Can you imagine the damage that could have been caused if this was a hard sided boat?

Photo Credit: Peter Morris

Here’s an example of just how important wearing the kill switch lanyard while operating a powerboat is. Had the operator of this boat only had his lanyard on, this accident would have been avoided. Luckily in this instance, no one was hurt.

Wearing the kill switch lanyard is essential in preventing accidents like this one. If the operator had the lanyard clipped to his belt or lifejacket when he fell overboard, the lanyard would have triggered the kill switch, which in turn would have immediately stopped the engine and the boat would have come to a stop.

The lanyard is a very simple, yet extremely effective safety precaution that all boat operators should wear while on the water – just like a lifejacket. However, if you don’t like the idea of having something attached to your wrist or belt, there are some new high tech kill switch lanyards that are based on wireless technology. Check it out! Regardless of what you choose – I recommend that whenever you’re on a boat by yourself (even if you’re out with others) be sure to connect the safety lanyard.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Coach boats, safety boats, and spectator boats are becoming more and more prevalent at sailing regattas. It’s essential for those of us who operate them to remain alert and aware of our surroundings at all times. We need to not only be mindful of where we’re heading, but also of our wake and their effects on other boaters – most importantly the sailors.

I read an article this morning on the Scuttlebutt newsletter (a great daily sailing e-newsletter) with a disturbing heading “Coach Boat Accident” – obviously I read more. It talks about a recent accident at a Laser regatta in Spain in which a sailor got their hand jammed between two Lasers as a result of two coach boats speeding past their tow line. It goes on to talk about a horrific accident in Greece back in August of 2002 when a boardsailor was run over by a coach boat. Click here for a link to the article. These two instances should make us all take pause.

There’s no doubt that RIBs make excellent coach boats because of their stability, soft forgiving sides, and performance, but we must remember that they don’t make the operator invincible. When operating a RIB, or any powerboat, at a regatta (or anytime on the water for that matter) move about the course carefully and slowly making sure to always look around you. Having run and coached at countless regattas myself, there is very rarely a need to go faster than headway speed – let’s face it, most of the time a slow but steadily moving powerboat will always get from Point A to Point B faster than a sailboat.

A RIB is not much different than owning a four wheel drive SUV. Just because you’re in an SUV during a snow storm doesn’t mean you should speed down the road at full speed – the roads are still slippery and all the four wheel drive in the world isn’t going to stop you any faster. Likewise –the safety and performance of a RIB doesn’t offer any additional safety to other boaters if you’re speeding around and not paying attention to who else is out there. Like the SUV in snow – just because a RIB can handle chop and rough weather better than a hard sided boat, doesn’t mean you should push it and stop exercising good judgment.

Please remember to always stay alert and be aware. For those of us in the industry, this just points to another good example of the need for boating safety and boat handling education.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 08:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers are required on boats where a fire hazard could be expected from the engines or fuel system. Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The LETTER indicates the TYPE FIRE the unit is designed to extinguish (Type B extinguishers are designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease fires). The NUMBER indicates the relative SIZE of the extinguisher (the higher the number, the larger the extinguisher).

Approved extinguishers required for boats are hand portable, either B-I or B-II classification and have a marine specific mounting bracket. Extinguishers should be mounted in an easily accessible position, away from areas where a fire could likely start. Though that sounds simple enough, the actual markings found on the units can be confusing because they can be approved for several different types of hazards. For instance, an extinguisher marked “Type A, Size II, Type B:C, Size I” is a B-1 extinguisher. The easiest thing to do is to look for the label that says “Marine Type USCG”.

How Many Do I Need?

Good question if I say so myself. Well, the number of extinguishers required on a recreational boat is based on the overall length.

Less than 26’ = One (1) B-I extinguisher required
26’ to less than 40’ = Two (2) B-I or One (1) B- II

If the boat has an internal fire suppression system installed below deck for the fuel or engine compartment, the required number of extinguishers may be reduced to the following.

Less than 26’ = None (0) Only if fix suppression system installed on vessel
26’ to less than 40’ = One (1) B-I Only if fix suppression system installed on vessel

It’s always important to check the most current USCG regulations. To do so, please visit the USCG Safe Boating website.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A truly great RIBCRAFT 6.8! We sea trialed one of our new RIBCRAFT 6.8s and the boat’s performance exceeded our expectations. With a steady north easterly breeze funneling down Marblehead Harbor producing a steady 2-3’ chop, it was a made to order day for a RIBCRAFT sea trial. Equipped with twin 90HP Honda four strokes, the 6.8 performed beautifully, smoothly slicing through the chop without an ounce of salt spray touching the tubes.

I’m a huge fan of the 19’ RIBCRAFT 5.85 and the 25’ RIBCRAFT 7.8 and I have to say that the 6.8 seemed to be made specifically for my likings. It had the maneuverability and agility of the 5.85, yet the power and balance of the heavier offshore 7.8. Though it was a cold and dreary day, I didn’t want to get off the water – the 6.8 made me want to stay out there all day.

Here are some pictures of the boat. This boat is equipped for diving, however with a center console and single or twin engines, the 6.8 would be an excellent patrol craft and the ultimate pleasure boat.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In addition to USCG approved PFDs, Visual Distress Signals are required on all vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and any body of water that connects them that is 2 miles wide or wider.

Boats greater than 16’ in length must carry day and night visual distress signals that are approved by the United States Coast Guard, are functional, and readily accessible. The most common are pyrotechnic devices, such as flares. All Pyrotechnic devices must:

- A minimum of three pyrotechnic devices are required. That is, three signals for days use and three signals for
night use. Some signals meet both day and night use requirements.
- Be marked with an expiration date. Expired signals may be carries as extra equipment but can not be counted
toward meeting USCG requirements.
- Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location, if possible.
- A watertight container that is red or orange and marked “DISTRESS SIGNALS” or “FLARES” is recommended.

USCG Approved Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals

-Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial
-Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating
-Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.

The following are just a few of the variety and combination of devices which can be carried in order to meet the requirements.

- Three (3) hand-held red flares (day and night)
- One (1) hand-held red flare and two (2) parachute flares (day and night)
- One (1) hand-held orange smoke signal, two (2) floating orange smoke signals (day)
and one (1) electric distress light (night only)

Posted by ribcraftusa at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)