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 with Salcombe RIB Club. 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 aN Age restriction?
Yes. You must be aged 25 or over to charter with Salcombe RIB Club.
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 insured skipper, you 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, Salcombe Sailing, 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.
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 charter fleet is only available to be used in daylight hours. We provide a deep water mooring that the RIB must be secured to overnight.
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.
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.
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 refuelling as an extra purchase. Alternatively, there is a fuel barge in the Harbour open daily until 4:45pm.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?
Yes. You will need an RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification & VHF licence to drive the larger RIBs.
We can arrange training beforehand with our training partners.
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.
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 must not be beached, and you should 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 anchor off Fisherman’s Cove, 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 to 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.
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.
