Rigid Raider?

[Mr Boats]

I opened my new copy of PBO and my eyes settled on a feature article on the conversion of a Rigid Raider for use by a family with a disabled daughter. On looking at the excellent photos I realised that the whole article is based on false information relayed to the owner. It is not a Mk1 RRC as used by the Army and Marines! Its an Army Assault Boat Mk5!! a good boat all the same but designed for river crossings not open waters with a 40hp on the back. There should be a serial number on the hull as a small plate with the numbers starting with AAB. The in service engine was a 20hp. Just a word of caution, the owner says its very stable. Yes it is most of the time, beware of water on the deck and the free surface effect, when they do flip it is FAST and they float upside down.
So long as the implications are known and the capabilities of the craft are recognised then it will provide many happy hours of fun.

 

[pmagowan]

Write to the editor and you might get some rum.

 

[prv]

I didn't read the article, but I did glance at one of the photos and think "that doesn't look like the Rigid Raiders I remember". Cheers for explaining the discrepancy

Pete

 

[awol]

I've just re-read part of the MAIB report on the drowning of an army cadet off South Uist in 2007 when a Rigid Raider (not an AAB) capsized. Free water effect was one of the causes identified. It too capsized fast and floated upside down trapping the poor lassie.

 

[Mr Boats]

I've just re-read part of the MAIB report on the drowning of an army cadet off South Uist in 2007 when a Rigid Raider (not an AAB) capsized. Free water effect was one of the causes identified. It too capsized fast and floated upside down trapping the poor lassie.

That was a Mk2 Large Rigid Raider and the circumstances were complex, including the fact that the girl was wearing at adult LJ & couldn`t duck under. A lesson to us all to ensure we have the correct size LJ.

Quote: "Write to the editor" Why don't they read the forum?

 

[prv]

the girl was wearing at adult LJ & couldn`t duck under.

I haven't re-read it, but from memory I think it was an Infantry assault lifejacket intended to support a soldier carrying full kit and weapon - so a huge amount of buoyancy and a monstrous size obstructing movement.

Pete

 

[Tranona]

Quote: "Write to the editor" Why don't they read the forum?

Rarely. Comments on print material is best directed tot he editorial staff using their email for editorial feedback. Could be in the form of a letter conveying your information as it is of value to the readers, few of whom actually post here. Equally few posters here subscribe to the magazines so won't have seen the article.

 

[awol]

I haven't re-read it, but from memory I think it was an Infantry assault lifejacket intended to support a soldier carrying full kit and weapon - so a huge amount of buoyancy and a monstrous size obstructing movement.

Pete

If it hadn't capsized that wouldn't have mattered.

 

[prv]

If it hadn't capsized that wouldn't have mattered.

If she'd been visiting her granny in Bolton it wouldn't have mattered either.

Pete

 

[Redfox226]

Equally few posters here subscribe to the magazines so won't have seen the article.

Unfortunately neither have subscribers to the Digital only edition - not out yet.....

 

[Mr Boats]

Write to the editor and you might get some rum.

PM sent

 

[Blue Sunray]

So long as the implications are known and the capabilities of the craft are recognised then it will provide many happy hours of fun.

From what I can remember many, many years ago a lot of the 'fun' (as far as the Sapper Cpl in charge was concerned) seemed to involve carrying them across dry land.