Ribbing in a Flotilla - Page 2

chris.moody · 23 May 2013, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

Do you lot think I've been too harsh in ruling out shenanigans ?

Next you will be saying we cannot jump waves

Joking aside, I think it is a very good FAQ on Powerboating in company.

Pikey Dave · 23 May 2013, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

Do you lot think I've been too harsh in ruling out shenanigans ?

I s'pose this is out then

PS before anyone mentions the VHF antenna, I know, 'taint mine

9D280 · 23 May 2013, 08:46

I;d certainly +1 the "look 360 24/7" comment on board. No matter how fast you think you are, there will always be someone faster who will have sneaked up behind you just as you decide to turn across their bows.....

The "Wake Iron" is a very interesting debate. I will admint I have done it myself in the days when I had an SR4 and it was the only way to keep up, which brings us back to sticking together / buddy groups.

Other couple of observations based on recent experiences-

Once you have picked a VHF channel - make sure the volume on your radio is up enough to hear it
Once you have mustered, make sure you fully under stand what was said / hand signalled boat to boat as you shouted across 50 yards of water.....
If you find your most comfortable speed for the sea conditions is faster than your cruise buddies, stop every so often & let them catch up.

PeterM · 23 May 2013, 09:15

I'd echo what has been said - drive your own boat to its ability and your own course.

And always look around before you make any change of course/ speed.

Driving in close proximity to other boats can be mentally hard work - as you get closer it gets much much harder especially at any speed.

chris.moody · 23 May 2013, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

I'd echo what has been said - drive your own boat to its ability and your own course.

And always look around before you make any change of course/ speed.

Driving in close proximity to other boats can be mentally hard work - as you get closer it gets much much harder especially at any speed.

+1

When I am out with just two ribs running together it is hard work especially for the rib in front. You have to look back every few seconds to make sure you know exactly where the other rib is and what speed it's doing, along with being aware of all the other boats on the water, and checking on the crew behind you. Things happen far quicker than you think they will at planning speeds.

With potentially 40 + ribs it's going to be very hard work keeping an adequate lookout. It's going to be a very enjoyable, but very tiring day

AJ. · 23 May 2013, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I s'pose this is out then

PS before anyone mentions the VHF antenna, I know, 'taint mine

The VHF doesn't bother me but the chap with his drysuit at half mast hanging out of the RIB does, heard too many sad stories of divers doing this falling in and drysuits filling up with water and dragging them under.

Great pic though

harryesd · 23 May 2013, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ.

The VHF doesn't bother me but the chap with his drysuit at half mast hanging out of the RIB does, heard too many sad stories of divers doing this falling in and drysuits filling up with water and dragging them under.

Great pic though

That will be the same one thats not wearing the kill cord then ?

willk · 23 May 2013, 11:09

As a diver myself, I have to say that there is a certain element among us that appear to have more than a little touch of Lemming DNA

I think it has to do with the huge (but controlled) risks of diving. The surface just seems like such as safe place by comparison.

whisper · 23 May 2013, 11:29

A couple of stories for you....

Heard about a guy who jumped in off a pontoon wearing a drysuit with the zip accords the shoulders open. Apparently he had a lucky escape and was pulled out by people on the pontoon.

A guy on a cruise came to a complete stop and the hard boat following him wasn't watching where he was going nearly ran over the top him.

willk · 23 May 2013, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

A guy on a cruise came to a complete stop and the hard boat following him wasn't watching where he was going nearly ran over the top him.

Ask yourself how many times you've been on a RIB that made a crash stop. It happens - helm accidentally takes too much throttle off, killcord gets pulled, prop gets snagged, boat stuffs. The following craft is gonna drill in. I've had a couple of scares...

9D280 · 23 May 2013, 13:14

Yep, Experienced all of the above...... (thankfully in open water)

One time in the dim & distant the bloke on the Yacht I was towing (at about 6 knots) didn't notice the gentle gust of wind, and went from a good 20M behind to on top of us in a matter of seconds - catching my transom (near miss - a foot to the right & he'd have been on top off us) & spinning me round I was dragged backwards by his momentum until his crew un- cleated me. (by this point we were both perched on the bow of the rib to try & keep the transom as far up as possible & cwondering why we didn't step aboard the yacht on it's way past!)

I now have a remote release rope / snap shackle arrangement on my tow bridle!

Slight tangent to the thread, but illustrates the "boat behind" point nicely. - and never assume anything!

Nos4r2 · 23 May 2013, 13:42

One of my personal bugbears is when people get so close that I can't do a crash stop or emergency course change if I see something in the water in either direction without going over them.

Ask yourself this. If I hit something or hook and the boat changes course suddenly, am I going to go over the top of the nearest boat?

gotchiguy · 23 May 2013, 13:53

So presumably this contravenes all the rules! Watch from 1.45 then see how close the Redbay 11m has suddenly got at 2:17

Route du Rhum compilation - YouTube

Into The Blue · 23 May 2013, 14:00

Geek alert!

If we get 40 plus ribs on the water and run at 25 knots, with a 10 second gap between boats, line astern we'd stretch almost 4 miles.

Running 4 abreast we'll still be almost a mile long.
This is going to take a great deal of care and everyone focussing.

We might even have to think about running order. With big boats at the front there is going to be one hell of a lot of wake for the little guys to plough through if they run behind.

And if the latest forecast of F3/4 winds its going to be interesting

whisper · 23 May 2013, 15:22

What about staggering the start? Say 3-4 boats at a time with a good gap between them and the next group?

PeterM · 23 May 2013, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

What about staggering the start? Say 3-4 boats at a time with a good gap between them and the next group?

I'm sure everyone will sort themselves out. We had what 30? round Anglesey without too much drama. ....

AJ. · 23 May 2013, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by whisper

What about staggering the start? Say 3-4 boats at a time with a good gap between them and the next group?

Hmmm I am free spirit dude!

matt h · 23 May 2013, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

Good advice Whisper,
As as RIB cruise novice, it sounds eminently sensible.
I'd add one more thing - don't push yourself / boat to keep up, helm within your boat's - and your capabilities, don't feel pressured.

Ok i wont, So Whisper dont make me Jump waves ok?

matt h · 23 May 2013, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I s'pose this is out then

PS before anyone mentions the VHF antenna, I know, 'taint mine

Ha Ha Ha

PeterM · 23 May 2013, 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

Ok i wont, So Whisper dont make me Jump waves ok?

He won't see. .he'll be texting...