waterproof housing for my iPhone I have seen some that bickers use on there handlebars.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Flanker1964

The only other option would be a waterproof housing for my iPhone I have seen some that bickers use on there handlebars.

iPhone is fine as a backup, but their are issues you have to worry about that are just minor inconveniences to a Biker:
- battery dead (charging risks the water tight integrity of the box)
- lost signal meaning the app stops showing maps (some do some don't)
- bright sunlight stops the screen being viewable.

So if you "NEED" a chart plotter you don't want to be relying on a phone. Hence my earlier questions.

[Ovey]

Originally Posted by Flanker1964

The screen in the centre is just a fish finder. I will have to check again if a dual fish finder/GPS will fit.

That gap looks just about right for a Raymarine a6x. I've got the a68 and it's a pretty good unit. The x will change depending on your budget/requirements but I'm fairly certain the Raymarine unit will fit in that gap. I'm not sure of any others that are small enough to fit there, but I don't profess to being an expert!

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by Flanker1964

My next stage is the powerboat level 2 course on our rib,along with my 17 year old son and the Mrs.

HI Shaun if you haven't booked your Level 2 yet I can recommend Ceri at Swansea Watersports ( I did my PWC course with him last year).

RYA Powerboat Level 2 « Swansea Watersports

I did my PB2 with TBT who were in cardiff bay some years ago course was taught by James.

Where you did you do your VHF?

[Flanker1964]

Thanks again
Im doing the powerboat 2 course on Monday/Tuesday next week with James, and Keri was my examiner for my VHF course last month-its a small world.
West point marine will be fitting my VHF after the course.