Looking at buying a Rigid Inflatable Boat

[staples230uk]

Thought I would open this to the wise masses of PH. As per the title I am looking at buying a RIB or even a SIB (very tempted by a zodiac futura). I live in Norfolk and the North Norfolk coast is very acessible to me so I will be looking at using Hunstanton as my launching and recovery site. My main question is (as noddy as it may sound)..What do I need to operate a RIB i.e Licences, qualifications etc. Do I need to join a boating club in order to lauch a RIB??

Thanks for your time

Staples

[z4chris99]

pretty sure in the uk nothing is needed....

my mate has a capelli tempest 1000 with twin 300's on the back which is lovely, been out a few times this week

[sasha320]

I would like to become proficient in boat (RIB) handling for when I go on holiday in Greece, probably with kids in the boat.

To that end, I am thinking of buying a RIB in the UK to use in order to practice boat handling in heavier seas over the winter. Then selling the RIB in the UK after a couple of years.

I figure I would get onto the water once a month, for a day maximum.

Does anyone think there might be a better strategy to become proficient?

I have passed my RYA Level 2 and received my ICC certificate too.

Any thoughts / views / ideas / alternative strategies welcome.

[donutsina911]

My tips...

Register at www.rib.net
Ask loads of questions and check out the RIBs and SIBs for sale section
Speak to www.trainingafloat.com
Do RYA Powerboat Level 2,ideally in the waters where you'll do your boating
Do the VHF SRC course
Wear a killcord

hth

[Boatbuoy]

donutsina911 said:

My tips...

Register at www.rib.net
Ask loads of questions and check out the RIBs and SIBs for sale section
Speak to www.trainingafloat.com
Do RYA Powerboat Level 2,ideally in the waters where you'll do your boating
Do the VHF SRC course
Wear a killcord

hth

What he said!

[staples230uk]

donutsina911 said:

My tips...

Register at www.rib.net
Ask loads of questions and check out the RIBs and SIBs for sale section
Speak to www.trainingafloat.com
Do RYA Powerboat Level 2,ideally in the waters where you'll do your boating
Do the VHF SRC course
Wear a killcord

hth

Nice one!! Have registered on ribnet, and had a good old browse. I am currently powerboat level 1 but have been looking to do my level 2 for some time, and what better motivation to do so. Thanks for the info

[Lawbags]

I have a rib :-) All be it a small one that can fold up into the boot of the car. But couple that with a 10hp outboard and the fun is top notch.

100% use a kill cord. Especially if your going with a big engine.

Also, learn the sea and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecasts and a hand held VHF can be useful but not essential.

I don't regret one bit getting mine.

[staples230uk]

Lawbags said:

I have a rib :-) All be it a small one that can fold up into the boot of the car. But couple that with a 10hp outboard and the fun is top notch.

100% use a kill cord. Especially if your going with a big engine.

Also, learn the sea and ALWAYS keep an eye on the weather forecasts and a hand held VHF can be useful but not essential.

I don't regret one bit getting mine.

Cheers mate, I used to bomb about in a small bombard ax3000 with a 8hp back in my youth and I always had the killcord on. With recent events this summer I think it highlights why they are neccessary. Looking forward to getting back on the water

[paintman]

Bear in mind that for many countries if you want to hire a boat they will want to see certification of competence. RYA Power Boat Level 2 is accepted & you will also need to ask the RYA to issue you an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) once you have passed.
Unlike the UK where you can buy what you like then launch & use without any training/qualification/insurance etc! That said, you may well find that your insurance is cheaper when you pass & some companies may not want to insure you without proof of competence.