One small step

[Keith Hart]

Ages ago (a couple of years actually) I posted about my wish to take my SIB out to the east cardinal 'Kings Reef Buoy' in the Moray Firth. Alan Priddy replied, and others and I was encouraged to have a go and to 'push my boundaries'. Well of course I did and have since even crossed the Pentland Firth in my SIB.

Now I make the trip out to the 'Kings Reef Buoy' with no problem at all. I was out there last Saturday, on my own with just a bag of rocks (ballast) for company. My new cabin boy, Duncan, was away for a few days. There was a massive but long frequency swell. It felt like about 20 feet in height but was probably about 10 feet in reality. One minute there I was looking down on the sea, the next minute I was in a massive hole of water and couldn't even see the land!

Anyway, thanks to all who encouraged me.

Here are a couple of pictures of the said buoy, just to prove I really was there.

Regards

Keith Hart

[Daniel TD5]

great keith

it looks like you are haveing lots of fun

dan

[Andy.R]

Nice one Keith!
I understand what you mean about the "bag of rocks"! When I am depressed I still look at the video of you in your SIB at the SOC send-off in Cardiff, and when you open that throttle, you almost go vertical! Brings a smile to my face every time!
Cheers,
Andy.
z

[Keith Hart]

It's a bit sad really - no friends, just a bag of rocks. Can I please point out though, it was the boat that went vertical, not ME.

Keith (are you pleased to see me, or is that a bag of rocks?) Hart

[TQBoater]

I'm interested to know what changes you make if any to your equipment setup when you go out for a solo trip ?

As I don't know your area, what sort of range is it your covering ?

[Keith Hart]

Hi TQBoater

Not much change really, it's all a matter of weight distribution (ie. I need to balance my considerable bulk at the back with something at the front).

First of all I strap the fuel tank in at the bow. Then I strap my 80 ltr watreproof 'Nookie' kit bag in the bow alongside the tank. Next I get the SIB down to the waters edge and fill it with nice smooth rocks off the beach.

It really does make a difference to the handling of the SIB. Oh yes, the engine is trimmed right in as well.

The trip out to the buoy is about 4 miles round trip. However I may be doing about 10 or 12 miles in a trip. Not much compared with the big boys but quite a lot for a tiddler like mine.

Take a look at the attached pictures and you will see the set up.

Keith Hart

[robin]

Keith...you have probably considered this already but FWIW....I used to have a SIB (avon seasport with a marine ply floor and a mercury 25hp. It flew!)

Anyhoo....I had exactly the same problems regards trimming the boat so I got one of these (well similar anyway) tiller extension. Problem solved, made life much easier.

www.seamarknunn.co.uk/catalog/subcat535.htm
Regards
Robin

[ollyit]

cool little boat you got there keith - very clean too

[Erin]

I used to play around on a 2.7m Qucksilver. Excellent fun once I got the engine trim right. I couldn't believe what a difference one notch on the trim stop could make. Until I'd worked this out I just couldn't understand why it wouldn't get onto the plane and run level.

And so versatile as well. If it got too shallow for the engine I'd just get the oars out and start some exercise

[Naked Dave]

Originally Posted by Keith Hart

Hi TQBoater


The trip out to the buoy is about 4 miles round trip. However I may be doing about 10 or 12 miles in a trip. Not much compared with the big boys but quite a lot for a tiddler like mine.

Keith, the smaller the craft, the more adventure you have!!

There I was in the bath the other day, making waves with my 7" mamba.........oh hang on, I'm on the wrong forum!!!