So, size DOES matter, but what about experience? - Page 2

jwalker · 17 October 2003, 14:18

If you take the trailer as not having a draw bar, then you've got 7mts to the end of it. You can have another 3.05mts overhanging. So, from the tow hitch to the end of the rig you can have about 10mts. the maximum boat length will then depend on the boat's bow to rear of vehicle clearance.
Your Disco is less than 5mts long, so the maximum train length is not a problem.

simmons0 · 17 October 2003, 14:30

well i think the extract i posted from sb and r magazine is missleading then. Saying that though your not going to want a police escort everytime you tow your boat around the country.

gingercoastie · 17 October 2003, 15:03

Quote:

your not going to want a police escort everytime you tow your boat

You haven't seen the way I drive.

chrisallse · 17 October 2003, 15:26

to give you some idea the attached is a picture of my boat (note the standard parking bay) my boat is only 6.4 mtrs long. although you may be able to tow a longer boat you should also consider access problems. a lot of slips are in tight places. you can see the problem of even stopping at a hotel for the night. i have fitted a front tow ball and that is really handy if you are in a tight spot as it is much easier to push a boat around as the steering wheels are much closer to the hitch.(like an artic)

chrisallse · 17 October 2003, 15:26

sorry pic didnt work

simmons0 · 17 October 2003, 15:50

nice boat

anyway, you can see what problems you will have towing an 8 metre boat.

Its more a decision of 6m ish boat to tow around or 8 metre boat and a berth in a harbour. I would go for the latter, after all with an 8 meter boat you can drive it anywhere around the country or pay a specialist towing company if you really need it transported by road.

John Kennett · 17 October 2003, 16:04

Given a half decent tow vehicle then a 7.5 metre RIB is no problem to tow.

I easily towed a 7.4 m Ribtec (with a diesel inboard) from the south coast to Scotland behind a Mercedes 307 van. It was a bit slow, as it's a gutless van, but a large 4x4 would make it very easy.

The difference in comfort at sea between a 6 metre RIB and a 7.5 metre RIB is massive. If you can afford the larger RIB, then I'd suggest you go for it. Otherwise you'll buy a 6m boat now, and be looking for a bigger one in a few months time . . .

John

gingercoastie · 17 October 2003, 16:17

Quote:

Otherwise you'll buy a 6m boat now, and be looking for a bigger one in a few months time . . .

How did you know?

DGR · 17 October 2003, 16:40

Just when I thought I was getting somewhere on a decision about the boat.... who would have thought trailers would be such a nightmare!!

chrisallse · 17 October 2003, 19:09

something else to think about is launching, i have to launch on my own then park up the trailer. i dont think i would like to do that with a rib that is much bigger than the one i have.

John Kennett · 17 October 2003, 19:50

Launching single handed is not difficult in good conditions: decent slipway, somewhere to moor the boat while you park the trailer, and no queues of people getting pissed off while you block the slipway!

Recovering takes a bit more practise, but providing your trailer is set up right for the boat, and you get it the right depth into the water, it can be quite simple.

If you're doing it right, then it's not more difficult in a larger RIB. In fact with the extra weight and stability it may even be easier.

It can be very satisfying and looks really cool when you get it right, but there is plenty of scope for getting it all wrong too

John

chrisallse · 17 October 2003, 21:36

The biggest problem i have is what to do with the boat while i park up or fetch the trailer. its fine if you have somewhere to tie up to but not so good when you dont...any tips?

John Kennett · 17 October 2003, 22:25

Find a different slipway! May sound like a flip answer, but it's the best option if you can manage it.

Otherwise your options are anchor off and swim in, or beach the boat. Neither of which I would particularly recommend . . .

Alternatively you could always make some friends to take boating with you

John

Richard B · 17 October 2003, 22:29

Or invest in a SIB!

Alex Brown · 17 October 2003, 23:21

You could use the sib as a tender to the rib

(sorry Keith - I really didn't mean it like that!!).....

I had thought earlier this year about getting one of those 2 person inflatables that doesn't have transom for engine or anything special, but just enough to use to row ashore with if the rib is out at anchor or during launch and retrieval sessions and can be blown up on 12volt electrics in a few mins. I knew that having the cigarette lighter socket on the boat would come in handy one day for something other than the search light and portable fridge

Unfortunately, my Dad's beach dinghy wasn't upto much, and with one person in it, it became a submersible..... so it has to be a larger toy really.

-Alex

DGR · 21 October 2003, 18:21

Or find a mate with a crane......

Wavelength - I tried to PM you, but it says your mailbox is full!!

Thanks for the offer - once I've sorted out my cold(er) weather gear, I'll take you up on it!!

I've done my PB1&2, and I intend to do my APB as soon as I feel that I know enough about operating RIBs (hopefully my own!!). Some centres do an Intermediate (non-certificate) course which you can do before APB - is that what the Wavelength Coastal Endorsement course does?

Although the teaching at the centre we used was very good, I got the impression that it would be difficult to fail the course - although we had a good group with all having some experience on the water including 2 Yachtmasters as students!! - so I may be being grossly unfair. However, I would rather do the rest of my training somewhere which was (a) more RIB oriented, and (b) left me feeling that I was learning more!!

Both Nicky (the wife) and I passed the course, but on balance, still don't feel we know enough to head-off into the wide blue yonder with any sort of confidence, never mind launching/recovering, towing big RIBs, buying stuff, etc !!

Cheers...

Dylan...

simmons0 · 23 October 2003, 15:18

amused knowledge at the start of PB lvl 2 in none so it really is hard to fail, and i dont think anyone in history has ever failed a PB lvl 1.

send off for your ICC, you are entiltled to have one after doing the lvl 2. And see if your insurance company will give you any discount now, mine did.

DGR · 23 October 2003, 15:48

Good point - well made!! I suppose the only way to get all of the other bits and pieces (and confidence in my new found skills) etc is to just get out there and do it.

Right then, where did I put my chequebook.........

PeterL · 23 October 2003, 17:02

Max towing length is quoted to be 18.75........ overall ( some exceptions, (fair ground combinations etc)

Articulated lorry trailers are normally 13.5m, so I think we should all be ok with 8 - 9 metres ribs.

Personally, tow what you are happy with. Nose weight is the critical factor and only go at a speed that you want to...

What ever you buy, i am sure you will want to go large at a later date....

DGR · 24 October 2003, 09:42

Which is why I'm seriously considering going large to start with......

Dylan...