Some rambling thoughts about RIB cruises . . .

[Swifty]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

£30 doesn't buy a lot of organising and personal attention,

Interesting points, but if I can just add, my annual subscription to the Pathfinder Power Boat Club was... yep you've guessed it- £30.00 for a year.

www.ppc.org.uk

Tim'mers.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by jwalker

You obvioiusly earn more money per hour that I ever did.

SO £100 a boat may be a bit over the top -- I was just picking numbers out of the air really. Still, with four people on board that's only £25 each.

How much would be reasonable then? It would need to include a minimum of:

1 x coded RIB with fuel for a day
2 x experienced crew
Some sort of professional indemnity insurance
Planning, preparation, paperwork

To provide real value, the people leading the event should have a broad range of experience and the ability to coach people to build their skill and confidence. Just being a Level II PBI or having a commercially endorsed powerboat certificate wouldn't be enough on its own.

People could either pay a per boat price, or block book a whole day at a set price and arrange other boats to come with them up to an agreed maximum.

John

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Swifty

Interesting points, but if I can just add, my annual subscription to the Pathfinder Power Boat Club was... yep you've guessed it- £30.00 for a year.

Indeed, and I mentioned Pathfinder in the original post. However there's a difference between paying to join a club that is run by members for members, and paying for a professional service.

Pathfinder seem to be doing well these day, but my experience of them some years ago wasn't particularly good. They were so tied up with formal plans, endless briefings, committees and rules that it seemed to actually discourage people from taking any initiative by making everything seem much more complicated and difficult than it really is!

Out of interest, do you know if their event organisers are covered by any sort of insurance?

John

[Swifty]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

They were so tied up with formal plans, endless briefings, committees and rules that it seemed to actually discourage people from taking any initiative by making everything seem much more complicated and difficult than it really is!

Out of interest, do you know if their event organisers are covered by any sort of insurance?

John

I cannot comment if they have indemnity insurance or not as I have not had this confirmed in writing (or if I have it got 'filed') and I would hate to misslead someone and be sued for it!, but I would guess all the briefings, committee's and rules are there to ensure any cover remains!

I believe its finding a balance between well organised but insured and well travelled but not insured.

Tim'mers.

[<-Dragonfly->]

Originally Posted by Swifty

I cannot comment if they have indemnity insurance or not as I have not had this confirmed in writing (or if I have it got 'filed') and I would hate to misslead someone and be sued for it!, but I would guess all the briefings, committee's and rules are there to ensure any cover remains!

I believe its finding a balance between well organised but insured and well travelled but not insured.

Tim'mers.

Pathfinder Powerboat Club does have in place an insurance policy for events and those doing the organising. Such a policy you will appreciate dictates that a certain amount of detailed planning and documentation is required. most of which is common sence.

Rob
Pathfinder Powerboat Club

[Swifty]

Cheers Rob,

Didn't want to misslead anyone. Are you around for the run to Woodbridge this weekend?

If so I will see you there.

Tim'mers.

[<-Dragonfly->]

afraid not Tim I will be trolling up and down Southampton water again prop testing and running in...

[Aging Youth]

Hi to John and all other fellow Ribsters,

When I first found Ribnet, not only was I made to feel extremely welcome but people offerd to show me the ropes by travelling/escorting myself around the Solent; in my own boat or theirs thus building on my knowledge and experience.

Once I had got a taste of ribbing I then wanted to venture further, again in the company of others. This lead to trips down the West Country, trips across the Channel and even further afield.

I then started to get involved in organising event's for everyone to enjoy, this is were the real difficulties lie (Time, Costs, Logistics & Peoples expectations) which all differ greatly. You WILL NOT please all the people all the time.

I am not adverse to trying to liase a gathering; be it to an organised show or just a gathering of friends to enjoy the scenery and a pint or two. I would even be willing to show people around the local Solent Area with the vast history that goes with it.

I do not wish to join a "Club" and pay an annual fee. I will pay for my own enjoyment as part of my hobby. I am not looking to blame others if things go wrong nor seeking to make a proffit from someone seeking help or advice.

I think you have a good varety of gatherings and long may it continue. Please keep up the good work you do for Ribnet.

Many thanks

Kevin.