RIBs on Rivers & Canals?

Andy Beach · 27 June 2004, 19:59

Has anyone got any experience of using their RIB (legally!) on a River or Canal?

Has anyone confronted the Boat Safety Scheme or successfully claimed exemption when challenged?

Or have you just done it anyway (PM me if you prefer!!!)??

Why? This might be the only way I can get my wife to buy into the concept of boating - a gentle Sunday afternoon pootle down the Avon (might also give me a boat 'fix' when the coastal weather's not playing ball!!).

Thanks all.

Andy Beach

ps - I realise this might take away my credibility point!!

Turbodiesel · 27 June 2004, 20:27

I have done it, Last year in a Avon Searider with a Mariner 90 on it. Could only go just over tick over to keep within the speed limit!.
we just paid for a day licence, didnt have any problems at all.
Got lots of odd looks from the usual canal boats etc!!

chrisallse · 27 June 2004, 20:57

Hi Andy, Ww live 5 mins from Windsor Slip on the Thames and have spent a few nice sunny days on the River. if you have an open boat with no gas on board you are exempt from the BSS. There is nowt wrong with starting on the river or enjoying the river..a boat is a boat...do what you want with it. Stick with a four stroke though cos you will only be using low revs. ....have fun..

Garygee · 27 June 2004, 21:09

Hi folks

On a slighty but connect subject, how do people find their ribs handls at low speed ?.

I find at tick over my RIB wanders and you have to keep playing with the wheel to try and keep anywhere near a stright line.

Do other people find this, both my Ribs have done this, is it common ?.
And if so is it the outdrive/outboard or slop on the steering.
At speed 8-10 Kts plus its fine.

Have to count out taking my Rib on the canal, my slowest speed at tickover is 5.5kts

Regards Gary

Daniel TD5 · 27 June 2004, 21:19

my office is in limehouse and it backs on to a cut i see the met police ribs
which are delta well over 6m going up and down at just above tick over
and they will not go in a line and the driver has to work very hard not to hit the sides good at 50mph crap at 4 mph

chrisallse · 27 June 2004, 21:35

must say mine is not too bad...you have to rely on your crew to fend off in locks etc but it does travel fairly straight.

nickjaxe · 27 June 2004, 22:28

Andy I have used ours on the river dee at chester, a long way for you I know but there is a fine slip at chester and the river goes inland for miles, there is a charge to launch, 4 or 8 mph forgot now.

Nick.

Richard B · 27 June 2004, 23:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisallse

if you have an open boat with no gas on board you are exempt from the BSS.

'tis true. (I think your engine has to be outboard as well - which yours obviously is). 4-strokes allegedly better, but I have run a 2-stroke OK on the Thames and loads of others do. Enjoy!

codprawn · 28 June 2004, 00:55

This comes back to a question I asked without much success earlier - how effective would 2x 8hp fourstrokes be either side of a 225 on an 8.5m rib? I would have thought for pottering around they would be great - wonder if they would add anything flat out though?

Jelly · 28 June 2004, 07:24

HI Gary
In respose to your question, mine wonders like a good one at slow speed but okay at speed. It was suggested to my by the steering manufacurers that I might well have air in the hydrolic steering system. Thats next weekends job!!
James

Jono · 28 June 2004, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

This comes back to a question I asked without much success earlier - how effective would 2x 8hp fourstrokes be either side of a 225 on an 8.5m rib? I would have thought for pottering around they would be great - wonder if they would add anything flat out though?

Weight and drag?........

geoff · 28 June 2004, 08:34

We have launched at Bristol into the Floating Harbour. You buy a license at the slipway see www.boatlaunch.co.uk/popup.asp?iconID=42 . You can potter around the centre of Bristol and get onto the Avon via the lock. The lock is one of the largest in the country and then cruise along the Avon River. Its all speed restricted but great fun none the less.
In answer to the other question about running at slow speed, the planning hull design will tend to weave around at slow speed, its not your helming thats at fault. (Well thats what I tell my passangers)

Andy Beach · 28 June 2004, 10:08

Thanks for the replies and encouragement - glad to see I haven't been 'Red Blobbed'!!

Andy Beach

codprawn · 28 June 2004, 12:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

Weight and drag?........

Yes prob but most people carry one such motor as a spare - just thought 2 working together may be a better solution for pottering up rivers etc with their low speed limits than running a 225 two stroke that will foul it's plugs.

One either side should also make steering and directional stability better - also 2x 8hp would have a far better chance of pushing you through a tide race than 1 - ah well only one way to find out I suppose - anyone got 2 cheap 8hp fourstrokes for sale????