Total Noob Questions.

jeffsnox · 11 June 2007, 15:27

Hi ppl... I'm just starting to think about the possibility of getting a RIB... this is my first port of call, so please forgive me if I sound dumb.

I'm very keen to get myself some kind of water craft...

I'm wondering what is the smallest and cheapest thing that will safely get me out and about on the sea and won't capsize or sink if the weather came in a bit... and that could make progress against the wind/currents, should the wind pick up a little... and that won't get me frowned on by RNLI if they ever had to come help me (heaven forbid!).

I'd just be pottering about really, maybe doing a spot of fishing. I'm not after speed or performance... just something safe and relatively low cost (to buy, run and maintain).

So what should I be looking at?

Is it possible to do all of the above without having to have a trailer (ie is there something I can stick in my boot)?

Thank you!

brucehawsker · 11 June 2007, 16:10

Depends where you are. We have taken our 3.2m / 6hp soft inflatable boat out down the Clyde from Rhu to Rothesay, and out to the Needles and to Cowes from Lymington, but in good conditions and 2 up. That rig costs about £2000 new and easily goes in the back of my people carrier. The engine is (just) liftable by one person.

Nos4r2 · 11 June 2007, 16:17

We get a 3.4m Zodiac SIB with a 20hp in the back of a Rover 418. It's fast and great fun.

I think you're probably asking a bit much of anything smaller than a 4m Searider RIB though if you want to be able to go out when the weather may come in a bit. Our old sr4 didn't even twitch on stuff that the zodiac starts to feel scary in.

jeffsnox · 11 June 2007, 16:25

I'm based in Devon UK.

I wasn't really planning on going out in bad weather... I just figured that it would be wise to get something that could cope - just incase I got caught out ever.

Where's best to buy these types of boat from?

And should I be looking to do a course or something so I know who's got right of way etc... or can I pick up the basics from a book... if so which?

How much does a 25HP engine weigh?

Cheers guys! Appreciate it!

Nos4r2 · 11 June 2007, 16:28

It depends what you call bad weather. Force 4 can be bad weather in a small boat.

I can lift the 20hp without it being too awkward and most 25hp 2 strokes are about the same weight-just don't try and carry it too far.

For some basics have a look here:- http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12892

jeffsnox · 11 June 2007, 18:11

Perfect. Thank you.