sleeping onboard?

EdwardH · 04 November 2003, 23:13

this perhaps should be in cruising? Not sure...

I am planning a few two/three day jaunts up the Hawkesbury river which will probably necessitate sleeping on the RIB for two nights for two people

Its not a big rib - 5.05m and the useable space is limited with a centre console but with a sleeping pad - ok for a night or two...

Has anyone here slept out on the deck of their rib before?

what prep did you do?

MarkWildey · 05 November 2003, 06:06

Edward

I had a cover made up for my boat that went from the nose and fixed to the console. There was just about enough space for a single inflatable mattress.

It works very well although the maid service was a little disappointing !

Cheers

Mark

Mike Garside · 05 November 2003, 06:10

Quote:

Originally posted by MarkWildey
It works very well although the maid service was a little disappointing !

Huh! That's the last time I bring you early morning tea, Mark!

Alan Priddy · 05 November 2003, 06:50

Cruised thousands of miles in "Still Never Enough" just using a carry mat and bivvy bag. It is amayzing how well you sleep after a night on the town!
Alan P

Phil · 05 November 2003, 10:50

Last year 2 of us slept on the Humber in Dover and one on the pontoon due to noroomat the inn;

Despite it's 8 metres there is nowhere comfortable.However a flask of brandy all weather kit on and an inflated life jacket as a pillow sufficed until the Hoverport opened for a coffee

chrisallse · 05 November 2003, 11:40

Thinking of doing some of this next year, any pictures of covers, tents, cuddies, pre-fabs or similar would be interesting. I think a Rib Makes an ideal inland camping platform as most rivers you can anchor or tie up somewhere for the night without paying..

Julian · 05 November 2003, 12:27

I spent nearly 2 weeks this year sleeping on the boat crusing along the south coast, i normally just sleep on the engine bay in a bivvi bag or on the poontoons etc. Again i sleep well after a night out. If it rains i just pull a seat cover over me and seem to stay dry.

Its what Ribing is all about.

Julian

MeMe · 05 November 2003, 12:50

My 7yr old daughter used to climb aboard whilst the cover was on and play with her dolls etc. Upon joining her one day I was surprised at how cosy it was. If I was ever going to sleep overnight I'd simply carry and fit the cover. As you can see, due to the high console, it creates ample "living accommodation"

MeMe · 05 November 2003, 14:00

...with permisson from Boatmad, go and have a look and ask some questions. Contrary to popular belief (mine included) they're an ok bunch(some of them).....

chrisallse · 05 November 2003, 15:50

Is that Manos?

MeMe · 05 November 2003, 15:53

you'll get em all started again.

simmons0 · 05 November 2003, 15:55

valiant make a brilliant spray cover for there patrol series boats but it looks to me liek it would make the perfect sleeping shelter.
Ill try and find a pictue of it.

Charles · 05 November 2003, 17:26

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisallse
Is that Manos?

Yep - our two Greek friends, The Bat (Batfalcon) and Manos

simmons0 · 05 November 2003, 19:08

no, i wont be posting a picture of the vailiant spray cover, bloody scanner is determined not to work........

Ribald · 05 November 2003, 20:04

This is the overall "camping" cover in my Ribcraft 4.8. (no, not the shed it's in

). Not a lot of room inside but, as they say, if you've had a few you can sleep anywhere

MarkWildey · 05 November 2003, 22:42

For what its worth here is the cabin(!!) erected(!!!) on my rib.

Just to confirm a common thread on the postings a good measure of the local beer always guarantees a good nights sleep.

Regards

Mark

P.S (Mike) You are correct your night-cap and morning brew are the best I’ve come across.

EdwardH · 06 November 2003, 02:00

Excellent. I feel humbled for even worrying about it...

Bivvy on the boat it is then. I think i will use my old poncho and tarp as a raincover and i can just about get a foam sleeping pad down each side of the centre consol so all should be fine...

and of course, i'll take a crate of 'strong continental lager' (tha can't get good beer down 'ere tha' knows...) as a sleeping pill.

I thaangu

The Jackeens · 06 November 2003, 05:31

Hi Edward,
g'day, just noticed you've got the same boat as us (is it 5.5 or 5.05? cf your 1st post)...would be very very interested as to how you turn it into a sleeping area....please post photos. I'm afraid hubby and I are not exactly sylph-like and all I can envision is us jammed between console & nose somewhere....somehow not appealing. !!! All very well for you palatial lot. And another thing. Please bear in mind we ladies need toilet facilities (at last I know what you lot use an A frame for...)

Sincerely interested in your progress please!!!

The Missus