> >They are very wet and not particularly comfortable on long runs.
>
>
> This strikes me as odd, considering that I have frequently used RIB's
> offshore without getting wet, unless it was raining.  The standard type
> of rigid hulled inflatable, with a chined deep V hull, is designed to
> be operated in a planing condition regardless of sea conditions.  The
> practiced coxswain should have no problem doing this - to keep the
> props in the water you need to take the power off for an instant at the
> wave crest and then reapply power into the trough and up the face of
> the next wave.  One hand on the wheel and one hand on the throttles at
> all times - in a heavy sea you will be slamming the throttles up and
> down continuously.  This is a tiring job after a while.  I used to
> operate a Zodiac Hurricane 733 for the Canadian Coast Guard.  In calm
> conditions, these boats are capable of fifty knots, but even offshore
> with a sea running we can keep up a respectable 35 - 40.  For diving
> application, it is important to keep all of the gear stowed as far aft
> as possible, for the RIB to assume a proper trim in the water.  You
> only need enough weight forward to make it possible to climb out of the
> hole with engines trimmed full down - once on a plane, moving weight
> aft will give a smoother (and dryer) ride as you trim up.  Higher speed
> will actually give a more comfortable ride.  Like my RHIOT instructor
> told me:  "drive it like you stole it".

Hi Sean:

Thinking about it, I have not had any experience with these larger sort of
RIBs.  The boats that I've used around here have all been smaller RIBs with
tiller control outboards that force you to sit in the back to operate.  This
precludes the sort of agressive driving you are talking about and is
probably why I think of them as being so wet.  So I'll defer to your obvious
expertise on these larger boats.

By the way, I just saw one of the local US Coast Guard boats getting hauled
down the road on a trailer.  It appeared at first glance to be an RIB but on
closer look the pontoons on the side were hard foam rather than inflatable
air.  The boat was about 26 ft long and looked extremely tough.  It was
powered by an outdrive rather than outboards and had a big center console
with a big radar arch with searchlights and comm. gear.  I wish I knew what
kind it was because it looked like a great boat for diving.  You happen to
know the kind of boat I'm talking about?

-Kent-

--
Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.

Navigate by Author: [Previous] [Next] [Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject: [Previous] [Next] [Subject Search Index]

[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]

[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]