Rope or Handles for SIB

[SteveSaint]

Hi There,

I am in the process of trying to decide on a SIB for our family of four (kids are 9 and 11) to do some exploring around the lakes of South Western Ontario, Canada. We wouldn't go out too far on the Great Lakes. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Seabright 320 (boats are made by the Highfield) and a Highfield RU320. The boats have similar specs (max 15 HP). The main difference seems to be that the Highfield has handles and the Seabright has a rope around the outside.

I've never owned a SIB or RIB before nor have I ridden in one, but I understand that people spend a lot of time sitting on the pontoons. Obviously you can't sit on a handle but the Highfield has gaps between the handles to sit. The rope on the Seabright is threaded through a flap. So, is this rope/flap comfortable to sit on? Are there other considerations here that I'm not thinking of with regards to the handles?

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[Mikefule]

Hi,

The fact that at various times, various reputable manufacturers have used each system shows that both systems work.

Personally, if I had found a suitable boat with ropes, I would have bought it. This is because I find it easier to climb back on board using ropes rather than a fixed handle. I do a lot of swimming and snorkelling from the boat.

However, at the time, the best option for me in terms of size, price, availability, was one with handles. It works perfectly OK, but climbing back on board is a bit more of an effort.

In terms of sitting on the side tubes, ropes will give you more choice of position, but the handle will feel a bit more secure.

You may be overthinking this. Either will work.

Rules of SIBs:
On the water, the bigger boat is usually better.
For the rest of the time, the smaller boat is more convenient to store and transport.
You don't spend as much time going flat out fast as you expect, and fun can be had with a smaller, lighter engine.
Fat tubes give a dryer ride.
The number of opinions is N+1 where N is the number of enthusiasts you ask.

[SteveSaint]

Mike,

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I am almost certainly overthinking this. It's a bit of a habit for me I've been mulling this decision for months, partly because I am indecisive and partly because I won't be able to use the boat until May or June anyway.

I hadn't considered the ease of re-entry factor so thanks for pointing that out. We plan to use the boat to do some tubing with the kids, so this will certainly come into play for us. I think I am going to go with the Seabright that has the ropes.

Thanks again,

Steve

[Windsurfer]

Also you could glue some handles on at a later date?

[Pikey Dave]

My SIB has a continuous rope lifeline all around the tube top. In addition there are handles glued at strategic points below the “seating” line. Generally speaking, ropes are for hanging onto whilst underway & re-boarding after going for a swim, whereas handles are for holding the boat whilst launching/recovering etc.
That’s my take on it anyway.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

My SIB has a continuous rope lifeline all around the tube top. In addition there are handles glued at strategic points below the “seating” line. Generally speaking, ropes are for hanging onto whilst underway & re-boarding after going for a swim, whereas handles are for holding the boat whilst launching/recovering etc.
That’s my take on it anyway.

Absolutely