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Post by cobrakev on Oct 5, 2015 19:21:38 GMT -1
Hi Guys, the SIB scene is definitely growing I have seen a few guys convert to them from kayaks, I am considering buying a second hand one but I need a few questions answering. Would launching / returning a 3M sib on a pebbly be a one man operation ? would using a sib allow you to get out in choppier seas where a kayak would struggle ? does the wind affect the sib more than a kayak due to the sibs larger profile ? Thanks for any replies, stay safe, Kev.
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Post by philpot on Oct 6, 2015 6:18:25 GMT -1
Hi Kev, your question is a little like, how long is a piece of string ? but I will try. Yes, there are an increasing number of guys getting into SIB fishing and with good reason, space, mobility, greater range, speed, single handed use and small storage space.... You can launch on a pebble beach on your own but let us be realistic, there are pebble beaches and pebble beaches. Some are very steep so much harder to pull a loaded sib over but of course, where there is a will, there is a way. A few people use rollers where sand or pebbles are too tricky to pull the sib with normal launch wheels fitted. The rollers are similar to fenders where you place them under the boat and roll the craft over them, a method used in East Devon around Beer area where the beach is very steep pebble or to fit ball wheels again used in Devon and very good or purchase a set of Wheeleez from the US which will handle anything and lastly you could buy a set of caravan / garden treads which you keep moving in front of the boat to prevent it sinking. www.wheeleez.com/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAMMA-GRIP-SYSTEM-grips-vehicle-tyres-on-soft-ground-/290631378096?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item43aafae4b0Can you go out in choppier seas, well yes you can and I have but it is all down to common sense, if the sea is nasty, take shore gear, simple. I do NOT take risks and treat water with great respect as all of us do and it is no different in a sib. I have never enjoyed being out in very choppy water on a kayak and prefer being in the sib although you will still get a bumpy ride, just one of those things BUT the good thing is that if you are out and conditions turn nasty, you have the power to get you home safely or to move to a more sheltered bay etc. I have both 15hp and 2.5hp outboards and will use both on saltwater IF conditions are good and on the Humber they normally are but really the 15hp is more for the sea to get me to the fishing ground fast and move a couple of miles as the tide changes etc. The 2.5hp was bought for pike fishing on fresh water venues which is most of my fishing these days. As with kayaks, carry the safety kit you need, use common sense and you will be okay. SIBs offer much more space and comfort than a kayak in my mind with the ability to stand or move around or take a leak when needed and apart from fishing, the family will enjoy a trip out on a summer day with calm water so take the plunge but try to get out with someone to see if it is for you. Phil |
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Post by nala on Oct 9, 2015 8:41:31 GMT -1
Firstly check the sib for leaks,soapy water applied from one of those garden/plant trigger sprayers.....and or listen for escaping air.....visual for any damage... Going over a pebbly beach,less weight in boat the better.....its then a relay to get engine fishing gear etc.....it can be done alone...also depends where you launch. (its my 3rd launch so far..) Wind does effect the boat,the more weight the tide will have effect on it....i drifted at a steady pace last week in direction with wind and tide.....the soft hull i feel does adhere to the surface tension of the water. And it was very comfortable and relaxing....a category C boat (check CE plate on transom) can handle upto 2 mtr waves(inshore waters)...although i wouldn't like to be in the thick of it.... But ,it does give you peace of mind.......that it is capable of handling it..if you get caught out. Carry safety gear as per kayak,lighten and compact your gear and ensure its strapped or leashed down in choppy waters.... The best one was,the anchor at the bow......person hit wave in rib....anchor bounced ....and yes ...smacked ......person in face.....Ouch...  There are bags or pouches you can get to keep them in secure at the bow....Or keep secure at the stern... Also,the paynter...ie rope attached at the bow......ideally it shouldn't be longer than the transom...any longer it'll catch in the prop....so if it accidentally goes over the side there's no problem of that happening. Or keep it securely tied at the bow..... Other than that its great fun and you can relax a bit more.....whilst your fishing....... Coming ashore gauge your speed and momentum and kill engine and tilt......the seaweed you can just see on the surface is about a mtr depth....aim to do this just before.... As if not, you run risk of picking up seaweed and tangling the prop.....and yes whats attached to seaweed....rocks....they will be lifted off the bottom and mess up everything... : ) Or just play safe and use paddles to get into deeper or shallower water,when going out and coming in...... a must on crowded beaches They'd be great at Oxwich....! |
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Post by cobrakev on Oct 10, 2015 7:50:49 GMT -1
Thanks for the replies fellas, I am not one to rush into purchasing anything costly until I have done my homework. However, just like kayaking, I would imagine that you can search the web for months to gather information but personal experience is priceless. you just have to have a go to see if it is for you. at least a lot of my kayak gear can be used for both the kayak and a sib. Now the quest begins for sussing out WHICH SIB and WHICH engine. looks like my motorbike will be up for sale to create the funds. stay safe. Kev.
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Post by nala on Oct 13, 2015 18:13:06 GMT -1
You might get a good secondhand deal or pick something up in the new year sales... : )
I have an inflatable air deck on my sib,which is easy to put together...as a few on the forum have recommended...
A deceptive product as i though it would be like walking on a water bed...and the hooks....
Totally the opposite......well pleased....and the aluminum floor version would be a bit more tricky to fit...
It also depends what you intend to do with it,if it were an alu' floor i'd have it inflated from spring to autumn....
And on a road trailer...
The one i have i deflate after a clean and keep in a valise(bag).....its more for convenience and space saving....and weight.
Good luck with your choice.......
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Post by philpot on Oct 15, 2015 10:53:17 GMT -1
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