Sib vs Rib

two stroke mick · 09 January 2008, 19:39

Sorry to revert back to this subject. But I am wondering if any one out there uses a rib for beaching. If so is is difficult to re-lauch? is is possible to re- launch with one other person (woman)? Or is this a case of where a sib has a definate advantage over a rib? I really like the look of the humber Sibs http://www.ribworld.co.uk/inflatable.html particularly the 16i.

Has anyone out there any experance of this sib. They are expensive for a SIB but I would think that they are far superior to the cheaper PVC ones espically for beach work (dragging on sand etc)

Cannont locate a gemini dealer in the uk or Ireland that would supply a sib.

I think that if it is just the wife and myself out in the boat that we would have great difficulty in re-launching a rib from a beach.

Thoughts please

Nos4r2 · 09 January 2008, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Sorry to revert back to this subject. But I am wondering if any one out there uses a rib for beaching. If so is is difficult to re-lauch? is is possible to re- launch with one other person (woman)? Or is this a case of where a sib has a definate advantage over a rib? I really like the look of the humber Sibs http://www.ribworld.co.uk/inflatable.html particularly the 16i.

Has anyone out there any experance of this sib. They are expensive for a SIB but I would think that they are far superior to the cheaper PVC ones espically for beach work (dragging on sand etc)

Cannont locate a gemini dealer in the uk or Ireland that would supply a sib.

I think that if it is just the wife and myself out in the boat that we would have great difficulty in re-launching a rib from a beach.

Thoughts please

Why beach? Buy a couple of pairs of cheap waders and wade ashore.

SeaSkills · 09 January 2008, 21:07

I agree with Nos4r2. A RIB on a running mooring would be my choice

zodiacman · 09 January 2008, 22:03

Me and my wife do a lot of beaching with my zodiac futura sib and its not easy, on hard sand with launching wheels its ok but soft sand or pebble beaches I usually have to remove the engine and and carry it up first then we can both manage the boat. If its just a short stay on a beach and you are not moving far from the boat you will both be able to move it with the tide. Often we camp overnight so we have to move it above high water ok if you can wait for the tides but as you know at low water the sea can be a long way away.

ian parkes · 09 January 2008, 22:05

With only 2 poeple it would have to be a pretty small sib .
You can get inflatable rollers which make launching easy on sand

spartacus · 09 January 2008, 22:36

Used to beach my Zodiac CGT (aluminium floor with inflatable keel). But with 25 litres of fuel on board, kit and 25hp outboard - it's a two-man job to refloat. Where possible - we put down a running anchor.

Humber is a fantastic make and will tolerate beaching to a point - although you could reinforce the keel with additional rubber strip (entire length for extra protection).

Poly · 09 January 2008, 22:49

When MDT, FJarvis and myself stopped for lunch in N. Berwick a while ago we chose to beach my boat (and anchor the other two) because we thought it was the lightest (4m; I think it weighs about 300kg all in?). It took all three of us and quite a bit of effort to get it only a few feet back down the beach.

SeaSkills · 10 January 2008, 06:13

We had another visitor at North Berwick last year who did it like a yottie - anchored his RIB, got a wee Woolworth's kid's inflatable out of his console locker, and 5 minutes later he was paddling ashore in that!

(Polwart - if you're coming to NB again, give me a call and we could meet up)

Trickdog · 10 January 2008, 10:44

I have had a Yamaha 4.3m SIB, aluminium floor, 30hp Yamaha 2 stroke outboard, for about 5 years and I think it's a great set up for beaching. OK it's not exactly light, but with wheels on the transom and 2 people lifting at the front it is certainly manageable. Well more so than a RIB anyway! I am just in process of buying a 6.3 RIB and I think I will really miss my SIB for pottering around beaches. Great fun for the £ spent!

I have not compared prices lately, but I know Quicksilver are excellent SIBs and if anyone is looking for a great package I doubt you could better this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW430-QUICKSI...QQcmdZViewItem