Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
 
Old 13 July 2014, 22:58   #1
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
RIB Size for Camping, Adventure

Hi guys, I am looking into getting a small RIB for camping as well as some small adventuring trips. Probably the largest trip im interested in would be a trip to the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior.

I am wondering what is the smallest RIB that would be safe to take? I have been looking at an 11' (3.4m) 2001 Avon RIB, and would probably match it with a 25hp older evinrude outboard.

I also have been looking into an older 1989 Zodiac 12' RIB, also with a 25hp.

I will be going to the islands for around a week with two people and gear + safety equip. And of course carefully watching the weather (not that that always helps on superior).

I was just looking for anyones input, as this will be my first RIB I own personally.
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 July 2014, 23:23   #2
RIBnet supporter
 
MustRib's Avatar
 
Country: UK - England
Town: Newcastle
Boat name: Merlin
Make: RB4 Gemini 550
Length: 4m +
Engine: Tohatsu 90C
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,080
Hi - just wondering where your launching from? Ashland ?
I know its a lake but I also know that weather comes in very quickly there.
2 people - plus you - thats 3 adults, camping and safety gear,
and in my opinion you need to be looking at a minimum size of around 15 feet.
Try to get the biggest boat you can...I think you will find an 11 foot Avon a little full with
everything you want to take - dont forget you will need fuel for the boat as well.
there are tons of posts and threads on here about safety equipment, but my advice is to have the local USCG check out your boat and safety kit before heading out.
__________________
MustRib is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 July 2014, 23:27   #3
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
I haven't fully planned the trip yet, so I haven't yet looked into launching etc to closely, Ideally I'd like to find somewhere to launch out of Bayfield.

It will be only two people in the boat (including me), sorry for the wording in the first post, it did seem like 3.
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 00:51   #4
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Also, My main reason for looking for a small one is that the majority of my adventures will be on smaller inland lakes. I would also like the ability to use it with a trolling motor/ oars (if need be) for some lakes.

I'm mostly trying to figure out if, with 2 people and gear, going to the Apostle island is even sane. I do have a decent amount of experience in boating, usually just with larger boats, and inland lakes. (although I have had a few rough water experiences on lake michigan in ~20' RIBs)
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 06:28   #5
Member
 
Peter_C's Avatar
 
Country: USA
Town: NorCal
Boat name: SHARKY
Make: AB
Length: 4m +
Engine: Honda BF75 & BF5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,890
Welcome to RIB.net

I would recommend a nice 18 footer at least.

This thread from another board, but I believe he is a poster on this board too, should answer a lot of your questions regarding the trip, and what kind of boat is necessary.

Lake Superior (Apostles Islands) beat me to a pulp...I threw in the towel. - iboats Boating Forums

A quick search on this board, found this write up.
http://www.rib.net/forum/f16/devils-island-15869.html
__________________
Peter_C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 08:19   #6
Member
 
Maximus's Avatar
 
Country: UK - England
Town: Wild West
Boat name: No Boat
Make: No Boat
Length: under 3m
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,305
Send a message via AIM to Maximus
Well....being your in the U.S....and I'm of the Generation that saw 'Deliverence'
..something Big enough to take all your weaponry and self defence systems!
In fairness you will Taylor your gear to fit your Rig...probably the biggest and best equipped you can afford,..other usage has to taken into consideration for sure!..and not just Camping trips.You will definitely also find the bigger RIB you have..... the more gear you'll take!!
__________________
A clever Man learns by his mistakes..
A Wise Man learns by other people's!

The Road to HELL ..is Paved with "Good inventions!"
Maximus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 17:08   #7
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Well, after reading as much as I can find, I think I am going to go for the Avon 340 in the area and get the mid 80's 25hp Evinrude on it.
My plan is to do the trip to the apostle islands, weather dependent. I will stay closer to the inner islands, and not stray to far from them, so in a pinch I can make it to one of their beaches if the weather turns foul.

The advantage of the 340 is that if need be I can find a beach and pull it up on shore, and weather out the storm.
I'm used to packing light, as I do a lot of motorcycle camping, and the RIB can sure haul more than my bike even with all of the safety gear.
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 23:33   #8
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Hey guys,

Thanks for all the replies so far, I feel OK going to the Apostles with me and one other in an 11 footer. (I figure if the kayaks can then I should be OK, with appropriate precautions)

It sounds like the boat is smaller than would be ideal, but it should be OK, so long as we are careful and don't go to the outer islands.

Another question, does anyone know off hand if an Avon 340 RIB would need a long or short shaft motor? Everything I have seen so far points to long shaft..

Thanks! and feel free to continue with any advice/criticism, I will take it all into account.
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 23:47   #9
Member
 
Country: USA
Town: Oakland CA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,653
Leanier;

Out of curiosity, why go for the 340? A slightly larger boat will make a big difference in marginal weather. The added length and weight will handle swell and chop better than a shorter and lighter boat (in general.)

