F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

I was wondering which is the best way to get back in a sib if you fell overboard. I will always use the kill chord so the OB will have stopped. Cant seem to any info.

You can buy a rope ladder device or you could make something like I did - see this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1424&p=14681#p14681

Or you could try this technique@

I don´t understand the question. I use the open bow to get back on my Takacat

You will need some kind of ladder or at the very least a rope with a loop in it which you can put your foot in.
I used to be able to climb back into my Zodiac cadet by reaching across it and grabbing the opposite side rope, but I can’t do it with the Honwave. After some experimentation in shallow waters (and with another person) I have reached the conclusion that without a ladder i will probably drown, or at least suffer from nasty hypothermia by the time I am rescued. I though I would be able to climb over the transom but on tying it became clear that I am too large and there isn’t enough room, what with the engine and the launch wheels.

Kayakers and such like often practice self rescue but it is something which we sibbers often skip. I think it is something which we should all take a bit more seriously.

Don’t forget, climbing in when you want to is very different from having to climb back in after unexpectedly entering the water. The cold will weaken you and you may well be in shock to some degree.

I saw the back flip method but cant see my self doing that without injuring myself , I think the rope ladder will be the way to go I'm surprised about the lack of info available.

Found a ladder from Boatworld £25 , they said attach it to the rope on the side of the sib, will find a way having it attached but out the water but to be able to get to it if necessary. Thanks for the replies , I think the best thing is to not fall in.

Agree, surprisingly difficult to climb back in solo. As a last resort is usually possible to climb back in over the transom using the motors AV plate as a step up.

We carry a Rib Step, stored inboard but attached to the transom, it can easily be reached and deployed solo from the water in an emergency. Ours is also regularly used for boarding when skiing/wakeboarding.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231562439195

Just be aware the considerably cheaper Boatworld copies are a much lighter/thinner webbing so not sure if as easy in use. Much better than nothing though for emergency use.

I found getting back into the boat surprisingly easy. However I entered the water voluntarily, wearing a wetsuit so stress and cold water shock were less of an issue. I just hauled myself up and over the side, possibly with a little bob up and down in the water first to give me a bit of upward momentum.

Doing the same in sodden, heavy winter clothes with an inflated lifejacket and, God forbid, death trousers could be a lot more challenging. Depending on my presence of mind I might be tempted to try removing lifejacket and extraneous clothes and chucking them into the boat to lighten my load.

If you've gone into the water wearing shoes then trying to step up on the plate of the outboard could be easier than if you had bare feet. I looked at mine as a possible exit route from the water, but like Chris found it looked like an awkward and tight space. I was also wearing flippers and didn't want to remove them to try stepping on the engine. However with shoes or boots on I'd be tempted to give it a go.

I now carry a length of rope with a loop passing through a steel tube that acts as a step. I also tied knots along the rope to aid grip. It clips to one side of the boat and is long enough to pass across the vessel and dangle low enough into the water on the other side that I could get a leg up to it without giving myself a hernia.

I fully intend to do a bit of self rescue practice at some point in the future, but that will have to wait for a) warmer weather or b) purchase of a drysuit.

I fully intend to do a bit of self rescue practice at some point in the future, but that will have to wait for a) warmer weather or b) purchase of a drysuit.
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I think what we have here is a good reason for a meet come the warmer months. Self rescue but as a group for reassuring assistance if needed. Maybe the Hamble or Poole Harbour

I fully intend to do a bit of self rescue practice at some point in the future, but that will have to wait for a) warmer weather or b) purchase of a drysuit.
[/quote]
I think what we have here is a good reason for a meet come the warmer months. Self rescue but as a group for reassuring assistance if needed. Maybe the Hamble or Poole Harbour


This would obviously be followed up with a visit to the local pub to warm up