Stidd seats

[Jon Brooks]

Whilst wondering along the visitors boats at Ribex I noticed a cunning mod on one of the boats.
The boat had two Britax childs seats bolted in.
Wot a great idea I thought.
Then I wondered wot happens if it all went a bit "pete tong"!

Is the owner a member on here?
If so please don't think I am knocking it as I think it is a great idea, just what do you do or how would you plan to deal with a roll over?

Whilst it is not an every day thing that a rib rolls but me being me likes to cover all the bases.

I would consider copying this idea on my rib (due next year) for the younger members of my family.

Regards

[codprawn]

I have seen this idea in a few boating mags - obviously it comes down to level of risk. There is a far higher chance of a kid falling overboard or striking an object in the boat than there is of a capsize - obviously with kids on board you will drive far more sensibly.

Having said that if a kid DOES fall overboard then a lifejacket should protect them whereas IF you did capsize they would have NO chance!!!

I think with adults it could be a bit different if you had a harness with a quick release buckle like on aircraft - if you are wearing a helmet you should remain concious long enough to "eject".

Another thought - with kids strapped in you MAY be tempted to push things a little harder - especially as they will probably be loving it which means a capsize could become more of a possibility.

[ADS]

Im suprised someone hasnt come up with a water activated auto release harness along the same lines as an automatic life jacket

Better get back to the revison!

Alex

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by ADS

Im suprised someone hasnt come up with a water activated auto release harness along the same lines as an automatic life jacket

Better get back to the revison!

Alex

Oh they have - as far back as 1965 Matin Baker the British ejector seat maker came up with this

http://www.ejectorseats.co.uk/underwater_ejection.htm

Ejector seats for RIBS - that's what we want - just don't use it under a bridge!!!

[Jonny Fuller]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Ejector seats for RIBS - that's what we want

I think you'll find one 'Mr Garfish' has been working on such a thing for some time.

He calls it his 'Ribster-flicka', and it's activated by shouting the word...'Pull!' this cry is heard shortly before a loud bang, sometimes two.

[Nick Hearne]

I have had my kids out on the boat under 1 year old, push chair strapped in works well! Have moved on to this combination, kids car seat & old buggy with wheels & handles cut off work a treat!
Nick

[Scary Des]

Used to use the doughnut for the kids never heard any complaints well not at 28knots anyway Des

[sunrider]

John, did you ever have the opportunity to use the Stidd seats on the water? I'm contemplating putting two of mine into the 30' ex-military Novamarine I'm reconditioning now and wonder how they performed for you.
Bryan

[pathalla]

Just to interject, I have had several opportunities to test the military Stidd seat, the Stidds work very nicely, most civilians will never use the full capability of a Stidd seat. Nautica in Miami has been putting these seats in some of their boats for years, they are supposed to be the best for running in heavy chop, the U.S. Navy purchased about 400 of these seats for their SEAL teams in 2004, running at 45 to 50 knots in significant sea states produces a lot of injuries no matter how tough you are, seven inches of up and down travel reduces shock quite a bit. They do take up quite a bit of space, but you won't find a better shock mitigating seat. Besides, the harness is really cool! Overkill for most recreational boats, but hey if you have some or can find a deal on some why not? By the way John, they look good in your boat, your seats will be envied by others!

[sunrider]

thanks very much for that information. I have 3 of these seats, but they are the pre-shock mitigating version (800-101v.4). I've been waiting for a good opportunity to use them and although I will need to alter the base to match the available space I think I'll give it a try. thanks again.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by sunrider

John, did you ever have the opportunity to use the Stidd seats on the water? I'm contemplating putting two of mine into the 30' ex-military Novamarine I'm reconditioning now and wonder how they performed for you.

I spent a day out on the boat last year and the seats were good, but nothing like as special as the hype. The new shock absorbing version are probably a whole different experience, but compared to these MkI Stidds I'd just as soon have a decent jockey seat or a proper bucket seat.

Something to think about if you fit these is the console design. Ergonomics rarely seems to be a strong point on production RIBs, but having a helm that is usable in both standing and sitting positions is even more of a challenge.

By the way, if anyone's interested I believe that the RIB is for sale.

John

[MarkWildey]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

By the way, if anyone's interested I believe that the RIB is for sale.

John

You need to sign-up as a paid member to start selling things on this forum, or else you'll feel the wrath of the tyrant who runs this site or his duputies.

Mark

[John Kennett]

John