Just got a 8f Apex Rib.. would like some general questions and tips from you guys !

[Lund_bC]

Hi, So ya I scored a 10 year old Apex 8f rib with a 5 hp Nissian motor ! This is will be my main and only boat running on the east side of Vancouver island on nicer days .. Inflatable RIB A-8

So I have a two questions :

1. what is a tiny portable foot or hand pump that i could use to carry in the boat in my boat bag ?

2. This boat feels very safe and I have went out in some good winds and waves just outside the dock, lots of currents and tides and hazards here, but I am pretty new to having a motor boat.. I don't want to get over confident with it but it feels like it would be safer than non inflatables, or my last old 15 ft fiberglass... as far as being out in big winds and waves how easy can you flip this boat ? It's only 8ft.. lol

3. Is there anything to do about a small amount of wicking on the seams where it loses slight air ? It doesn't bother me.

4. What kind of emergency stuff or watnot do you carry as far as the boat part goes ( i got the motor covered) like quick patches or whatnot ?


THanks

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Just got a 8f Apex Rib.. would like some general questions and tips from you guys

Hi Lund,

1-Best mechanical fast inflation pumps : If available in your area.

Foot Pumps : Bravo 9 or 10, both with low, high pressure inflation chambers.
Hand Pumps : Bravo 4 Alum, double action pump, with alum shaft, much better and long lasting than plastic shafts.

2-Ribs are hard to flip unless caught buy a medium/large side wave or a big passer by boaters' wake, stay away from them if possible.

3-If air loss is very small, just small bubbles, could brush a 2 part hypalon glue mix layer on trouble area, let dry, apply another one. Check if ok. Clean well fabric surface begore gluing.

4-Whatever you like to carry and how far from shore you intend to go, not that much though, it's s mall rib.

Happy Boating

 

[zwapp420]

Re: Just got a 8f Apex Rib.. would like some general questions and tips from you guys

Hi, So ya I scored a 10 year old Apex 8f rib with a 5 hp Nissian motor ! This is will be my main and only boat running on the east side of Vancouver island on nicer days .. Inflatable RIB A-8

So I have a two questions :

1. what is a tiny portable foot or hand pump that i could use to carry in the boat in my boat bag ?

2. This boat feels very safe and I have went out in some good winds and waves just outside the dock, lots of currents and tides and hazards here, but I am pretty new to having a motor boat.. I don't want to get over confident with it but it feels like it would be safer than non inflatables, or my last old 15 ft fiberglass... as far as being out in big winds and waves how easy can you flip this boat ? It's only 8ft.. lol

3. Is there anything to do about a small amount of wicking on the seams where it loses slight air ? It doesn't bother me.

4. What kind of emergency stuff or watnot do you carry as far as the boat part goes ( i got the motor covered) like quick patches or whatnot ?


THanks

I wouldn't recommend putting 2 part glue around the leaking seam only because the glue will turn brown and look cosmetically bad. You should be able to find Latex or Inner Seal from one of the dealers on the Island....possibly Sherwood Marine. As far as big waves and wind goes, I agree with the Captain to stay away. Inflatables are not un-flippable. Use common sense when on the water and only attack big waves if you are comfortable with it, and wearing lifejackets !

Its too bad Big Island Inflata-Boats is out of service, they were the Inflatable kings of BC !!

 

[Jonnytutu]

Re: Just got a 8f Apex Rib.. would like some general questions and tips from you guys

Hi Lund,

just out of curiousity, are you able to plane easily on your 8ft rib with the 5hp outboard? reason I ask is that i am having difficulty with my 8ft with a 6hp......