Dear all: I’m the (proud) owner of two Achilles inflatables from the 90s.
I’m tempted to switch to a small RIB, with a console. Found several second hand Pischel Bolero from ‘90s and 00s - I noticed 2 types of wheel commands, don’t really understand what’s the difference.
I noticed that there are 2 main types of wheel-comand:
- a «*classic*» central console, attached to the floor;
- a single metal bar attached to the floor with the wheel directly on it and power stick on the right.
Does anyone have experience with those and can explain the pros & cons pls?
More generally, does anyone have experience with older Conrad Pischel or Pischel Bolero RIBs, between 3.4-4.3m long? I’m looking currently at a Pischel 3.7m with 25hp.
Massive thanks for all feedback!
I don't have experience with the specific boats or configurations you are looking at. As you say the first option is by far the most common - a "pod" of some sort is glued/bolted to the floor and had the wheel, and also usually some useful storage and places for electronics. Obviously you lose some deck space. For boats with a permanent installation, this is really the norm and works well on small RIBS with a jockey seat (the type you ride like a horse with one leg either side). The jockey seat may be a separate pod, or on smaller boats is often part of the same moulding at the steering console. Jockey seats are generally regarded as better in rough conditions but some people (especially older people with mobility issues or young families) prefect a traditional seat.
I've never seen the specific bar that you posted, but bars are quote common on SIBs where there isn't a suitable floor to bolt to and/or where you might want to remove it to pack the boat up. I've never seen one that looked like it would be solid if you were holding on in big waves. This is just a personal opinion (and I'll be honest its based on aesthetics rather than practical experience) if the only option is tiller steer or wheel steering on a bar - I'd probably go with tiller steering. However everyone uses their boats for different things so it might suit you. I'd be concerned about the "triangular" piece of metal on the starboard side of that image - it looks to me like it you fell against it you could do yourself an injury.
Hi Poly, thanks a lot for your views. I had the same doubts as you as regards the durability of the system, but using already a tiller steer, I think the wheel steering has some advantages in terms of comfort on longer trips, so I’m willing to consider a change
If anyone has some practical experience on whether such steering+Seat combo is convenient & robust, pla let me know.
All the best.
