New Dublin member

[Markush]

I have joined with a hope of finding out more about the Rib network in the British Isles, with an emphasis on Ireland, Dublin (dun Laoghaire) in particular.

I am about to buy a boat for next season, I'm not sure what to buy yet but would like to get something that is very seaworthy for cruising around the British Isles including UK North west and south coasts including Hebrides, Irish total coastline. I have a mixed family, some love the idea of this type of cruising and some would rather stay on land. I will need advice on this but I think I will need two engines, as if I have the more nervous family on-board I want nothing to ever scare them.
I would like to be able to trailer the boat I have a medium sized 4 wheel drive 2 liter diesel so this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I'll do the level 2 course again in the next few weeks, (I did it about 10 years ago but never used it so have forgotten most of what I learned.) The plan would be to then do the coastal skipper (motor) afterwards.

All Comments and suggestions welcome, I'm sure that I'll have loads to think about in the coming months.

[philtrick]

Welcome!


I'm local to you, and it is a great part of the world for motoring or sailing.


I think that your assumption on 2 engines is correct, both from a peace of mind point of view and for maneuverability.


I would also strongly suggest getting something with some shelter, as it can get cold quickly, as well as the extra exposure at sea.


There is plenty within striking distance from Dun Laoghaire, such as Killiney bay and Dalkey Island, which are short trips, but for sightseeing can't be beaten from the water. Howth is great too, (it is quicker by boat alot of the time), but can catch a person out weather and tide wise.



My suggestion before you buy is to maybe try a boat or rent one for a small trip in the bay with family members to see how that goes?


Also, I would highly recommend a VHF course, and once you have your Coastal Skipper make sure you have the ICC endorsement so you can rent a boat as well when abroad.



Good luck!


Phil

[Markush]

Thanks Phil
I am doing the Powerboat course again so will feel comfortable once done I’m sure. My daughter has asked to accompany me for the course so it should be fun. My son wanted to do it too but will be away the weekend I’m sitting it. I’ll probably rent a boat once the weather improves in order to be more prepared before I take out the family.

[Ajsimp]

Hi,
I keep a rib in the marina in Dunlaoghaire, it’s great! Trips to malahide, Wicklow and wales are easy! I use it a few times a week and everyone loves it. Don’t wait for weather to improve before renting, do it now so you get experience. My brother bought a Bayliner in August and hasn’t felt ready to take his kids out on trips yet so it’s a season wasted for him!

[Last Tango]

Something to ponder.........


A twin engine'd RIB would typically (not exclusively) be 7mtr+ and would come in at over two tons including the trailer. Borderline and maybe OTT for a "mid sized" 2ltr 4x4.
I'd check your manufacturer's specs.
6.5mtr would do what you're talking about (once you've built up a bit of experience) and probably come within the towing spec of your car but there aren't many 6.5s with twins. More likely main +aux.
I've done the trip from Dublin. (Skerries) to Dumbarton and I certainly got a "buzz" from that but even locally there's so much up that east coast of Ireland that'll keep you occupied for a long time.

Enjoy.

[Markush]

What boat did you do that trip in and how long did it take there and back?

[Markush]

How big is your Rib? Are there any groups cruising together in Dublin?

[Markush]

Originally Posted by Ajsimp

Hi,
I keep a rib in the marina in Dunlaoghaire, it’s great! Trips to malahide, Wicklow and wales are easy! I use it a few times a week and everyone loves it. Don’t wait for weather to improve before renting, do it now so you get experience. My brother bought a Bayliner in August and hasn’t felt ready to take his kids out on trips yet so it’s a season wasted for him!

How big is your rib? What do you need for crossing the Irish sea safely? Are there any cruising groups in the bay?

[Ajsimp]

Originally Posted by Markush

How big is your rib? What do you need for crossing the Irish sea safely? Are there any cruising groups in the bay?

It’s a 8.5m ceasar rib. There cruising groups but they are based in the motor yacht club on the west pier. The boat is pretty well equipped so all I needed was life jackets, back up vhf and full tanks of fuel!

[Last Tango]

Originally Posted by Markush

What boat did you do that trip in and how long did it take there and back?

That trip was done in an "Offshore 27" but if anything it would have been better and much faster in my current 6.5 RIB which I've take to Ireland twice. Bangor (Belfast) and Rathlin and Ballycastle......
Vid...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5AVpSWmFsg