Um ... I can't find this in the FAQ

redhed · 16 August 2011, 10:10

It's probably there somewhere and I can't see it for looking. In which case, apologies. But what I am looking for is a list of all the things you need to get/do/buy in order to start up with a RIB if you are coming to it from scratch. So far I have come up with...

A RIB (!) inc road trailer and outboard
RYA L II (got that)
Boat insurance
VHF radio
VHF certificate (got that)
VHF licence
GPS
Charts of local area
VHF contact for local ports
Tide tables
A paddle
Kill cord
A keyring that floats
Bouyancy/life vests for everyone, plus a couple of spares for friends
Waterproofs & wellies for everyone
flares, first aid kit, waterproof jobbie to put them in
At least one decent line probably 2
Anchor and cable/chain
Random bits of shockcord, they seem to be the nautical equivalent of gaffer tape
web addresses for local wind/tide forecasts
somewhere to launch/recover from, fees paid up in advance if appropriate

Any advance on that little lot?

Bern Hanreck · 16 August 2011, 11:42

You are well on the way with that list . Keep searching cos I know there are threads with almost definitive lists .

Have you got appropriate experience ( different to qualifications ) for what you intend to undertake ?

What about a sharp ( not pointed ) knife for when that stray crab pot wraps itself round your prop ?

Have you considered flares or a PLB etc ?

Neil R · 16 August 2011, 12:25

I find the trailer much more troublesome to keep going than the RIB. After 10 years experience of things breaking, here's what I take on any longer trip:

Spare wheel
Trolley or bottle jack & wooden raiser blocks.
Decent wrench and sockets for wheel and hub nuts, and other misc spanners etc.
Spare winch strap.
Ropes to recover trailer from e.g. shallow beach launches.
Spare brake cable.
Spare hub and bearings.
Spare rubber roller (the only thing I've not yet had to use ...).
Grease & grease gun.

Spare prop (and tools to fit) also carried by many.

lakelandterrier · 16 August 2011, 13:10

Depends on on size of RIb & what you're planning to do - river /estuary / inshore /offshore etc
Good start. I'd add

Navigation lights
Headtorch
toolkit & appropriate spares - fuses/ spark plugs etc
Spare kill cord - easily accessible by others
Water / high energy food / sweets for emergency

LT

GaryC · 16 August 2011, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil R

I find the trailer much more troublesome to keep going than the RIB. After 10 years experience of things breaking, here's what I take on any longer trip:

I would agree with that and add that anyone towing a boat should practice removing the wheel and then the appropraite bearings. And making sure that they have ALL the relevant tools to sort out the job. (like a big punch etc). If your bearing goes then it is not the best time to learn when you break down on the M6 at night and in the rain.

Gary

Channel Ribs · 16 August 2011, 13:29

Welcome

It looks like you are making a good start, a pretty comprehensive list that includes some stuff that a few people might not think of. Doing the PB2 helps with this, as you no doubt found, seeing what instructors have on board is always great.

redhed · 16 August 2011, 13:50

Thanks folks!

I had gathered that towing was going to be, er, interesting... By and large, we won't be going very far: we're getting a teeny little RIB for pottering about the coast here on Anglesey; at least to start with we'll do short trips and keep it garaged and of course the boat itself will be light so hopefully the trailer won't be breaking down every five minutes, we're unlikely to ever tow it for more than half an hour. But agree I (well we, DH is a lot stronger than me!) need to get our heads around fixing the most likely trailer breakdowns.

I've managed to do the PB2 locally in the Menai Straits which was a big help, particularly going through the Swellies a few times - not something I'd like to do cold. I've no idea about the Holyhead/Trearddur end, though I guess at least the rocks don't move about like the sandbanks do.

Puffin · 16 August 2011, 13:54

Pretty comprehensive list you have there, only thing I would add is a pair of binoculars, useful for wildlife and occasionally for navigation (especially ones with built in compass).

I would also add the word waterproof to the charts, paper ones last no time on a RIB, Imray do quite good waterproof ones, they are not as good as the admiralty ones for passage planning so I still keep a paper set at home for passage planning and then use the waterproof ones out on the boat. A waterproof rucksack is also usefull , try on of these.