I understand the whole "I think that's enough boat for me" thing; that was part of the reason for my upgrade 8 years ago. The learning curve won't be any different, and assuming you can store it, not much else changes (aside from some minor regulatory mandated equipment at 16 feet, I think.)

jky
__________________
jyasaki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2014, 23:50   #10
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
A large part is cost, and another is availability in my area. Storage is a bit of a problem, but not a huge issue.

I'm hoping to keep with a smaller more fuel efficient boat also.

Mostly, it is that I found a 2001 Avon 340 in decent shape by me for $600, and I have not seen any larger RIB's for sale in the area for awhile.

I would be open to a 12-14, if I could find one and it was not very expensive..
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 July 2014, 18:32   #11
Member
 
Boatnomad's Avatar
 
Country: Ireland
Make: Zodiac Mk I
Length: 3m +
Engine: 15 hp Yam two stroke
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 728
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leanier View Post



Another question, does anyone know off hand if an Avon 340 RIB would need a long or short shaft motor? Everything I have seen so far points to long shaft..
3.40 takes a short-shaft,see below.
Look like interesting islands
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	AVON-3.40.jpg
Views:	268
Size:	170.2 KB
ID:	96783  
__________________
Boatnomad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 July 2014, 20:15   #12
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Well I have just purchased the Avon 3.40, and now am looking for a motor to put on it.

would a 25hp Evinrude E-tec tiller be to heavy? The transom is rated at 25hp, but the E-tec is about the same weight as most 4-strokes, coming in at close to 170lbs.

Any Ideas? or should I be looking for an older 2-stroke, as those were closer to 120lbs?

Thanks!
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 July 2014, 21:19   #13
RIBnet Supporter
 
willk's Avatar
 
Country: Ireland
Length: 4m +
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 14,664
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leanier View Post
Any Ideas?
Yeah. You should search the posts of "zodiacman" on here. That and his Youtube videos uploaded as yrag958.

Especially this thread: http://www.rib.net/forum/f16/explori...les-24794.html

The small inflatable owners Icon!
__________________
I'm sorry, but there IS no Mars Bar.
willk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 July 2014, 21:49   #14
Member
 
jambo's Avatar
 
Country: UK - Scotland
Town: Girvan & Tayvallich
Boat name: Breawatch
Make: Ribcraft
Length: 5m +
Engine: Mercury 150 F/stroke
MMSI: ex directory!!
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,203
RIBase
Yes a big plus one to that comment. I had the pleasure of knowing the man and watch him and his mates leave Tayvallich on their cruises. He had the art down to a tea especially the way they use to put all their stuff in the plastic blue bins


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net
__________________
jambo
'Carpe Diem'
Member of the ebay Blue RIB cover club
Member of SABS ( Scottish West Division)
jambo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 July 2014, 22:37   #15
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Now that is some impressive scenery! Really looks like a great time, the kind of thing that I would love to do..

On another note, I call the U.S Coast Guard at the Apostle Islands, and they said that I should be OK in an 11' RIB with proper planing.

Also, based on my research, the transom is only rated for around 140lbs,
So maybe the 170lb E-tec would be to much for it i'd assume? I have a line on a cheap one is why I ask...
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 July 2014, 23:46   #16
RIBnet admin team
 
Poly's Avatar
 
Country: UK - Scotland
Boat name: imposter
Make: FunYak
Length: 3m +
Engine: Tohatsu 30HP
MMSI: 235089819
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,622
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leanier View Post
Any Ideas? or should I be looking for an older 2-stroke, as those were closer to 120lbs?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Leanier View Post
Also, based on my research, the transom is only rated for around 140lbs, So maybe the 170lb E-tec would be to much for it i'd assume? I have a line on a cheap one is why I ask...
From memory the last Yamaha 25HP 2strokes were about 48kg (=106 lbs). That's quite a difference on the back of a small boat. BUT if you are going to lift it on/off is about the limit of what is at all practical anyway (without help / specialist equipment etc). Even then its a really awkward lift - poor handholds, difficult centre of gravity etc.

If you can find a late model 2-stroke in good condition it might be worth going for.
__________________
Poly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 July 2014, 01:15   #17
Member
 
Country: USA
Length: 3m +
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Yea, I have found a mid 90's Evinrude 2-stroke for around $800. Also know someone with a well used 2010 or so Evinrude 2-stroke for virtually nothing. The big advantage of the late 2000's engine would be fuel economy, cost and oil injection as compared to mixed.

However the difference in 40lbs is quite a bit from the older to the newer model for a smaller boat of this type..
__________________
Leanier is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
rib

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off




All times are GMT. The time now is 09:38.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.