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Hi all, I am toying with the idea of buying a rib. Just for having fun and fishing on holidays.

Been looking on ebay and a 3 to 4 mt with a 10hp (ish) motor complete with trailor looks to fit the bill.

For around £1500 you seem to be able to get the above in very good condition.

Does this sound about right?

Approx how much do they cost to run, (I can do all my own maintenace.)

Do I need insurance or licences to be able to launch from slipways etc. Are there any legal requirements I am missing?

I would hope to use the rib as a trailer to carry some of my camping tackle to site, is this acceptable?

Questions questions I know, just trying to get my head around whether to take the step. Thanks for any advice.

RAF35Y   Excellent news - a fantastic way to spend leisure time. 

To help you a bit more - take a look at www.rib.net    a UK RIB forum with  stacks of advise etc , just like here.

No connection with Rib.net, but I had a 6.5m RIB until April this year.

I dont own one myself, but i have lots of friends that do, mostly used as tenders to their main vessel which can be anything from a inland river cruiser to a full seagoing rig.

As far as i know, yes you do need insurance,not only to cover your own craft against damage or theft, but to cover you against all possible claims from other waterway users and joe public, should you have any mishaps along the way. On inland waterways anyway, they have to show a rivertoll licence disc for whichever area they are in operation in, and a BSC safety certificate which is the MOT of the boating world.

Also more experianced  info available (and possibly some for sale) from www.thenorfolkbroads.net

Julia

I have a 5 metre dive rib.

A RIB will offer a stable platform for fishing etc. At 4m you might want to consider 15hp+.  The boat is most economical when 'on the plane' and that depends on hull shape , load and power.

If using the boat as a trailer you should always consider the trailer rating, your vehicles towing capacity. Make sure your load will not shift and leave or damage your boat.

Consider applying a second thickness of hypalon in vulnerable hook areas.

Rother valley country park used to offer a power boat session before 0930hrs on the lake which was useful to flush the engine through and for testing.

Factor in bouyancy aids,VHF and flares for coastal voyages.

Third party Insurance is necessary as there are a lot of Gin palaces out there that won't want to suffer any damage from a 'liitle boat' , and there are salvage laws when getting towed in.

When purchasing checkout the trailer ( strength , road worthyness), boat (tubes stay up, fibreglass ok) and engine( gearbox,propeller) seperately.

The propeller is important. Siameter and pitch will govern how the boat can be used. It is the final gearing. Small diameter large pitch will give a high speed but will not carry much load. Large diameter shallow pitch is not fast but will take a load.

If you've not launched/retrieved before, its a good idea to sit and watch others. Don't park your car on a tidal slip. I've seen a few wet roofs at high tide!!!

Lastly , the sea is fun. The sea is dangerous - all at the same time. Take care and have fun.

Do you plan to France with it? We don't have "driving tests" for boats in the UK but they certainly do in Europe. If you don't have the relevant piece of paper you will get a hefty fine*. The RYA run courses that will issue the proper paperwork; as far as I know, the RYA certificates are the only "certificates of competance" that are recognised by the Europeans

Third Party insurance is a must. If you ran into a swimmer with a prop. they will get chopped up very badly. Likewise, some made the comment about Gin Palaces. Those owners are renowned for their lack of sense of humour

*The Harbour Police at Cherbourg had a field day a few years ago with people using small inflatables as Tenders