First day at sea with F-rib 275

Bowline · Post by **Bowline** » 08 Aug 2016, 21:11

So I took my F-rib out in open water for the first time today. I launched into the English channel from Kingsdown slipway, then powered down to Deal pier and back, then on to St Margaret's. It handled the less than perfect conditions really well, F3 or 4 with a 1m + swell. The conditions did limit the performance to eigher hull speed, or skipping from wave top to wave top whilst on plane. Overall really impressed with how seaworthy and stable the boat felt, although I am now covered in bruises and have pulled muscles I never knew I had!! Recovery was a bit tricky as its light weight made it hard to control in the surf. Will definitely be taking it out to sea again, but will wait for some less lively weather....

YouTube · Post by **Martin** » 08 Aug 2016, 21:39

Excellent news,
I had mine out for the first time last week in Wales, I too was very impressed with the capability of the FRIB 375. May I also add, I too am/was covered in bruises.
Every bump brought a smile though, and by god do they shift

Enjoy it, and don't forget...

Bowline · Post by **Bowline** » 08 Aug 2016, 22:23

Point taken, I'll post some pictures next time! I'm working on a way of fitting my action camera to one of the oars, I did not fancy explaining to my insurance company how my mobile ended up on the sea bed 1/4 mile offshore! I also need to find some high density closed cell foam, I can not live with that plank of wood.

Post by **rogerblack** » 08 Aug 2016, 22:38

Two waterproof foam kneeling pads from my local garden centre at £4.99 apiece fitted the seat on my Honwave exactly without cutting or trimming.

https://www.dobbies.com/products/garden ... eeler-mat/

I'm pretty sure I got this idea from seeing something similar on the Gurnard's Quicksilver set-up at Benderloch last year.

Attached using waterproof self-amalgamating tape as strapping so they can be removed if required with no trace left.

All I need now is some decent weather and favourable tide times on the Forth to try it out; has to be more comfortable than the bare seat.

Bowline · Post by **Bowline** » 08 Aug 2016, 22:54

Nice idea, I'm sure my local homebase had something similar on offer the other day. Anything is better than the bare seat, and spending £100 on the genuine part!

Post by **rogerblack** » 08 Aug 2016, 23:27

B&Q £3.21 http://www.diy.com/departments/verve-kn ... 289_BQ.prd

Homebase £2.99 - and they've left the handle cut-out foam in place so no funny marks on your bum!

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk ... een-349736

Our local Homebase has closed down unfortunately and I was in Dobbies anyway

Paul · Post by **Paul** » 09 Aug 2016, 22:15

Bowline wrote:Nice idea, I'm sure my local homebase had something similar on offer the other day. Anything is better than the bare seat, and spending £100 on the genuine part!

I'd agree however in defence I've the set which is 2 seat cushions that are 50mm high density foam covered in very durable/easy clean waterproof vinyl and a two compartment bag that zips onto the cushion which you can also use as a carry bag which is quite waterproof.
Use of this set over 18 months boating every month minimum throughout the year, they're still in perfect condition and very comfortable even when 'pushing on' in the rough stuff

Just my 2p and appreciate anyone's cost factor

F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

First day at sea with F-rib 275

First day at sea with F-rib 275

Re: First day at sea with F-rib 275

Re: First day at sea with F-rib 275

Re: First day at sea with F-rib 275

Re: First day at sea with F-rib 275

Re: First day at sea with F-rib 275

Re: First day at sea with F-rib 275