New member from Bedfordshire

[Robmac]

Hi my names Rob and I'm from Wyboston in Bedfordshire - just outside St Neots which is in Cambridgeshire!

I have owned boats for around the last 35 years, 20 in all and all inland cruisers. My present boat is a Viking 20 but I have decided it is time for a change. I am a keen fisherman, boater and campervanner, unfortunately my wife has an illness which prevents her going on boats any more and I simply don't have the time to do all 3 hobbies and spend some time with her as well. So I have decided to combine all 3.

I thought that if I bought myself a Sib, we can carry it in the camper and wherever we end up I can do a bit of fishing from the Sib. This of course will also save me a fortune in mooring fees!

I had thought about various trailable boats but I just wouldn't trust leaving one out on the drive for long periods - a sad reflection on the world we live in I suppose. So a Sib it is. I am considering one of these;

https://www.fishingmad.co.uk/1213514ft- ... -14ft.html

Most of my boating will be on inland waterways and the lakes and Scottish lochs. I also plan to do a bit of Sib camping when I get the chance to go off on my own.

I have briefly discussed this with another member on here who is also a member on a Motorhoming forum I am on and he directed me here. As it happens I had already looked at this forum recently as well as watching some excellent videos posted by The Gurnard which really convinced me that this is the way to go.

Anyhoo, being new to the world of inflatable boats I have many questions to ask which I will be doing over the next few days/weeks/years? so please bear with me whilst I find my feet.

Well, that's me - I look forward to contributing and perhaps meeting some of you.

[Robmac]

Hi Rob, Welcome

We have a few members that have motorhomes/campervans, smashing guys and all good forum members, it’ll be interesting to see which one of them it is...
I'm about to start my conversion this year too. Mine will be a Transit Custom with a pop top, Sliding bed/seat and a side kitchen.

A Sib or Frib is an ideal craft to take away with you. Hopefully, as things get back to normal this year - you'll maybe think of joining some of the guys on here for an odd outing or perhaps we may restart the WWA and get a good few days up the West Coast of Scotland as a forum group again.

I followed your fishingmad link, I was quite surprised to see the price of the Bison, it’s certainly raced away in price over the last few years. Not a particularly well known brand but the price is starting to get close to the well known great brands, maybe worth a ponder before spending?

Have you given the type of sib some deep thought?
There are several different types of floors designs offering quite different overall experience. You'll maybe find this page an interesting and educational read.

Please ask away and we'll all do our best to point you in the right direction.
Remember, the best sib/frib is not one of any particular make, but one that suits your transportation, storage, finances, usage needs and requirements.

Enjoy the forum.
Martin

[Robmac]

Mine's a Renault Master which I converted (and still am converting) about 4 years ago Martin. We have a transverse double bed in the rear so plenty of room for a Sib underneath.

I like the space on the Bison, I like to take a lot of gear with me when camping! I motorcycle camp as well and have to really cut down for that so I plan to spoil myself on the Sib. I am considering other makes so nothing set in stone yet - I do wish other makes would do Olive Green though but I suppose brighter colours make for safe boating.

Thanks for the link, I will have a read.

[Robmac]

Some of the conversions are great, Be sure to give me a shout if you need anything, I have contacts who can supply some quality conversion gear.
These LifePO4 batteries are fantastic... https://land-and-sea.co.uk/29-powersolarlithium-battery

I'm always suprised with some of the manufacturers choice of colours for sibs.
My thinking is, In times of trouble, would you want a small inflatable the same colour (or near enough) as the sea you're sat on...
I'd like to think i was easy to spot if things went a little Pete Tong, I'll leave the stealth to the SBS

Martin.

[Robmac]

Yeah but I like olive green! Most of my time will be spent on rivers where the speed limit is 5mph but on the Scottish lochs I will show a bit of hi vis.

That's a great price for the LifePO4's, I am considering these when my Trojan T125's are done.

[Tyger]

Hello and welcome. I will be a new campervaner in July when it arrives another transit custom. Also new to sibs my sib and engine havnt got wet yet.
I bought a Takacat, splits into two bags so light and as a cat a bit faster with a smaller engine although i got a 20hp . Never do anything by half. it has no bow so easy to get on and off, no transom so no flooding, sounds odd but check it out, probably not for everyone as its a bit different.

[Robmac]

Hello and welcome. I will be a new campervaner in July when it arrives another transit custom. Also new to sibs my sib and engine havnt got wet yet.
I bought a Takacat, splits into two bags so light and as a cat a bit faster with a smaller engine although i got a 20hp . Never do anything by half. it has no bow so easy to get on and off, no transom so no flooding, sounds odd but check it out, probably not for everyone as its a bit different.

Yes I looked at the Takacats. Great boats but I'm not sure they would suit my low speed/cargo carrying/touring plans though!

You will love the camper it will make places like the West Coast of Scotland so easy to maybe wildcamp and go boating at the same time. I love it up there.

[Tyger]

Thanks....can't wait for the three months in Spain this year over winter.