What is about RIB drivers?

[ChrisE]

[/rant on]

Tootling back into Keyhaven River yesterday at a steady 11 knots in the trusty FV, saw a RIB coming out from port, so I kept going epecting them to give way. Thry didn't and instead accelerated to get in front, so far no probs. However, suddenly all the folks on the RIB start jumping up and down pointing ot the stern when I looked, from behind a couple of moored boats out somes their tow, a floating thing with a couple of kids on... Come to a sharpish halt to let them thro. God know what would have happened if I hadn't been looking at the RIB...

Then, driving home last nght past the car park on Lymnigton River, a bloody great RIB, being towed by a an even bigger pickup truck approaches the exit to the road, slows then accelerates and pulls straight out in front of me causing me to break sharpish....

What do these guys feed on, raw steak?

[/rant off]

 

[Sans Bateau]

Brains removed

 

[Stingo]

Inbred cousins of PWC users

 

[dom]

I have a rib for when i want to fish, get somewhere quick or just feel lazy. They are so convenient and easy and that is the problem. I know people don't like the idea of licencing but the ease and convenience of them attracts novices and the experienced alike. The problem is that with most in the 100 - 400hp region they are anything but toys.

If we defend no licencing then surely the sort of behaviour you witnessed is the price we must pay. The roads would be no different without licencing. Imagine people pottering down the motorway at 80ish with 911turbos etc weaving through at 180!

 

[Channel Ribs]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a rib for when i want to fish, get somewhere quick or just feel lazy. They are so convenient and easy and that is the problem. I

[/ QUOTE ]

I too like to pop out in a RIB as well as go for a sail and I agree that it is the ease of opperation that apeals to some newbies, but I am not sure licensing the way forward.

Having some information at slipways about how to get training and what the benefits are would be a start, likewise a well worded poster for all the marina offices would be a help.

There should also be a clear way to report people who endager others with their boating habbits. Having your boat impounded by the MCA because you nearly got your kids run over, while they were on a donut, would make some of them think twice.

 

[Lakesailor]

Except that it's the "not my fault" culture that makes them think everything is there for their own enjoyment. See my post about sheep-worrying dogs in hlb's thread Here

The threat of a bit of enforcement got him moving

 

[Stoffer]

I bet the guy driving the pickup had a licence! Theres always a few rotten apples to spoil the fun!

http://www.boshamwebcam.com/

 

[ChrisE]

I didn't intend to turn this into a thread on licencing but behaviour like this reinforces my belief that it is inevitable. I'm just extremely glad that it wasn't me on the front page of the papers with two dead kids on my conscience.

On reflection, I think that I should have nipped up to the guy driving the RIB and asked him if was aware of the rules of the road and the potential danger he was putting his kids in.

 

[stevepremia]

Also, what bis it about 14 year olds with 225 hp / 45 kt ribs with no apparent supervision flying around dragging donuts in the anchorages of the south coast! I also saw a number of "school holidayers" unsupervised on various powerboats. Is there a lower age limit for being in command of a vessel unsupervised?

 

[dom]

I sometimes let my 14 year old drive powerful ribs. I don't think it is so much a question of age as a question of training and dare I say it a penalty if the line is crossed. When I allow him use of a 450bhp rib I expect him to behave in exactly the same courteous and proper manner as he would in a tender.

Personally I feel licencing is the only way to create a fair and enforceable framework in which all can operate.

 

[BobnLesley]

Around here (North Ionian) there's lots of them at the moment all with pretty tent affairs over the bows, which my wife's christened 'Wop boats': -
As they zoom across the waves at high speed, they make a wop, wop, wop sound.
The vast majority are Italian flagged
the vast majority are W****rs Out Playing

 

[Stoffer]

In Norway kids are restricted to drive (unsupervised) below 10hp up to age of I think it was 15.

http://www.boshamwebcam.com/

 

[Slow_boat]

I used to use a rib as a work boat and was once a rib instructor and I must say that I soon got bored with them as a toy in a way I never have in a raggie.

It quickly gets to the stage that the only way to have fun in them is to go fast. That's what they're for.

 

[KeithH]

I am not sure that it is just 'young drivers' - but the RIB problem seems to be getting worse in the Solent.

We sailed near Cowes towards the end of Cowes Week, and there were plenty of @rsoles driving ribs too fast and too close to other boats. On that occasion, the average age of driver was more like 25-30 rather than 10 -14. Worst were ribs loaded with twentysomethings in similar (corporate?) tee shirts. Those would not be affected by licensing or age rules. So I dont see a way of controlling it, other than by education.

 

[spannerman]

You are right, except its 16 yrs before you can drive more than 10 hp.