Capsizing.

cuttlefish · 16 July 2006, 09:20

Hi,
I have just been browsing around the archives on rib.net, and I came up this page: http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9592.
Surprisingly to me, it mentions that a rib can capsize quite easily. Just for curiosity, how many people have found themselves in that situation and how did they get out of it?

Best,
Rupert.

Steve Waters · 16 July 2006, 09:38

Rupert thanks for lifting this out of the archives. The teachings of Paul Glatzel are obviously those of a Guru! They give early warning of how disastrous it can be to be in conditions not suited to your experience. I have never capsized fortunately! but have been thrown from my seat, kill cord pulled out, bounced back of the tube and back onto the seat again! A pretty frightening experience for a novice especially when you then find your RIB full of H2O and your engine stopped by your kill cord. I have to say that I was completely exhausted by my experiences and giving consideration to this have always been concerned about getting back in to the RIB if I was chucked out. I have been reading up on safety lines as something I might consider for future use when getting really tired in rough seas. But as Paul says you can't beat experience good or bad for learning and of course the excellent advice of someone who knows what they are talking about, thanks again,
Steve

fast fred · 16 July 2006, 11:48

i've capsized it, been chucked a bunch of times, broke my leg once get chucked. never plipped any hulls to big that a well placed rope and and help from the crew could not right.
the life jacket, my best friend every time, and that i had it ON.
you can get a reg life jacket, or you can spend some more to get a better
one, i run an A-100 rated jacket, it's kinda bulky,not the coolest,lookin or warein, got leg straps, but thay keep it on ya so the jacket don't get pulled off you when you get catapulted in to the water.
best thing about this jacket is that if you get KO'ed on the way out, no mater how you land in the water she will float you Face Up with out your help.

Andy · 16 July 2006, 12:04

I watched one go on Broadhaven beach, Pembroke. A dive boat came into land through surf to drop off divers. He turned after going over the breaking waves to put his bow towards the sea and was caught side on. The boat flipped and was trashed. Almost a full loss of dive gear, with the exception of one girl who tied hers off to the boat!

Paul · 16 July 2006, 21:17

So, if your boat does capsize or alternatively you are thrown out and cannot swim back to your boat what is the best way of getting help.

1. Handheld VHF carried round your neck at all times
2. Mini EPIRB
3. Flares

Jono Garton · 16 July 2006, 21:38

I have

Rigged a bridle. tipped it back up. got towed home.

If you do a search you should find the thread and pics.

jono

Alex Brown · 16 July 2006, 22:38

There are quite a few places down here where the weather doesn't have to be rough to invert the boat - I have been through Jack Sound on a few occasions now when it would have been impossible to make a 180 degree turn without a high risk of going over.... especially when the waves are a good metre or so high and the length is less than the boat.

When out by myself, I carry the handheld VHF, and Garmin GPS..... I haven't bought the small flares yet, but they're on the to-do list.

When out in May, the swell was breaking around the St Anns area (got it on video), and there were a good few waves coming through that would have capsized us either sideways, or back over the transom given the right speed

After seeing Jono's pics earlier this year, it really is something I would not want to do.....

-Alex

fast fred · 17 July 2006, 10:13

Paul
"So, if your boat does capsize or alternatively you are thrown out and cannot swim back to your boat what is the best way of getting help."

"1. Handheld VHF carried round your neck at all times
2. Mini EPIRB
3. Flares"

tie a whisle to your life jacket,
best advice, be reddy to fend for your self, you should not count on rescue
it may never come.

eupa · 17 July 2006, 16:14

So, if your boat does capsize or alternatively you are thrown out and cannot swim back to your boat what is the best way of getting help."

PRAY..........................................

Jono Garton · 17 July 2006, 17:08

After the Barmouth Tragedy, I carry my VHF and two day/night signals in a pouch on my Lifejacket, when on the water.

When on the lifeboat we carry two day/night signals on lifejackets.

Fast fred

We are lucky in the UK we can rely on the RNLI, Coastguard & RAF

Jono

xpertski · 17 July 2006, 18:50

so what happens to the capsized boat?

eupa · 17 July 2006, 19:20

not important . You can buy another rib. You cant buy a life...

Jonathan

xpertski · 17 July 2006, 21:10

true, i was assuming that all else is say correct and present and your life isnt in danger, what happens to the rib, obviously if you have a self righting device thats taken care of, however, is it possible to self right other ways? just wondering, having never capsized, i wonder what happens in these situations. of course a life is more important than the rib!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i dont know who would suggest ohterwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Poly · 17 July 2006, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by xpertski

true, i was assuming that all else is say correct and present and your life isnt in danger, what happens to the rib, obviously if you have a self righting device thats taken care of, however, is it possible to self right other ways? just wondering, having never capsized, i wonder what happens in these situations. of course a life is more important than the rib!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i dont know who would suggest ohterwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Jono Garton described how he did his after a "mishap" last year in this thread: http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....hlight=capsize

Essentially a bridle connected to the rib and then brute force to roll it back - much the same as a sailing dinghy without the advantage of a centreboard, and with a bit more weight to move! With anything except a very small rib I think you will need another boat to pull it back. Bearing in mind that your average engine doesn't like to be upside down underwater anyway - so you will probably need a tow anyway.