We are really pleased to be selling this super new Ribquest 6.3 metre rib. This rib is being supplied to Caverton Helicopters in Nigeria to act as a fast rescue RHIB in the harbour to service any issues should a helicopter need to ditch. This rib can carry 12 people and due to it’s deep ‘V’ design, speed and turning ability is perfectly suited to the task. These ribs based on the Ribquest adventurer range can be bespoked to suit your needs and are ideal as leisure as well as professional Rigid Inflatable Boats.

Join us on a safari of discovery around parts of the incredible Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary. Weather allowing, we’ll take a peek and even listen in on life below and quietly explore one of the creeks for its winter birdlife. You’ll be joined by an experienced local Sea-n-Shore coxswain and the AONB Estuaries Officer, who will help interpret the rich and varied life above and below the waterline here. Booking essential, contact Sea-n-Shore by either ringing 01548 842276 or email ali@sea-n-shore.com Adult £5, child £3

Meet at Whitestrand, Salcombe. TQ8 8BU

Start Date: 23/02/2013 Start Time: 10:30 am Duration: 2 hours

Today the passengers on our Sea Safari and Wildlife tours also got to see a Sunfish and possible the same Sunfish we have been spotting this season in Salcombe.

Given the harsh marine environment, it’s hardly surprising that outboard motors can be reasonably demanding in terms of maintenance and servicing. Maintaining the motor might not be the most fun part of owning a boat, but spending a bit of time taking preventative measures can help the motor to stay healthy. This article details some of the ways you can help your outboard motor keep running for longer.

Breaking-In Instructions

If you bought your motor from an authorised dealer, they will usually share some “breaking in” tips to help you use your outboard motor. This could include running the motor at a set speed for a specified time on its first use, and this will help the motor to live for longer.

Annual Mechanic Check-Up

Get a mechanic to tune-up your engine at least once a year. Mechanics can test the spark, test warning alarms, conduct a compression test, ensure that seals and water pumps still have integrity and eliminate other potential causes for breakdowns. An annual check-up will help to keep your outboard motor going for longer.

Flushing the Engine

It is advisable to flush the engine after every single outing, whether the outing was on salt or fresh water. Flushing the engine takes between five and twenty minutes.

Two rubber seals which are connected with a metal clamp (or a set of “rabbit ears”) can be inserted into the lower unit of the motor where the water is picked up. Next attach a garden hose, start the engine, and let the water pump do the work.

Once the flushing has been completed, the fuel line should be disconnected to allow remaining fuel from the carburettor to burn. It’s important that fuel is not sat inside the engine for any longer than sixty days. Once the fuel is burnt, turn off the engine and the battery, open the engine cover and check that there is no fuel or water leaking. If you’re unsure about flushing your engine then take it to a boat mechanic who can flush the engine for you.

Lubrication & Corrosion

Once you are satisfied, wipe the whole engine down and spray it with anti-corrosive substances such as WD-40. It’s important that every moving part of the engine is lubricated, including the throttle cables and carburettor valves.

Invest in a High Quality Outboard Motor

The best way to reduce the amount of time you have to spend on maintenance each season is to invest in a reliable outboard motor, such as those provided by Mercury Outboards. A quality outboard motor will have far fewer problems than unreliable ones, which can prove a false economy when factoring in maintenance costs and servicing.

The evening plan was to depart from Salcombe and using the GPS plotter, charts and way-points follow their passage plan to arrive in Dartmouth at 12:30 am.Stop off in Dartmouth for a short break and then leave Dartmouth and head towards Berry head and Torquay. However along the way a few surprises were in store such as a man overboard exercise. The man overboard marker was dropped overboard with them knowing and some time later they were informed that a man overboard had happened. Time to work out when and where? All passed with flying colours!

Matt, Drew and Jim all plan to use their advanced certificates to get work as skippers. Jim has now completed his RYA first aid and shall be doing his sea survival course and once he has been fully commercially endorsed will then be qualified to work on rib and powerboats as a skipper. Matt and Drew will be working with us in the future working as skippers on the Sea N Shore ribs. Once Jim has all his certificates we shall be very happy to see him at the helm with us in the future.

In order to do the Advanced power boat course you need your RYA VHF Radio course, RYA first aid, Day Skipper Theoryin order to be commercially endorsed you will need your ML5 from your doctor and sea survival certificate.

July25 Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to offer 25% off all remaining July 2012 weeks! To apply this fabulous special offer, quote ‘July 25′.

Come rain or shine, there is plenty to do in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy the warmer climate of South Devon and spend exhilarating days walking along the South West Coast Path or long afternoons relaxing on the beach.Try your hand at some water-sports and try an RYA course in powerboating, sailing or maybe go Seal Watching or fast 007 rib rides along the coast.

If it is one of those odd wet days, why not head to one of the all-weather family attractions like Woodlands Leisure Park or Pennywell Farm? The historic maritime town of Dartmouth with its boutique shops, award winning restaurants and art galleries is certainly well worth a visit, whilst the popular sailing town of Salcombe is perfect for those with children – enjoy traditional past times like crabbing on the quayside and sampling a delicious Devonshire cream tea!

Coast & Country Cottages have a fabulous range of properties available, ranging from elegant country houses to chic waterside apartments, for July weeks.

*25% off remaining July weeks, not in conjunction with any other offer, subject to availability. Promotional code cannot be used retrospectively.

If you have just bought a boat of any kind then you can get an RNLI free sea check and this gives you loads of good advice about what you really need in terms of equipment etc. Just contact your local RNLI sea safety officer at your local lifeboat station.

It took Coastguard and RNLI rescuers  almost three hours to find a boat drifting in the middle of the Solent. The crew on board did not know where they were. The three crew onboard the RIB were not wearing life jackets and did not have any to hand. They made a 999 call after running out of fuel in the Solent. Without being given an accurate location it took searchers two hours and 45 minutes to locate the vessel at 02:56 BST. Solent Coastguard has urged boat-owners to ensure they know basic navigation.

Audrey Pedersen, from the coastguard, said: “We always tell people to be well prepared at sea with life jacket, flares, VHF marine radio and a mobile phone as a back up.

“Not to do so lacks common sense. You wouldn’t get into a car and drive aimlessly without knowing where you’re going, without sat nav or a map. “If sailors have no idea where they are, or what the weather conditions are, they are putting their life and others at risk.”

Happy Boating and be safe on the water!

Rib Coasteering -  We are Rib Coasteering on Wednesday 6th and Friday 8th June meet the ribs at Batson Pontoon and pre-booking is essential. We shall head out of the harbour and blast up the coast to some of our best Coasteering sites. To book call us 01548 842 276 or Book online.

Fast Coastal Rib Rides – Experience an hours fast 007 rib ride, carving high speed turns and exhilarating coastline.  Fast rib rides from £15 per person

Sea Safari and Wildlife Watching Trips

Two hour trip to see the seals and watch out for any other wildlife along the way. We have the potential to see Dolphins, Sun Fish, Basking Sharks.. We record all the marine fish and animals that we see.

Trips running on Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th. Trips leaving at 09:30 and 13:00 from Whitestrand pontoon.  Sea Safari and wildlife tours from £35 per person for two hours.