Propeller Protection

[Jamie Andrew]

I am in the process of buying a RIB and would welcome opinions and advice on propeller protection as I have a young family.
Thanks
Jamie Andrew

[codprawn]

Make sure you use a kill cord - the only real time there is a danger is if people get thrown out of the boat and it circles back around onto them.

You could always buy a Rib with a jet drive.

There are various guards around that will help but you get less power and use even more fuel. They aren't really practicle.

The RNLI manage without prop guards as do many other recue outfits - just be aware of the dangers!!!

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by Jamie Andrew

I am in the process of buying a RIB and would welcome opinions and advice on propeller protection as I have a young family.
Thanks
Jamie Andrew

engine off when people are in the water near the boat, make sure the forward and reverse selection is gated by the lever and works properly, teach the kids to keep away from the throttle and not fall against it or on it, use kill cord on arm at all times, teach the family what to do in an emergency, teach them that it is not a toy to be played with so to speak, no leaning out of the boat when travelling, taking care of ropes, not trailed in water, extreme caution when using toys, always wear lifejackets and keep seated and hold on when travelling at speed, practice travelling and pull cord to check it works and the boat reaction

all sensible stuff but you need to be careful with little kids, also slipping in and out is a dangerous time so make sure all the family understands their role and what they need to do to help, even if it is keeping out of the way, also i have seen some silly things happen on slipways with some idiots out there so i would say keep kids in car on slipways so safe

hope that helps
chris

[Scary Des]

Don’t let Codprawns 260000 posts mislead you although I agree with some of what he says a lot of the time he misses the point

A kill cord might help a little after everything has gone really wrong, however, it is more important to drive your boat within its capacity and within your ability

Develop your own safety procedure as Chris (good post) suggests and if you haven’t already, get trained and get some sea time.

I do agree with codders that prop guards appear to have their down sides but I’d be inclined to talk to the people on here who own Zapcats, they run with guards on and will therefore have first hand experience

Welcome by the way Des

[Mark Halliday]

Spot on Chris
except...

Originally Posted by Chris Hartley

use kill cord on arm at all times,
chris

...........should read "on leg"
Its very embarasing when the engine stops as you wave to your friends.

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by Mark Halliday

Spot on Chris
except...

...........should read "on leg"
Its very embarasing when the engine stops as you wave to your friends.

I dont have any friends!...........

Not tried it on my leg yet as have always used my arm or wrist to be more exact, I have read a few comments regarding this on here and will give it a go on my next trip out, on the sib i always use on my wrist, on the sheltie on the river never use it, bad i know but not much happens that is too exciting at 5mph, on the sea have used on my wrist but can be a pain so will try leg advice. was thinking if i got my nipple pierced i could hang it on there!!!!just kidding honest

cheers

chris

[Jamie Andrew]

Thanks for all the replies - they are really helpful.

Jamie Andrew

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Scary Des

Don’t let Codprawns 260000 posts mislead you although I agree with some of what he says a lot of the time he misses the point

A kill cord might help a little after everything has gone really wrong, however, it is more important to drive your boat within its capacity and within your ability


Welcome by the way Des

That is what I SAID!!!! - "Be aware of the dangers"!!!!

[Scary Des]

Originally Posted by Chris Hartley

........ was thinking if i got my nipple pierced i could hang it on there!!!!.........

Nice idea but you would have to have a peek-a-boo dry suit. Des

[Mark Halliday]

Chris

Loads of chat about where and when to stick your cord. The leg seems to have the top hand (sorry).
Only time it is a problem is if you need a sudden pee over the back.

Des
You are a sad man.


Jamie
I forgot to say Welcome.