How many times you fallen out of your RIB/SIB?

SpearRib · 06 April 2015, 09:15

Had a fun day today. Got some good fish.

But was going hard out so got off the fiberglass bench and decided to sit on the pontoon to save my butt haha.

Hit a rogue wave followed by a another as I was mid turn, came out of nowhere. Next think, plonk Im in the ocean haha.

Moral of the story, ALWAYS where your safety vest and ALWAYS have your kill cord attached to your wrist and engine, even in a centre console.

To be honest I just wanted to share the experience as Ive been boating many years and I dont normally sit on pontoons but was just a freak accident. Even though I know I shouldnt say this, the dip was refreshing :-). The co pilot had it all under control. And within 30 seconds I was back under way.

Be safe in small RIBs especially.

John Kennett · 06 April 2015, 10:08

Sounds like you had it all under control. Well done!

Trimix · 06 April 2015, 16:03

Not done it yet, but it will probably happen sometime.

I have fallen off the pontoon in the marina though, so Im getting close.

Ian M · 06 April 2015, 16:13

Never.
Mind, I remember one or two wrestling bouts in the club dive boat which ended up with someone in the water; but I guess that does not count as we were at anchor

Last Tango · 06 April 2015, 17:44

Fell out of mine on Saturday......Unfortunately it was sitting on it's trailer in the driveway. Broken wrist, knocked out front tooth and generally made a bit of a mess of my face. "Familiarity breeds contempt"

SpearRib · 06 April 2015, 19:50

OUCH Tango, so sorry to hear that.

I think its much less likely in the bigger luxy RIBs, more likely in 14ft and under RIBs and SIBS.

Normally I sit on my bench seat which would have avoided the problem, must get a squab for it.

As dangerous as it sounds, it was kind of exciting and the water was refreshing. Most importantly it gave me a practise drill for the next time.

Also plan to put a PVC tube section for a handle on the grab rope so its not wrapped around my hand as that is swollen and sore today but not broken :-)

boristhebold · 13 April 2015, 08:45

Nearly fell out twice in a 7.5M rib, once was doing a very tight turn and a wave caused a very slight hook the opposit way, luckily had a good grab rail round the console screen which saved me, the other time was going at 0 knots just ober balanced slightly but again grabbed a rail.

So always worth wearing a life jacket, always worth wearing a kill cord and always if doing anything around the boat make sure not in gear and well balanced. Touch wood it wont happen again, I guess like everything we learn from experiences and mistakes.

two stroke mick · 13 April 2015, 12:30

Very nearly once when running at WOT and the boat chine walked. A very tight hold of the steering wheel was all that stopped me from ending up in the drink. My legs were in mid air for a while. One ofthe yellow flare boxes came out of their cages and was lost over board. Recovered about 18 months alter with wedding ring still inside.

TSM