Costal Trip in 3.5m SIB

[J S]

Thanks for the advice brian . Any other suggestions ?

James

[Biggles]

JS,

I once took my little Bombard SIB to Italy with its 4 HP Mercury motor. Launched on the beach in complete ignorance of VHF, flares etc but did have a Life jacket. And this was in 1988 way before mobiles. Sailed out for a couple of hours. Waved at the local Eyties, Had to cut my anchor free when it got stuck and managed to get back to the same beach again.

The way I look at it is a SIB will never sink as long as you don't pop it and YOU can row it back to shore because its that small.

Oars/Paddles on RIBs are a bit of joke.

Get a friend to go with you on any journey. Take a VHF, take a Mobile, join Sea start, anything is possible. Take an anchor so you can stop yourself drifting whilst you sort out what your going to do next.

[J S]

Yes was planning to go with a friend so we could take turns driving etc. Have got an anchor, mobile and vhf and paddles and the rest, thanks for the advice biggles. How much fuel do you think i should take i have a 12 litre tank but do you think i should take extra. Engine is 15hp four stroke from experience that last about 8 hrs general use but on a long didtance cruise what do you think fuel consumption will be like.

James

[Brian]

Your fuel will be fine.
Anyway there is a danger that if you take another fuel tank it will only get in the way.
What do we reckon guys?
3-4 hours?

[Nos4r2]

Take a gallon extra in a can just in case. It's always better to err on the side of caution.

[J S]

What speed do you think i should cruise at. I think about 15-20 kts would be comfortable.

James

[Brian]

20 knots is quite fast.
I would have thought that 10-15 would be more reasonable.
Slow down. Enjoy the ride!
You will still do it in under 3 hours.