SALCOMBE RIB CLUB FAQs
EVERY RIB IS DIFFERENT, WILL YOU WALK US THROUGH THE BOATS?
Absolutely. We’ll be delighted to welcome you on board and experience first hand the amazing possibilities available to you as a Salcombe RIB Club member. When you join, one of our first priorities is an onboard introductory session. This briefing will cover all aspects of the RIB’s systems; to include engine checks, electronics, what to expect from handling and manoeuvring a Highfield RIB, and time spent learning about the local cruising area.
Is there a joining fee?
Yes. There is an annual club membership fee of £150 for those already holding their RYA Powerboat Level 2 & VHF licence. For your first year with the club, you may choose an initial membership that includes training and the necessary qualification, this will cost around £550. We also offer a ‘Flying Visit’ 30 day membership for those already qualified, which costs £50. All season memberships expire at the end of December in the year they were issued.
Is there aN Age restriction?
Yes. Members need to be age 21 or over to join Salcombe RIB Club.
CAN I BE A joint-member with a friend?
No. RIB club membership is for an individual only. Only a club member can book a charter.
DO I ALWAYS NEED TO BE THE ONE DRIVING THE BOAT?
No. Anyone with a valid RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or higher) qualification is insured to drive the RIB. As the Salcombe RIB Club member, you just need to be on board whilst the other person is driving. You may not ‘sub-let’ the RIB to others.
CAN I BRING MY DOG ABOARD?
Yes you can, although we don’t provide floatation devices for them. These are available to purchase from our sister chandlery in Island St.
Are lifejackets provided?
Yes. The RIBS are inspected, registered and licensed by the Marine and Coastguard Agency, to meet the highest safety standards. This means life jackets for everyone over 20kg, and comprehensive safety equipment provided as standard. We do not provide lifejackets for children under 20kg. These are available to purchase from our sister chandlery in Island St.
WILL MY LIFEJACKET BE CLEANED?
Yes. After each charter the lifejackets are checked for damages, cleaned, and maintained where necessary, ready for the next charter.
DO THE BOATS HAVE ANCHORS?
Yes! They are perfect for anchoring in any of the many beautiful coves and beaches the South Hams has to offer. Please make sure you know your tide times for the day in question, and check a chart beforehand. You may also use the onboard chart plotter.
Can I use the rib overnight?
No. Our Club Sport 560’s are only available to be used in daylight hours. We have a mooring buoy for you to use overnight. If you are looking for a longer charter option where nighttime use is allowed, please contact us about our Highfield Patrol 660 RIB, which is available for week-long charters.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It depends on the weather of course, but typically it is cooler on the water than on land. It’s always a good idea to bring lots of layers! Most footwear is suitable apart from high heels.
DO YOU HAVE AN APP FOR THAT?
Yes. We have a great online booking system, however to make life even easier for you we have a dedicated booking app for our members. It is available to download upon sign up.
WHAT ABOUT FUEL?
Fuel is not included in the price of the charter. When you book a RIB, you have the option to add fuel as an extra purchase. Alternatively, there is a fuel barge in the Harbour open daily until 4:45pm.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE TO JOIN SALCOMBE RIB CLUB?
Yes. You will need an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification & VHF licence to drive the RIBs, but you do not need experience to join Salcombe RIB Club. When joining the club you can choose a membership option that includes the necessary training & qualifications required to use the RIBs.
ARE THERE ANY BOATS AVAILABLE THAT I DON’t NEED A QUALIFICATION TO DRIVE?
Yes. We have a smaller RIB available to charter within Salcombe Harbour and Kingsbridge Estuary. The smaller 380 RIB is not allowed beyond Blackstone Rocks, opposite South Sands. No membership or qualification is required, no experience is necessary. We will provide a chart indicating where you can and cannot go, life jackets for your safety, and a demonstration of how to operate the boat.
CAN I FISH FROM THE BOAT?
No. Sorry but we don’t want to risk a punctured tube!
CAN I USE THE BOAT FOR WATERSPORTS?
No. We are unable to permit this due to coding restrictions.
CAN we use paddleboards?
Yes. We do not supply paddleboards, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please be aware that a £12 fee is payable to the Salcombe Harbour Master if you are using the paddleboard within Salcombe Harbour and Kingsbridge Estuary.
