When is too early?

[andyhuddy]

Evening All,

After 4 painful months of waiting to get my boat out for its first sea trial, Its finally coming!

Im just wondering if I am being a bit too quick, I am getting it de-winterized this weekend, I will be taking it down to its home in Abersoch the week after that & will start to use it. ( it will be stored outside )

I know we still have freezing conditions and will by boat & engine be ok? Do you have any tips on keeping it safe from getting damage for a few weeks when it could still freeze?

Or am I being too cautious?

Any advise would be much appreciated!

Andy

[telcowilliam]

it has been nice down in wales this week but it is expected to get colder towards the end of the week, should be ok for the beginning of march though, where do you launch from at abersoch?

[andyhuddy]

Originally Posted by telcowilliam

it has been nice down in wales this week but it is expected to get colder towards the end of the week, should be ok for the beginning of march though, where do you launch from at abersoch?

Hi there,

I know looks lovely there this week! Very jealous! We have a place on the warren and launch from the beach, have a 4x4 which we use to drop in and out of the sea! Its great fun, I cant wait to get out there! Where do you launch from?

[jambo]

Andy i keep my Ribcraft outside in Argyll for years and it is fine no ill effects what so ever. I did phone Ribcraft before I started doing it to make sure I would not be doing any damage, they advise that as long as I put two covers over it it would be fine. The only thing I would advise if you have a bildge pump insulate it from the frost as I have had two cracked.. I put a flower pot filled with insulating tube over mine with an old curtain on top and its fine.
happy ribbing

[telcowilliam]

Originally Posted by andyhuddy

Hi there,

I know looks lovely there this week! Very jealous! We have a place on the warren and launch from the beach, have a 4x4 which we use to drop in and out of the sea! Its great fun, I cant wait to get out there! Where do you launch from?

I actually live in Runcorn, but I leave the rib in Ty Calch in Caernarfon, Ive got a place just outside caernarfon so spend a lot of time down there

[9D280]

And also don't forget if you have a water separating fuel filter to make sure it is empty...

One of our band was lucky and only missed a cruise because of a filter blocked by ice. Could have had a pile of bits & a petrol slick...

[tony t]

Originally Posted by jambo

I put a flower pot filled with insulating tube over mine :

Is that the same insulating tube that you use under yea kilt to

[andyhuddy]

Originally Posted by telcowilliam

I actually live in Runcorn, but I leave the rib in Ty Calch in Caernarfon, Ive got a place just outside caernarfon so spend a lot of time down there

I live in Widnes & work in Runcorn! Small world!!

[jambo]

Originally Posted by tony t

Is that the same insulating tube that you use under yea kilt to

Ah you never know what's up my kilt. But what ever it is rest assured it will be well insulated.
BTW. Allez les bleus!!
Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[Ribochet]

Im just wondering if I am being a bit too quick - NO

Will my boat & engine be ok? - YES

Or am I being too cautious? - YES

[AJ.]

I use my Rib all year but it does sit for a few weeks at a time. I always make sure when it has been used and flushed to tilt the engine up and down a couple of times which expels quite a bit of water from the leg. My thought is less water in there less chance it can freeze and crack something.

I have never done this but wrapping an old blanket around the engine might offer a little insulation.

[Petrov]

Originally Posted by Ribochet

Im just wondering if I am being a bit too quick - NO

Will my boat & engine be ok? - YES

Or am I being too cautious? - YES

Attachment 76826

Trim down the engine, otherwise the water inside the rigg will freeze.

[andyhuddy]

Thanks guys, all help is much appreciated!

10 days till' we get wet!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by andyhuddy

Thanks guys, all help is much appreciated!

10 days till' we get wet!

Go out for a blast, if your b4lls drop off, it's too cold, don't do it again

[thestig1973]

Originally Posted by andyhuddy

I live in Widnes & work in Runcorn! Small world!!

Almost neighbours (warrington)

[SimonCh]

Had mine out a few nights ago.....Piece of advice, take a pair of gloves - I didn't, and the Mrs was most smug about it with her lovely warm hands!

[neil.mccrirrick]

Just got back from Loch Lomond. On the last blast driving back to the marina the loch was frozen over. Literally breaking through the ice ribs fine no probs at all, you will be fine

[thestig1973]

I was out on Monday & Tuesday doing a PB2 at new Brighton..... Weather was cold, ok with a dry suit but feet have never been so cold

[JamesF]

Piece of advice, take a pair of gloves

Always worth having a pair with good grippy palms on board — even better if they're spray-proof. In winter, I like to carry two pairs — one for grabbing things out of the water and the other just in case it gets cold with the wet pair on.

One of our other helms has a thick, neoprene pair that look rather good. Almost gauntlet-length. I think he said they were skiing gloves.

As for too early — I was out on New Year's day. Launched through about 3ft of cold surf. It's never too early! Just waiting for the Easter weekend when it all starts up again.

[whackywoody]

Blimey, it is a small world - I live in Widnes as well!!!

Do you launch at Liverpool Sailing Club?