Newbury Sub-Aqua Club

This specification is based on a direct replacement for one of NSAC’s existing boats with upgrading to current boating standards. Specifically NSAC requires:

General Requirements

2. Twin, 4-stroke engines, nominally 50 HP (Honda preferred but others will be considered on merit and cost). To be fitted with electric tilt, remote controls, rpm and warning lights in steering console.

3. Forward steering console with single jockey seat for cox. Access to any unused space is desirable for storage of personal items.

5. All control cables to run under the floor in ducts provided in the hull structure that do not compromise the integrity of the hull.

7. Stainless steel double loop “A” frame with navigation lights, fittings for O2 kit, tool kit and flares boxes.

11. Trailer – twin axle with security hitch lock (3 sets of keys), spare wheel, wheel clamp, lighting board and fastenings (Indespension roller coaster preferred but others considered on merit and cost.) The trailer must comply with all relevant road vehicle regulations and be fitted with a heavy duty winch suitable for the specified boat.

British Waterways and Environment Agency Boat Safety Scheme Guide has been used as a basic reference. Although not mandatory for off-shore use, failure to comply must be judged as not “best safety practice”.

Rib Spec Comparison Table.

Manufacturer	XS-Ribs	Humber	Valiant	Coastline	Tornado	Tornado	Tornado	Delta	Delta	Ribcraft	Ribcraft
Boat	XS-600	Ocean Pro 2.6m Beam 6m	DR 620	6m	Voyager 645	Viking 640	Tornado 6.4	600 Dash	620 X	5.85	6.5
Tube Material	PVC	Hyperlon	Polyurethane	Hyperlon	Polyurethane	Polyurethane	Polyurethane			Hyperlon	Hyperlon
LOA	6m	6m	6.15m	6m	6.45m	6.4m	6.4m	6.0m	6.20m	5.85	6.5
Internal L	4.6m	4.7m	4.5m	4.8m	5.4m	5.4m	5.1m	5.1m	5.3m	4.8	5.4
WOA	2.6m	2.6m	2.5m	2.25m	2.5m	2.6m	2.6m	2.3m	2.5m	2.4	2.6
Internal W	1.6m	1.5m	1.35m	1.25m	1.5m	1.5m	1.6m	1.37m	1.55m	1.5	1.6
Weight	500kg	450kg	486kg	390kg	610kg	520kg	520kg	~1000		390	500
Tube Dia	50cm	53cm	57cm	-	50cm	50cm	50cm	46cm	46cm	50cm	50cm
No of Compartments	5	5	5	5	5	5+1	5	5	5 or 7	5	5
Max draft	85cm	-	-	33cm	-	-	-	~45cm
Shaft length	L/XL	-	L	-	-	-	-
Rec HP rating	75-135	-	115	70-150	-	-	-
Max HP rating	150	2x 100	150	-	200 (2x 100)	200	175 - 2x 90			150	225
Fuel tank vol (litres)	100	91	106	140	120	120	120	~up to 115l
Fuel tank loc	console	console	under floor	under floor	console	console	console			under floor	under floor
Certification	C	B	C	B	B	B	B	B	B	B	B
Warranty	not stated	5 years	not stated	1 year (10 years orally)	2 year rtb	1 (2?) year rtb	not stated			5 years	5 years

FAQ.

Have we considered a hard boat?

Yes, there are several pros and cons to operating a hard boat. The club has considered these several times in the past and always remained in favour RIB. We are still viewing a RIB as the best fit to continue what has been a successful formula for NSAC.

Why not buy a smaller RIB so more people can tow?

Weight and traction are critical factors for safe towing and a significant reduction would be needed to make a noticeable difference. A small reduction in length of the boat makes a big difference to useable space and the number of divers. The operating cost remains more or less the same regardless of size. All together, a smaller boat that would allow more people to tow would increase the cost of diving.

What size of RIB are we considering?

Predominantly the same size as our existing RIBs (6-m). This appears to be the best compromise between towing weight and number of divers. The overall dimensions are limited by the existing boat shed.

Why not have a single engine to reduce cost?

Would a single axle trailer be easier to tow?

Yes single axle trailers are easier but twin axles are much safer should anything happen to one wheel or tyre. We are therefore looking at twin axle trailers.

What make of boat are we planning to buy?

Not decided at this time but it will be from a reputable manufacturer with appropriate warranty. See the spreadsheet of the options being considered.

What type of engine is being considered?

We plan to stay with 4-stroke engines because of reliability, ease of maintenance, fuel economy and smell. Diesels are considered too heavy.

Would it be cheaper to buy boat, engines, etc separately?

Most likely, however, the amount of specialist work to put everything together and to meet modern standards is very high. It is unlikely that anyone in the club would commit the time.

What is the expected timescale and budget?

The final cost is expected to be between £20,000 and £30,000. It would be nice to have a new boat at the start of the season however we will not order it until the club reaches a consensus on what to buy.

Who will make the decision on what to buy?

A small group of members are compiling information on the clubs requirements and on RIBs currently on the market. This information will be available either on the website, the club newsgroup or via direct request. This is a consultative process and your views are welcome. Ultimately it is the committee’s responsibility to make the final decision taking the members views into account.

Newbury Sub Aqua Club (NSAC)

Boat Specification

Overview