Rescue boat

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RogerHM

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Oct 5, 2008
62
Grampian 23 Bobcaygeon ON
Our Scow Racing/Sailing club is "thinking" Rescue Boat... We now have a fibre-glass fishing style boat with a 75HP on the back, cost $22,800.00 new, 3 years ago. A somewhat controversial purchase for our needs. In the 3 years it has been lowered into the water no more than 10 times, as we don't have a competent driver generally available... Lot of money that seems poorly invested... And, realistically, seldom needed, so there seems little urgency to ever launch it... Would make a good Ski-Boat for Family Day :)

Now the question is put forward: Sell what we have and replace it with a good, used Inflatable that will better serve our purpose, & maybe put $$$s back in the pot...

Any experienced with inflatables for rescue of sailors on a small inland lake that seldom seas 2 ft waves... In distance that would seldom be as far as half a mile away...

Comments and suggestions will be appreciated. Roger


Our Committee Boat, pontoon type is occupied with Race details
 
Eric M

Eric M

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Sep 30, 2008
159
Island Packet 35 Jacksonville
In 5 years of traveling all over the southeast US racing a variety of small sailboats I can't recall ever seeing an inflatable used as a rescue boat. While they are very stable (I own an 11' RIB that I use as a dinghy on my cruising boat), they are also quite expensive in comparison with a basic fiberglass boat.
What is it about the boat you have that prevents it from serving as your rescue boat?
Having served as volunteer race committee many times at the different sailing clubs I have been at, I would much prefer to drive around in a fiberglass fishing boat for the day as a safety/support/markset boat than be stuck anchored on the RC barge. You might be surprised the volunteers you could find at the club if you ask around.
US sailing offers a basic powerboat handling course to teach powerboating around sailing coaching and racing which I have taken and is quite good - I am not sure if you have a similar organization in CA that might offer a similar course for your club memebers.
--Eric
 
Prime Time

Prime Time

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Sep 25, 2008
544
Bristol 43.3 Perth Amboy
Define Need

It might help to identify what is needed? Why was the boat purchased? Are you rescuing boats or people.

I am a US Sailing Instructor and have a fair amount of experience operating "rescue boats".
On a lake in NJ, we use Carolina Skiffs. Basically a poor man's Boston Whaler. Flat bottomed boats that make good platforms for hauling swamped sailors out of the water. We are limited to 9.9 hp by state law on the lake. The largest boat we have to tow would be a swamped Flying Scot. I think that we could use with equal function an RIB. The RIB would not be as durable.

If you need an all weather capable rescue boat for serious conditions, what you have might be better.
 
R

RogerHM

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Oct 5, 2008
62
Grampian 23 Bobcaygeon ON
Re: Define Need

Thanks Eric & Prime Time, good points. I like the "poor man's BW." The B Whaler would have been 1st choice, but alas the $$$s...
We haul out sailors, and few at that. Then tow in the boat. Never more than 1 mile from the dock.
Our conditions are not heavy-weather. Scows aren't meant for waves with white-caps. Most knock-downs are caused by gusts at the wrong moment.

What is in the minds of some is the cost advantage--if there is one--by selling what we have, and replacing it with a good-used-inflatable with a probable 20--25HP OB that might be more appropriate, and having money back????
IF no cost-benefit... End of quest. Thanks again! Love this site!! Roger
 
jibes138

jibes138

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Jan 27, 2008
3,086
ODay 35 Beaufort, NC
Check out Defender

They sell rescue boat inflatables and they are also used as dive boats by fire departments and other rescue agencies. You can get them about 14 feet long and will serve your purpose well. Very stable and fast. Probably half the price of your current boat.
 
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