bombard aerotec 380 owners

[uny1965]

hi all, i did it. i went and bought the bombard aerotec 380 and 18hp tohatsu 2 stroke. very pleased with my purchase but i have a couple of questions you may be able to help me with. not been out on the sea yet only tootled down the thames (6mph) so don't know its true potential. anyway here goes with the queries. 1 :- is there any way i can connect rowlocks and oars to the bombard as i dont like the idea of those telescopic paddle things you get, (what happens if you're quite away out and the engine dies and you have to row back. 2:- i have aquired with the boat a bravo 12v pump, but have read on previous threads that these pumps do not like to inflate against closed valves. do i need or is there any valve attachment i can purchase to hold the valve open when inflating/deflating (my old honwave was a dream to inflate/deflate as the pump attachment held the valves open. 3:- this is a general question to all inflatable boaters, i always attach my engines lanyard/kill cord to my wrist which obviously stops the engine if you take an early bath, but what happens if you are on your own and theres a strong wind, theres no way once your in the water that you'll ever get back to your boat, i know this cos when there were 3 of us onboard in a relatively mild wind and i jumped overboard for a quick dip i couldn't get back to the boat (they had to circle back for me). do any of you out there tether yourself to the boat with a short rope if you' re on your own and if so is this safe to do . many thanks. paul.

 

[gjgm]

I ll make some non Bombard specific replies...
1.I'd have doubts as to how far you can row one of these. If you are going "out to sea", I suggest you think about communication..a phone as a minimum, but a hand held VHF will put you in touch with any coastguard and nearby boaters.An anchor will stop you drifting. Watch the weather. All in all, this is a tiny vessel to be any distance away from the shoreline.
2.dont know!
3.Too true. RYA is big on practicing man overboard techniques (hard with one!).Personally, I think its all but impossible to get back on small boats without a boarding ladder. Some have suggested that orange netting you see a roadworks as a ladder, but usually the problem is that your legs swing under the boat.
Being out on your own.. well make sure you dont go overboard...and dont forget a life jacket.