Introduction

[Blue Man]

Hi everyone. I just bought my first new (to me) RIB! I got a 1996 Nautica 18' Deluxe. (I paid the deposit but am waiting to pick up the boat until the upholstery gets redone through the seller's contact.) I bought an outboard for it already but the boat is going to need some TLC. I understand the seems need some work and I'll need to get the motor configured, install electronics, et cetera.

I'm a little nervous because I don't have any experience with boats but I'm sure I'll figure things out. I plan to use it for diving - going back and forth to Catalina and the Channel Islands by the way.

Anyway, I'm super excited and I plan to use this forum a lot!

[jyasaki]

Hi, Blue Man;

Welcome to the forum. Get some experience under your belt before trying the CI's; the crossing can get pretty brutal. Better yet, hook up with one of the guys who make that run and tag along a few times. Two boats are usually better than one in case problems arise.

jky

[Blue Man]

Yeah, I definitely will do that. I plan to get comfortable with making runs to PV before going to the islands. I'll also try to hook up with another boat when I'm ready to try an island run. Thanks for the advice.

Before any of that, I have to get my boat and get everything set up.

[tworotorturbo]

Welcome. Thats a good deal you got on that Rib, I was thinking about picking it up. Make sure you post plenty of pics!

[Peter_C]

Welcome to Rib.net

The channel crossing can be VERY rough, or it can be calm and filled with life along the way. A PLB would be good to carry both for diving and attached to your lifejacket during the crossing. ACR Resqlink+ fits in a canister that can get attached to your BC.

My friend makes the crossing in his C-Dory fairly often, but will leave at dawn and chooses his days wisely. I wish I could go diving there more, as it is spectacular.

[Blue Man]

Thanks for the advice and great idea on the PLB!

I'll post pictures once I get the motor set up and have it looking nice.