Quote:
Originally Posted by Midlandman
Hi All
My name is Ben. New around here and also new ribbing
I'm lucky enough to have purchased a zodiac pro 550 2004 with a Yam 100
I have no prior knowledge about ribs but fancied a new hobby to coincide with my diving
I have a few questions
Please forgive my ignorance
Firstly about inflation
What's the best way to inflate my tubes? With air and water temperature fluctuations do I need to adjust my inflation on the water
I have been looking at a 12v auto shut off inflator that looks a good option?
Secondly
Is it better to store my rib indoors over winter or is covered outside ok?
I have my powerboat level 2 in Wales towards the end of September. I'm hoping I have the confidence after this to get out and have some fun. Anybody wanting to show a newbie around would be greatly appreciated. I can supply the beer?
Thanks
Ben
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Hi Ben
My first rib was a zodiac pro open 550. Is yours the open version ie the consell can be opened and tilted to store skis and diving gear inside?
A footpump like a bravo is probably most practical. You can get a pressure gauge but not really needed, but don't pump rock hard just firm with a bit of give. I don't believe that model had over pressure valves so I'd suggest you let a bit out when not using it. If you leave it firm on a cool day you could risk a tube failure on a hot day. With a decent sized footpump it takes no time to top up and I'd not bother with an electric pump.
Store in or outside. Obviously inside gives more protection. My boats have always been outside with covers on. Make sure it's covered to protect your tubes from the sun.
Some suggestions...
If your diving fit a ladder on the stern. I'd suggest you don't recover over the tubes as pvc is not that strong and easily damaged.
If you don't have a battery isolator fit one. I think the battery used to be in the stern locker and there is space to fit one inside.
Dont strap down to trailer over the tubes, will damage tubes and boat can bounce on trailer. On mine there was a ski pole that I could use but better would have been to fit some proper tow eyes or go over the saddle of the engine on top of the transom with rachet strap.
I had some great trips in mine in the SW, and was a good intro to ribbing. But sold as wanted jockey seats as found I was standing up most of the time and holding on! . I see newer ones now have a leaning post. If I had kept it I would have looked at putting 2 single jockeys.
Not sure where your based, but I only get to snowdonia area occasionally to walk/climb. I'm swindon area and tend to go to Devon most of the time.
If your in the torquay area some time happy to show you how to launch and recover, and look over your boat. Similarly if your in the swindon area sometime I could probably use one of the local lakes to show you.
Do spend sometime thinking about safefy, and not just life jackets, but things like battery isolator, spare kill cord and keys, fire extinguisher, GPS/compass flares, perhaps epirb, all have a role. Early trips accompanied makes a lot of sense.
Trailers need maintenance. If your not 100% sure of the state of your bearings check them. Yours may be sealed bearing that need pressing in hubs so carrying spare bearing may not help, meaning a failure can be a massive pain, unless you carry a spare hub and locking nut.
Hope some of this helps but pm any questions.
Post some boat photos
Mark
