Winter boating with a SIB?

[zodiac340m]

Has anyone done this? We are thinking of taking the SIB back to France as we will be heading there again in 3 months. I hear the fishing in wishing is excellent but wondering if putting this little boat in the water in sheltered areas completely away from wind is ok? We found a place called Aber Wrach, its not a river but a Fond and it is very peaceful and no wind or possibility of getting sucked out to sea whatsoever. Fishing is supposed to be excellent there, my concern is will the boat shrink in the cold water? has anyone gone in their boat in winter? How will an outboard handle in winter compared to summer?

 

[CapeAnn]

Re: Winter boating with a SIB?

How will an outboard handle in winter compared to summer?

We use inflatable craft all the time. In Alaska during the winter too. The outboard works fine if you are more patient with it as it is a tad harder to start up. The toughest aspect @ sea in Alaska with a little boat is dealing with more wind, less assistance available if you get in trouble and just making sure you have exposure protection. Especially if you are out there for hours. We often use dry gloves and wear full-on foul weather gear. That said the inflatable is used mostly as a landing craft. After a couple of hours it's much nicer inside a big boat with a heated cabin.

Here's a clothing staple of the Alaska fishing industry: http://www.grundens.com/

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Winter boating with a SIB?

I boat all year long, our lowest exterior temperature doesn't go below 16? centigrade, but with cold water and very high humidity; you will need to inflate sib at it's working pressure before placing on water as cold temperature makes psi go down, or you could top pressure once on water if doggy, hubby and gear lets do so. As stated by CapeAnn wear appropriate winter clothing. Close fonds are much nicer than open waters specially in winter time.

Engine colds very fast, place throttle to starting position and if engine does not starts in 2-3 pull, choque it again and follow cold start procedure.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Winter boating with a SIB?

I boat all year long, our lowest exterior temperature doesn't go below 16? centigrade, but with cold water and very high humidity; you will need to inflate sib at it's working pressure before placing on water as cold temperature makes psi go down, or you could top pressure once on water if doggy, hubby and gear lets do so. As stated by CapeAnn wear appropriate winter clothing. Close fonds are much nicer than open waters specially in winter time.

Engine colds very fast, place throttle to starting position and if engine does not starts in 2-3 pull, choque it again and follow cold start procedure.

Happy Boating

In Brittany in winter, we can have some days at 20C, some at 5C, some at 18, 16, 14, 12, 9 but rarely under 5. 5C is mostly late evening but rarely during the day. it tends to be sunnier than my last few weeks August trip. I may look for the warmer sunnier days. do you recommend I just paddle or row? The SIB handles to rowing quite well. Was thinking of this cuz the Fond is very quiet and peaceful and i didnt plan to be on the water for long periods maybe an hour to 1.5 hours at teh most but if sunnier and less wind maybe 2 hours? Its more going to be fishing so I am wondering. i was hoping to use the electric motor but it cant tolerate salt water.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Winter boating with a SIB?

We use inflatable craft all the time. In Alaska during the winter too. The outboard works fine if you are more patient with it as it is a tad harder to start up. The toughest aspect @ sea in Alaska with a little boat is dealing with more wind, less assistance available if you get in trouble and just making sure you have exposure protection. Especially if you are out there for hours. We often use dry gloves and wear full-on foul weather gear. That said the inflatable is used mostly as a landing craft. After a couple of hours it's much nicer inside a big boat with a heated cabin.

Here's a clothing staple of the Alaska fishing industry: http://www.grundens.com/

Ouch, brittany never gets that cold like alaska. that makes for some real real hot cups of chocolate. I rarely wear heavy coats during winter in Brittany. I probably will just cuz I will be on the water but in general I rarely wear gloves too. But will take wind and water into consideration and protect onesself just in case of problems.Where I will be boating has some homes that are overlooking the water and if we get in trouble I can scream pretty loud lol. there is a marina there and someone can come help us if we need help. I wotn be stupid and go far out. I am after fish not water fun. That was for summer. I wanna land a big un