Am i expected to clean the rib after use?
After each charter, the RIBs receive a valet by our full-time shore team. All we ask is that you give the RIB a tidy, and remove your possessions at the end of the day. There is a water hose fitted at Whitestrand pontoon for the user to rinse off the RIB and remove any salt and sand before handing it back to us.
What happens if i break down WHILST OUT ON A rib?
All of our RIBs are well maintained and regularly serviced, so it’s unlikely that you will break down. However, we recognise that real life happens. Don’t worry, all of our RIBs are covered by Sea Start, who will come out to assist. You must also alert the team at Salcombe RIB Club. A member of the team is on call via the duty mobile phone. This contact number is clearly displayed on your RIB.
DO YOU HAVE ANY LARGER BOATS AVAILABLE TO HIRE?
Yes. We have a Highfield Patrol 660 available for week-long bareboat charters running Sunday to Saturday. You do not need club membership for this craft, just proof of the necessary RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification & VHF Licence.
WHERE DO WE PARK?
The best car park is the Batson Creek Long Stay, where you can park for the whole day. You’ll meet us at our sister chandlery, Salcombe Sailing, just a short walk away on Island St.
WHERE CAN I GO IN THE RIB?
When you charter the 560 or 660 RIBs, you are welcome to explore along the coast between Noss Mayo to the West, and Dartmouth to the East. Salcombe is in between the two. You will have an anchor supplied with the RIB, and plenty of manoeuvrability to explore the upper reaches of the Kingsbridge Estuary.
During your onboard introductory session, we will cover the local cruising grounds. We’ll ask about the sorts of trips you’d like to make and can offer recommendations. Please note that the RIBs shouldn’t be beached, and you must always be aware of tide heights and local weather conditions.
ARE THERE ANY BEACHES WE CAN’T GO?
Yes. Due to safety reasons, the Harbour does not permit hire boats to land or anchor off Sunny Cove or North Sands. You are welcome to land or anchor off Fishermans, Smalls Cove, Mill Bay and South Sands.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO GO BY BOAT FOR FOOD AND DRINK?
Yes. At high tide, you can go up South Pool creek where you will find the popular Millbrook Inn. Further up the Estuary, in Kingsbridge, there is the Crabshell Inn, and along the Frogmore channel is the Globe Inn. You can also visit Bo’s Beach Cafe and the South Sands Hotel. If you charter our Highfield Sport 560s or Patrol 660, you can venture easily as far as Dartmouth, Noss Mayo or anywhere in between.
Is there enough room for everyone?
Yes. Our fleet of Sport 560 RIBs are each licensed to carry up to 6 people (including the driver), so you’ll have plenty of room for family and friends. All of the Highfield Sport RIBs can carry large loads and will plane quickly & easily.
Is there A CANCELLATION FEE?
If you wish to cancel a booked charter more than fourteen days prior to the commencement of the charter, the charter fee will be refunded in full. If you wish to cancel a booked charter less than fourteen days before the commencement of the charter, and the cancellation is through no fault of SRC, the charter fee will be forfeited. However, SRC will release the booking and if this charter slot is subsequently booked by another member, your charter fee will be returned subject to a £25 administration fee.
DO I have to pay mooring fees?
All mooring fees in Salcombe Harbour are included in your charter fee. You are responsible for mooring fees incurred when visiting other fee-charging locations.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
All Salcombe RIB Club RIBs are insured for ‘bareboat’ charter which covers you, your party, and the RIB itself, whilst on board. However, a £500 excess is payable in the event of damage that is subject to an insurance claim.
DO I PART-OWN one of your ribs?
No. With the Salcombe RIB Club you’re not tied into any responsibility for owning a RIB. You get access to beautiful well-maintained RIBs, but you aren’t responsible for insurance, or running costs. Please see the SRC Terms and Conditions for more information.
WILL THERE ALWAYS BE A RIB AVAILABLE?
With our varied fleet of RIBs, we always do our best to make sure one is available for charter. We’d love to say we can guarantee this, but the reality is that it may not be possible, especially at peak times such as Bank Holiday weekends or during Salcombe Regatta. We recommend that you book early to ensure you get a date you would particularly like - such a family birthday or other special event. We really appreciate if you can remember to cancel a booking when it is no longer required, so that as many members can get on the water each season.
