Equipment required

[malcolm]

I have just bought my first Rib and intend to use it in the Solent and surrounding areas.

I have 2 kids 5 & 7 years + wife. The boat has a reasonable spec, however no VHS, GPS or auxillary outboard.

The outboard is 3 yr old Yamaha 150hp (FETO?)

Any thoughts on what is a must? - the question of an auxillary outboard is difficult - it seems to make sense to have one, however most people don't seem to bother (I assume outboards have come on since my last 2hp Seagull?)

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Malcolm

[Phil]

Get a hand held VHF and a hand held GPS on the assumption that you are not going to be more than a few miles offshore and not going out with the family in the rough stuff.

If you are going further then consider a fixed VHF although remember range is "line of sight" so can be limited on a rib given height of boat and aerial.

I wouldn't bother with an auxilliary but thats a personal opinion on a matter which has been debated here before ;essentially my reasons are that auxilliaries can spoil the trim of your boat, are often underused and neglected - might not start when needed and in any event are of limited use in heavy weather-make sure as far as possible that the main engine is reguarly serviced etc.

[MeMe]

Hi Malc, welcome to the world of ribbing. The list of what you should have is non exhaustive. Obviously you'll appreciate the need of life saving equipment. However, a well maintained boat, engine and skippers interlect will always stand you in good stead.

Anyway, I woldn't leave port without the following.

Life Jackets sized appropriately for you and your family.

An anchor with plenty of chain and warp.

Flares.

Tow rope.

Spare fuel.

Mobile Telephone.

A sharp knife (rope around the prop freed with the same or the RNLI for the lack of)!

A reasonable appreciation for the "rules of the road" which will keep you out of getting into trouble in the first place.

A chart of your chossen cruising ground and a basic idea of how to read it along with a tide table.

A vhf (with or without licences).

A GPS (handheld or fixed).

The latter (GPS) is not crucial especially if you're a beginner and only hopping from place to place amongst the many who do the same each weekend, however, you do need one.

A VHF should however be high on your list of purchases especially when cruising around this time of year when there are fewer and fewer vessels about who will respond to the "waving arm distress call".

Basically, it's about enjoying yourself whilst feeling secure that if something goes wrong, you're able to safely get yourself and crew back to shore.

Use your common sence. Tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you back. With a VHF you can advise H.M.C.G of the same.

If you get into trouble you can drop the hook, use your chart to tell people where you are, your VHF/mobile to call other ships / shore / CG. Flares to be spotted if needed. Tow rope for the pull home and life jackets in case of the worse.

As for an AUX engine.....well, that's a good question which with time you should be able to answer yourself.

My best advice would be to get together with other like minded enthusiasts, bum a day out in their boat and learn a few things that way.

You're always welcome aboard mine.

oopps - Compass

[Garygee]

Hi Malcome

Think about the boring stuff, VHF and GPS's are very nice and well up the must have list but athe top few for me must be

1) Lifejackets, not 50N buoyance aids but 150N life jackets
2) Anchor, chain & line
3) Good console compass
4) Waterproofs for everyone, if you ever get stuck or even end up in the water they can made the difference between life & death
5)Chart of the area
6) VHF hand held but better a fixed
7)Flares, not 60's pants
8)Good bucket or pump
9) Waterpoof torch
10) Hand held GPS
11) Survival bags (big orange ones you can climb into)


If you ask 10 people you will get 10 answers but i hope lifjackets, anchor, compass, VHF would be at the top of most peoples.

This their was a thread a while ago listing what people carry, but it is supprising what people carry and need.

Regards Gary

[Ian]

Malcolm,
MeMe forgot his most important piece of equipment - the FLASK.
This appears on every trip when in company with other ribs, which by the way I have found to be the most enjoyable option rather than solo. Safety in numbers and great fun!
If there are no other pleasure vessels out and about, there may be a very good reason for it. Always check your weather forecast and look ahead. Don't just go for the short range ones. A 24 hour prediction is far better and will give you an idea of sea state during your outing at varying times. Also gives you an idea of what to expect should you run into mechanical troubles en route.
I have taken advice from more experienced mariners and changed routes before now. As a novice, which we all have been at some point, it is always worth listening to others and if there is ANY doubt, think again.
If you ever get to the North West, there's usually a couple of us RIBnet types out and about, especially when our engines are working!

[thewavehumper]

In the Solent, dont forget your Mobile phone and a waterproof case for it

[Richard B]

Gary, good idea about the big orange survival bag. I think I'll get two.

[The Jackeens]

Originally posted by Richard B
Gary, good idea about the big orange survival bag. I think I'll get two.

I'm shocked and stuned and slightly amazed

Theres actually something you don't have

MALCOLM
If your in the solent area I would recommend SEA START to sort out engine breakdowns.
I toyed with the Aux engine setup but opted for sea start instead.
Gives great peace of mind out there especially to the old ball and chain.

[Richard B]

Yeah, I E-mailed our list to Malcom for two reasons:
1.) Somebody will try to steal it all
2.) Some bright spark (probably Charles) would suggest that our RIB ought to sink with all the gear - probably add a comment about wellies as well
3.) Didn't think you ball and chain is particularly old

That's three before anyone gets clever, but the last one doesn't count as it's just me getting into K's good books.

[The Jackeens]

Originally posted by Richard B
count as it's just me getting into K's good books.

sleeze ball

[chrisallse]

Dont forget a Fire Extinguisher or even better 2. and i would go for 275n lifejackets if you are going to wear a lot of clothing. Kitchen sink and hair dryer plus some comfy chairs cuddly toy conveyor belt..........

[Richard B]

Originally posted by chrisallse
Kitchen sink and hair dryer plus some comfy chairs cuddly toy conveyor belt..........

Even by my standards that's gin palace kit!

[malcolm]

Is a Butlers sink OK?

[Richard B]

No, but a butler would be handy!

[Bilge Rat]

Malcolm

Dont foget Wellie boots !!!!


Richard

[Red Fox]

Capital One Card!?!

[gingercoastie]

Whats in your wallet?

[malcolm]

Nothing at this rate!

[Arek Pawelek]

I strongly recommend stroboscop flashlight for every person. Standrd flash attached to life jacket is visible from no more than 2 miles. stroboscop flashlight is visible from 10 miles! And one epirb (can be personal working on 121,5 MHz, or better 406 kind working on 121,5 and 406 MHz). This small thing is not very expensive now, and you can buy secon-hand.

[Richard B]

Strobes are a good idea - after a rare outing in the dark on Saturday night, I find myself wondering how I would find an MOB in the dark.

But EPIRBs - I'm not convinced that they are much use for coastal cruising. Essential, I agree, for long distance trips like you're plannning, Arek. But for my own use I can think of better ways to spend £400 than a device which has a 2-hour delay for getting asistance. Also the 121,5 MHz satellites are due to be turned off in 2008 so those devices have a limited lifetime as well as limited functionality.