Um ... I can't find this in the FAQ

[redhed]

It's probably there somewhere and I can't see it for looking. In which case, apologies. But what I am looking for is a list of all the things you need to get/do/buy in order to start up with a RIB if you are coming to it from scratch. So far I have come up with...

A RIB (!) inc road trailer and outboard
RYA L II (got that)
Boat insurance
VHF radio
VHF certificate (got that)
VHF licence
GPS
Charts of local area
VHF contact for local ports
Tide tables
A paddle
Kill cord
A keyring that floats
Bouyancy/life vests for everyone, plus a couple of spares for friends
Waterproofs & wellies for everyone
flares, first aid kit, waterproof jobbie to put them in
At least one decent line probably 2
Anchor and cable/chain
Random bits of shockcord, they seem to be the nautical equivalent of gaffer tape
web addresses for local wind/tide forecasts
somewhere to launch/recover from, fees paid up in advance if appropriate

Any advance on that little lot?

[Bern Hanreck]

You are well on the way with that list . Keep searching cos I know there are threads with almost definitive lists .

Have you got appropriate experience ( different to qualifications ) for what you intend to undertake ?

What about a sharp ( not pointed ) knife for when that stray crab pot wraps itself round your prop ?

Have you considered flares or a PLB etc ?

[Neil R]

I find the trailer much more troublesome to keep going than the RIB. After 10 years experience of things breaking, here's what I take on any longer trip:

Spare wheel
Trolley or bottle jack & wooden raiser blocks.
Decent wrench and sockets for wheel and hub nuts, and other misc spanners etc.
Spare winch strap.
Ropes to recover trailer from e.g. shallow beach launches.
Spare brake cable.
Spare hub and bearings.
Spare rubber roller (the only thing I've not yet had to use ...).
Grease & grease gun.


Spare prop (and tools to fit) also carried by many.

[lakelandterrier]

Depends on on size of RIb & what you're planning to do - river /estuary / inshore /offshore etc
Good start. I'd add

Navigation lights
Headtorch
toolkit & appropriate spares - fuses/ spark plugs etc
Spare kill cord - easily accessible by others
Water / high energy food / sweets for emergency

LT

[GaryC]

Originally Posted by Neil R

I find the trailer much more troublesome to keep going than the RIB. After 10 years experience of things breaking, here's what I take on any longer trip:

I would agree with that and add that anyone towing a boat should practice removing the wheel and then the appropraite bearings. And making sure that they have ALL the relevant tools to sort out the job. (like a big punch etc). If your bearing goes then it is not the best time to learn when you break down on the M6 at night and in the rain.

Gary

[Channel Ribs]

Welcome

It looks like you are making a good start, a pretty comprehensive list that includes some stuff that a few people might not think of. Doing the PB2 helps with this, as you no doubt found, seeing what instructors have on board is always great.

[redhed]

Thanks folks!

I had gathered that towing was going to be, er, interesting... By and large, we won't be going very far: we're getting a teeny little RIB for pottering about the coast here on Anglesey; at least to start with we'll do short trips and keep it garaged and of course the boat itself will be light so hopefully the trailer won't be breaking down every five minutes, we're unlikely to ever tow it for more than half an hour. But agree I (well we, DH is a lot stronger than me!) need to get our heads around fixing the most likely trailer breakdowns.

I've managed to do the PB2 locally in the Menai Straits which was a big help, particularly going through the Swellies a few times - not something I'd like to do cold. I've no idea about the Holyhead/Trearddur end, though I guess at least the rocks don't move about like the sandbanks do.

[Puffin]

Pretty comprehensive list you have there, only thing I would add is a pair of binoculars, useful for wildlife and occasionally for navigation (especially ones with built in compass).

I would also add the word waterproof to the charts, paper ones last no time on a RIB, Imray do quite good waterproof ones, they are not as good as the admiralty ones for passage planning so I still keep a paper set at home for passage planning and then use the waterproof ones out on the boat. A waterproof rucksack is also usefull , try on of these.

We also bought a little Olympus waterproof camera this summer that has been great fun, even use it underwater.

[kawasaki]

Couple of thoughts and bits to add
A throwing line and or lifebouy or fender attached to a throwing line
Spare fuel can and funnel or 'jiggle pipe'
Spare oil
Spare plug or plugs + tool to extract!
Pump (air)
Pump (bilge if She stays in a Marina or on a mooring)
You probably know- But I reckon the slip at Menai is the best in the area.
Easytide for tide times
Winguru
Great site for Anglesey ref wind speed and direction
Pinpoints Rhosneigr and Red Wharf bay!
Try and go with someone who knows the Strait (and Swellies) at low water, best time to get to know the best playground around!!!

[kawasaki]

Ha! you beat me to it almost!
Caernarfon bar has 'moved' of late!
Yep, the rocks and stuff don't move like yer say
The top end of Anglesey can be frought with overfalls
Best to stick to the Strait at first, especially as you have sampled it
Plus it's relatively sheltered
If its blowin from the East 'Go West Young Man'!
And vice versa

Oh yeh, there is a good Pilot book 'Cruising Anglesey' and a set of 'Admiralty Tough Charts' which covers the area and aint too big fer a small boat