150 Miles in a 9m Ribcraft.... - Page 2

Jon Brooks · 02 November 2007, 07:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by timw

Broadcasting your views and insulting a police officer isn't going to do you any favours if you come up to London in that boat again.

Every stop is logged and recorded, and I happen to know that certain officers of the close knit River Police unit (who drive their RIBS) read this forum regularly, and will almost certainly pass on your views to his colleague on the Targa that day.

Good luck on your next trip up, you may well be detained a little longer.

What a Croc of S***!!!!!!!

My cousin is a diver on the unit and before that was a boat drive and crew.
He has been there many years.
When we were stopped I asked if he was working and the copper said "WHO, never heard of him mate" close knit my arse.

And Tim I would have to say grow up!!!!
Running and telling tales is all very grown up in my book!
Its a free country and everyone has the right to express their views, good or bad.

All IMHO of course!

HoveRuss · 02 November 2007, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by timw

Broadcasting your views and insulting a police officer isn't going to do you any favours if you come up to London in that boat again.

Every stop is logged and recorded, and I happen to know that certain officers of the close knit River Police unit (who drive their RIBS) read this forum regularly, and will almost certainly pass on your views to his colleague on the Targa that day.

Good luck on your next trip up, you may well be detained a little longer.

Cock.

timw · 02 November 2007, 09:58

...a doodle do.

HoveRuss · 02 November 2007, 11:03

If you're bored and want to kill 5 minutes....

www.russpullen.com/mickidbl

JIY · 02 November 2007, 11:24

Superb video Russ, excellent quality, many thanks for posting the link. For me, this is what ribbing is all about, a fabulous day out with great scenery and good company. Believe it or not, it is remarkably similar to trips up the Clyde to Glasgow City Centre (although there's a lot more river traffic!).

We occasionally get stopped by the MOD police, especially if we head up towards the Gair Loch, where the Trident subs (and others) operate from. Being stopped is not a problem, and can often add a little excitement for the passengers, but the police are always very courteous and that makes all the difference.

I've been admiring the photos of Jon's Ribcraft for a while and have to agree that it looks like a beautiful boat. I look forward to seeing more of her exploits on Ribnet!

Jim

simmons0 · 02 November 2007, 12:02

Great photo's mate, like it!
H

philb · 02 November 2007, 12:40

Great watching guys, you have inspired me to organsie a trip early spring 08, Solent to Ramsgate, up the Thames and return, allowing 4 days. What would our options be to overnight along the Thames, secure moorings etc, did any other options turn up for Fuel, Petrol. Welcome any top tips from those who have done this one already or have any further info to pass on.
Thanks
Phil

J S · 02 November 2007, 12:45

That video/photo compilation was awsome thanks.

James

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoveRuss

If you're bored and want to kill 5 minutes....

www.russpullen.com/mickidbl

Bern Hanreck · 02 November 2007, 13:52

There are several Marinas that I'm sure could accommodate you . St.Katherine's immediately adjacent to Tower Bridge is probably the most scenic & central . There are also marinas at Limehouse and Galleon's Reach ( Woolwich ) . Do a few searches and always phone ahead for a definite booking !
None of these Marinas sell petrol . Diesel is available on the river .Most folk might consider refuelling at Chatham or Gillingham on the Medway on the way up or back . Otherwise you will have to carry fuel containers and visit local garages ( agro! ).
There's no speed limit until Wandsworth Bridge ( but use your loaf around house boats, canal boats and anyone working on the river . If you rock 'em they will complain and you'll probably get a rollickin - fair enough ) . After Wandsworth it 8 knots ( or less if the rowers are about ) and on a nice day perhaps you'll fancy going all the way to Teddington . In periods of low rainfall , they can put a weir across at Richmond and you have to lock past . Ask on here just before you go , or check the Notices to Mariners. Past Teddington , different rules apply , but I'm not the one to answer those .

mudmatt · 02 November 2007, 14:10

Superb video well done, best view of London is from the river as far as i'm concerned!

HoveRuss · 02 November 2007, 14:30

Few more of Micki Dee Bee, one day the sun will shine!

St Katherines is only about £30 for the night i believe.

Fuel really is an issue, we considered Queenborough on Sheppey as a refueling point - at high tide i'm pretty sure you can get right up the creek to the garage.

Whitsatble harbour is an option, tho its a car ride away to fill cans.

I'm sure there's plenty of folks on here would be able to contribute with info.

Definitely up for that trip Phil, as Nelson would be too (handy lifeboat connection!

) Seeing Jon & Nelly tonight and we'll kick some ideas around. Would be happy to scout out some possible refuel points or provide a driver in the North Kent area.

Jon Brooks · 02 November 2007, 15:05

Sounds like a great trip. I would be up for it.
We spoke about going up and doing an over night in the future.
Also we can show all the good places in Ramsgate to drink!!

There is fuel at Ramsage but as mentioned, as we found, you need to take petrol with you oh and a funnel!!!

We left with the tanks full (360ltr) took another 115 in cans.
In total we used all of that and another 40 on top, total 515 ish.

The total mileage was 152, was 70 from Ramsgate to Tower Bridge.

That works out to about 1.7 ltrs per engine per mile, this is a bit to cock as we spent a lot of time in the V berths up there in gear holding the boat in.

We also used more fuel being at 4k revs all the way there. we did this mainly as we had to be there for a meeting at 11 and wanted to ensure we were.
Having now done it we know we could have made it if we were at 3k revs....with time and fuel to spare.

We stopped at Whitstable on the way back to ensure we had more than enough fuel to get us home, which we did.

It was a great trip and we learnt alot from it all of which would be handy to know for the future.

As stated the view of London from the river if def not one to miss.

codprawn · 02 November 2007, 18:35

And there was me thinking the new suzukis sipped the fuel - ah well a great trip all the same!!!

LURCHER · 02 November 2007, 18:53

Count me in on the spring trip please sounds great fun .

RAZZER · 02 November 2007, 20:53

The pics are great.
London looks best from the Water.
MDB looks fab up the Thames maybee we should bring the 10.5 to London for Boatshow by water..

Have you seen the new Ribcraft factory tours ? (JOKE)
TT2 is asking for a new coffee machine...

Dor

Jon Brooks · 03 November 2007, 09:11

Dor,

Sounds like a great plan to me!
We can raz up the Thames at night during the show then!

philb · 03 November 2007, 09:14

Thanks for all the info, the plan then, will start a Cruising post in Feb with a view to plan a trip in April and see how it works out. Lets hope summer starts early again next year.