Black Balls!!

Hightower · 02 June 2011, 00:00

Does anyone display these when at anchor?

Screaming04 · 02 June 2011, 00:02

Mine are blue.

Nasher · 02 June 2011, 00:10

Hightower

Have you ever tried balancing two bowling balls on top of each other on the A frame of a RIB rolling about at Anchor.

It doesn't work I tell you, those Rag and Stick guys are having us on.

Nasher.

Hightower · 02 June 2011, 00:18

I've been reading some stories on a fishing forum about some near misses whilst at anchor. Apparently it's even required by insurance companies before they will pay out in the event of a claim.

I did have a near miss myself last year whilst drifting around the Forts Macky hunting. But a Black ball wouldn't have done anything as the WAFI was sunbathing on deck and wasn't keeping a look out

Nos4r2 · 02 June 2011, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

I've been reading some stories on a fishing forum about some near misses whilst at anchor. Apparently it's even required by insurance companies before they will pay out in the event of a claim.

I did have a near miss myself last year whilst drifting around the Forts Macky hunting. But a Black ball wouldn't have done anything as the WAFI was sunbathing on deck and wasn't keeping a look out

If you were drifting, it's not appropriate anyway

The yachtie that ran into me at Newport and tried to do a runner up the Medina with my anchor line round his rudder tried the 'no black ball' excuse.It didn't work-he paid for the damage personally (though he may have had no insurance). I suppose I should get a foldup one for fishing, but I think it's a poor excuse. Most don't have a clue what it's for and I always keep watch. I get twitchy if I see someone heading directly towards me.

Hightower · 02 June 2011, 00:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

If you were drifting, it's not appropriate anyway

At the end of the day, common sense would suggest if you're in charge of a vessel that is underway there should be a lookout posted all the time.

In practice we should all be worried

Nos4r2 · 02 June 2011, 00:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

At the end of the day, common sense would suggest if you're in charge of a vessel that is underway there should be a lookout posted all the time.

In practice we should all be worried

Yep, and yep.

A black ball is an anchor ball,not a drifting ball though as far as I'm aware (correct me if I'm wrong). I'd assume an insurance company would kick off about one being used when drifting as the boat isn't anchored.

TonyC · 02 June 2011, 01:15

I laugh and point it out to my students when I see fishing boats in the lock with their anchor ball up. Some people just drive around with it permenantly on display.

Hightower · 02 June 2011, 02:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyC

I laugh and point it out to my students when I see fishing boats in the lock with their anchor ball up. Some people just drive around with it permenantly on display.

So is there any point in displaying one the Tony?

Doug Stormforce · 02 June 2011, 07:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Hightower

Have you ever tried balancing two bowling balls on top of each other on the A frame of a RIB rolling about at Anchor.

It doesn't work I tell you, those Rag and Stick guys are having us on.

Nasher.

I would stick to one ball if you are anchor, two balls signifies you are "Not Under Command"

As far as the other comments go as to wether you really need to use it, it is part of the IRPCS. If you were ever involved in a collision, then failure to comply with the Coll. Regs could cause some apportionment of blame to come your way.

Basically the law said you must use an anchor ball when your vessel is at anchor BUT some RIB owners will be glad to know that vessels under 7 m are allowed to not use one as long as they dont anchor near a fairway, anchorage or area commonly used by other boats.

Hightower · 02 June 2011, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Stormforce

Basically the law said you must use an anchor ball when your vessel is at anchor BUT some RIB owners will be glad to know that vessels under 7 m are allowed to not use one as long as they dont anchor near a fairway, anchorage or area commonly used by other boats.

So Basicly the whole of the Solent then

boristhebold · 02 June 2011, 21:37

I was in studland bay today, weather was fab, anyway about 30 boats on anchor and no black balls anywhere. I don't think many people bother. If the thing about the insurance is correct I better put a ball up. I will prop ably look a bit daft but would rather be covered in case a head case on a jet ski goes into me while at anchor

watersidemat · 02 June 2011, 22:13

im sure a black bucket on a mopstick or mooring hook tied to the a frame would suffice.

Both useful objects with a double purpose.

Doug Stormforce · 03 June 2011, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by watersidemat

im sure a black bucket on a mopstick or mooring hook tied to the a frame would suffice.

Both useful objects with a double purpose.

An anchor ball should really be in bow. A bucket above the A frame is going to look closer to one of the other dayshapes.

While people are not going to mistake your RIB for a vessel constrained by draft, that is the message you will be sending out ( i.e. a black cylinder displayed in a prominent position,as opposed to a black ball in the fore part of the vessel).

The black ball is not that practical for a lot of RIBs and small powerboats but I have seen a few boats that have custom designed a small pole/ball solution that can be easily attached/removed from the bow.

boristhebold · 03 June 2011, 07:57

One option would be to get a black ball and stick it to the flag pole holder which is part of my A frame.

C2 RIBS · 03 June 2011, 08:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Does anyone display these when at anchor?

We carry these, fold flat and then tie to A frame or flag staff if needed
Plastimo ANCHOR BALL 30cm dia - Only £6.92 - Bosuns Locker Chandlery

PeterM · 03 June 2011, 10:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by boristhebold

I was in studland bay today, weather was fab, anyway about 30 boats on anchor and no black balls anywhere. I don't think many people bother. If the thing about the insurance is correct I better put a ball up. I will prop ably look a bit daft but would rather be covered in case a head case on a jet ski goes into me while at anchor

I thought I saw you coming back in ...I was not at all envious ...