SIB Surfing

[Rogan]

Hey JNewton,

I have 12.8ft SIB with a 40hp Nissan/Tohatsu on the back. The thing is an absolute blast to drive in the right conditions probaly only second to a ZapCat. Feels like a little rocket but I am telling you that flipping the thing is only a twist of the wrist away. You learn really fast what you can and can't do with the thing. But if you do take it out in really large stuff have a backup plan. Another boat out there to tow, friends on shore watching. Something. You can catch hudge amounts of air off really small waves. 3-4 footers should do if they are spaced and you have the speed and angle right.

Here's a short of us out.
http://checkerboardhydepark.com/WaveJumping.mov

Rogan

[JNewton]

Great Video! Thanks for reply. You're doing about what I was asking. Running and playing in medium size waves. I understand the Zapcat type boats go airborne on almost any type of wave. They have been described to me as like riding on a trampoline. Looks like you have the Futura with the speed tubes, this helps get the the hull off the water. Any experience in a traditional SIB?

[Diz Carey]

have a look at the photos in here under rnli beach training. think its on www.symages.co.uk /special events/ rnli beach trainning.

[Ed the Duck]

Originally Posted by JNewton

Great Video! Thanks for reply. You're doing about what I was asking. Running and playing in medium size waves. I understand the Zapcat type boats go airborne on almost any type of wave. They have been described to me as like riding on a trampoline. Looks like you have the Futura with the speed tubes, this helps get the the hull off the water. Any experience in a traditional SIB?

Not sure which avon SIB you have. Some of the avon's I have used in the past have been extremely capable in the surf, others seem quite flexible and seem to flop over the wave (almost to the point that you think that they may fold in half!), still good fun though.

I guess you will have to find out the capabilities for yourself, bit by bit. I would reitterate that wind is often what catches people out. SIBs tend to be very stern heavy (particularly when singlehanded) and so it is possible to get the bow very high in the air from only the smallest takeoff into a head wind. 30kts into a f4 wind gives more than enough lift to scare you silly and seveley bruise your crew on landing (ride is far softer for the helm). Make sure that engine is screwed on well!

Bow ballast (drybags filled with water are good) and engine trimming help reduce this and give you a smoother, faster ride.

I have most fun on days when wind is blowing against the prevailing wave direction (not often I admit), least fun in a wind driven short chop.

Ed