We also bought a little Olympus waterproof camera this summer that has been great fun, even use it underwater.

kawasaki · 16 August 2011, 13:56

Couple of thoughts and bits to add
A throwing line and or lifebouy or fender attached to a throwing line
Spare fuel can and funnel or 'jiggle pipe'
Spare oil
Spare plug or plugs + tool to extract!
Pump (air)
Pump (bilge if She stays in a Marina or on a mooring)
You probably know- But I reckon the slip at Menai is the best in the area.
Easytide for tide times
Winguru
Great site for Anglesey ref wind speed and direction
Pinpoints Rhosneigr and Red Wharf bay!
Try and go with someone who knows the Strait (and Swellies) at low water, best time to get to know the best playground around!!!

kawasaki · 16 August 2011, 13:59

Ha! you beat me to it almost!
Caernarfon bar has 'moved' of late!
Yep, the rocks and stuff don't move like yer say
The top end of Anglesey can be frought with overfalls
Best to stick to the Strait at first, especially as you have sampled it
Plus it's relatively sheltered
If its blowin from the East 'Go West Young Man'!
And vice versa

Oh yeh, there is a good Pilot book 'Cruising Anglesey' and a set of 'Admiralty Tough Charts' which covers the area and aint too big fer a small boat

redhed · 16 August 2011, 14:21

All good info, thanks.

Kawasaki, is that the tough chart SC5910, and does it cover the same area as the separate 5910 series I've seen on the course? I was thinking of getting those, scanning them in and then reprinting and laminating. (Pretty much anything that stays still too long in our house gets laminated, lol). But this sounds like a better plan.

jezza2011 · 16 August 2011, 17:28

hi You can get your VHF ships license online.

Ofcom | Ship

go to online license , register and your away there

ribber · 16 August 2011, 17:45

.......and don't forget these Men's Buxton Swim Short from Crew Clothing

Poly · 16 August 2011, 18:42

How big is the boat you are thinking of getting. Willk had a "what can I squeeze in a SIB" thread recently - worth a read - because if he can fit it so can you. I didn't notice any bucket/bailer type options there (can also be made into an improvised "drogue"/"sea anchor")

Unless you are looking at the smallest of ribs then an auxilliary engine definitely worth considering, as well as both fixed and handheld radios... if you want to cover all eventualities.

Poly · 16 August 2011, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil R

I find the trailer much more troublesome to keep going than the RIB. After 10 years experience of things breaking, here's what I take on any longer trip:

Spare wheel
Trolley or bottle jack & wooden raiser blocks.
Decent wrench and sockets for wheel and hub nuts, and other misc spanners etc.
Spare winch strap.
Ropes to recover trailer from e.g. shallow beach launches.
Spare brake cable.
Spare hub and bearings.
Spare rubber roller (the only thing I've not yet had to use ...).
Grease & grease gun.

Spare prop (and tools to fit) also carried by many.

That's good advice. Spare bulbs for trailer lights.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryC

I would agree with that and add that anyone towing a boat should practice removing the wheel and then the appropraite bearings. And making sure that they have ALL the relevant tools to sort out the job. (like a big punch etc). If your bearing goes then it is not the best time to learn when you break down on the M6 at night and in the rain.

Gary

Whilst your not wrong - the M6 in the dark and rain is not really the best place to repair a trailer and the best plan would be to call the AA/RAC and have the trailer recovered to a place of safety before attempting to fix. If you have spare bits you'll also find that most of these guys will be able to help replace it - which makes the hub/bearings and spare wheel the priority for that list. [of course actually prevention is better than cure which is why your advice is good - because if you know how to remove/inspect/service/replace you are more likely to do so before it falls off.

Newbie advice - check your breakdown cover will come out to the trailer.

HUMBER P4VWL · 16 August 2011, 20:09

Tough charts are absolutely brilliant for the area when on a small rib, I can't recommend them enough. I love them for around Anglesey and the Llyn peninsula. They are only available for a few heavily used places in the UK, we are lucky to have them!!

Traditional Charts are almost useless when travelling around at speed in the rain/spray. Great for planning on shore etc but on board. aaaaaaaagh.