Preparing to launch your inflatable boat
With the return of the warm weather, RIB boat owners will once again be able to indulge their passion and take to the waves, for a full season of excursions, sea trips, fishing sessions and other leisure activities and water sports.
While launching a boat seems on the surface to be an easy thing to do, even the most seasoned sailors can get caught out, forget a step, or lose time ... That's why Orca Retail offers a few tips on how to successfully launch your RIB!
What steps are required for launching and sailing?
First of all, in order to sail on the inland waters of a country - and in our case, France - you need to register your pleasure boat if you haven't done so in the past.
To do this, you must complete this document : Fiche plaisance eaux intérieures pour la mise en service d'un bateau de plaisance (Cerfa N°14682*01) .
Then send it to the service d'enregistrement des titres de navigation en eaux intérieures.
At the end of this procedure, you will receive a circulation card.
Once you have this card, check with your port and its harbor master's office to make sure of the following :
- If you decide to keep your boat in port waters, to have properly negotiated your assigned berth
- Your boat's buoyancy and safety
- Possible times or days for launching
- Documents required
In fact, in the event of a check by a river brigade or the coastguard, be aware that you must always be in possession of your on-board documents, on pain of a fine.
So make sure you have your boating license, ID, trailer registration, insurance certificates, and fishing license if applicable.
What precautions should you take to ensure a successful return to sea in a RIB?
First of all, an overview of your RIB boat and an inspection is in order, to make sure it hasn't suffered during wintering.
Start by checking that your battery is fully charged, then that all your electronic devices are working properly, starting with those related to navigation (GPS, controls), followed by those concerning your navigation comfort (refrigerator, automated elements, auxiliary lights, radio, etc.).).
Then be sure to refuel your boat's fuel tank, and possibly bring along additional supplies. Orca Retail offers a range of flexible fuel tanks, but also for clear and waste water. You can then test the motor to make sure it lights up properly, and that the propeller turns correctly.
The third precautionary step in preparing for your launch is to make sure your RIB boat won't ... sink ! Remember to install the bilge plug. More generally, check your boat's waterproofing and wear levels. If your RIB bladders become brittle, leading to the risk of breaking later, it's probably high time to repair or reinforce them with our Orca Neoprene Hypalon fabrics.
Available by the cut for all models of RIB inflatable boats, discover our complete range now and have it delivered quickly in Europe.
Finally, it's always a good idea to pack a maintenance kit to make unexpected repairs. Once again, Orca Retail can help you : degreasing cleaners, anti-mould products, protective waxes, glues, hardeners, scraper strips ... you'll find everything you need to maintain your RIB in our online store.
Logically, you've thoroughly cleaned your craft to prepare it for wintering, but after long months of storage, a little cleaning and dusting session is always welcome !
If you have any doubts about the inspection or general condition of your RIB and would like to seek professional advice or intervention, we invite you to consult our network of partner repairers throughout Europe.
How to proceed with the launching itself ?
Finally comes the fateful moment : launching your RIB inflatable boat, which you now need to unload from your trailer.
All in all, a launch should take little more than 5 minutes.
Follow these tips and steps to make the operation a success within this timeframe and avoid incurring the exasperation of other boaters !
Think beforehand about getting your towing equipment right such as the winch crank and stern straps, or you may have great difficulties with your launch. It would be a shame, for example, to have to cut the strap because you're missing the crank that disengages the winch !
The first step in launching is to load all the equipment you need for your first outing onto your RIB boat.
Mandatorily take for your safety distress flares, enough lifejackets, your external navigation instruments if any, and your communication tools (radio or cell phone and their water protectors) to always keep in contact with the shore.
If you're doing the operation alone and need to step away at some point, stow the most coveted items and your personal belongings in discreet or secure compartments to avoid unpleasant surprises. Be sure to place your equipment and accessories so that when you reverse, they don't slip and fall into the water !
Then remember to take any other accessories that will make your outing a success : meals, drinks, fishing or sports equipment (skis, wakeboard, tow ropes), towels for swimming, etc.
In a second step, head backwards with your trailer towards the slope leading to the water. Back up until your tires are submerged under the rim. There's no need to back up too far and have your tires entirely in the water : if your trailer is set up properly, it'll do the job just fine. Note that if you submerge your trailer and there's a problem, your insurance may refuse you assistance.
Adapt your speed and immersion level according to the inclination of said slope and your trailer type (" breaking " or not). There's no need to rush, just make sure the angle is right, and that there are no obstacles in the way. Look in your rear-view mirror or have someone assist you. If you're alone and need to get out of your vehicle, make sure your handbrake is on.
Once correctly positioned at the water's entrance, for the third stage of your launch, gradually unwind the trailer strap holding your boat until the boat is atube.
We recommend not having your inflatable boat completely off your trailer at this time. It's a good idea for it to be held back in part by the last " rolls " on the trailer, so that it stays wedged.
Unstrap the boat from the strap and board your RIB, after taking care to switch off your car's engine and set the handbrake. Start your boat engine, and maneuver slowly into the harbor towards the quay where you can moor.
Finally, return to your vehicle to clear the slipway, and head for the harbour parking lot.
You're all set to take to the sea, and all we have to do now is wish you a superb season !
Are you passionate about boating and RIB boats?
Discover our products!
Read more about the world of RIBs:
- Why do we say Zodiac when we talk about RIBs?
- The best RIB boat accessories
- Why buy a RIB boat? Avantages
- The best RIB inflatable boat models
- How to maintain your RIB boat