Capelli Tempest Boat – 770 Open Reviews: Essential Storage Solutions and Features for Protecting Your RIB Over Winter
As the colder months approach, discerning boat owners across the United Kingdom find themselves contemplating the best strategies to preserve their cherished vessels until the warmer seasons return. The Capelli Tempest 770 Open stands out as a remarkable rigid inflatable boat that combines robust performance with thoughtful design, making it a favoured choice for family outings, coastal adventures, and spirited watersports. Yet, owning such a capable craft requires more than just enjoying sunny days on the water; it demands careful consideration of how to protect and maintain the boat during the off-season. Understanding the storage solutions and features integral to this model can significantly extend its lifespan and ensure it remains ready for action when spring arrives.
Understanding the Capelli Tempest 770 Open: Built for Year-Round Enjoyment
Design philosophy and seasonal versatility
The Capelli Tempest 770 Open has earned its reputation through a design philosophy that prioritises both adventure and practicality. Measuring 7.7 metres in length and 2.92 metres across the beam, this rigid inflatable boat strikes an appealing balance between manageable size and generous deck space. The manufacturer has crafted a vessel that accommodates up to twelve passengers, making it ideal for those who enjoy sharing their love of the sea with family and friends. The boat's construction typically features high-quality tube materials, often Hypalon or PVC, which are selected for their durability and resistance to the harsh marine environment. These materials prove essential not only during active use but also when considering how the vessel will withstand storage conditions over winter months.
Powering this craft is commonly a 250 horsepower engine, with options such as the Yamaha F250 V6 or Suzuki 250hp configurations proving popular among owners. Such power plants enable the Tempest 770 Open to achieve impressive top speeds while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency at cruising speeds. The boat's design incorporates thoughtful elements like a well-equipped helm station offering excellent visibility, a comfortable cockpit layout, and a practical swim platform complete with boarding ladder. These features collectively create a vessel that feels equally at home on a leisurely coastal cruise or during more spirited watersports activities like wakeboarding and water skiing. The versatility inherent in this design means owners must think carefully about seasonal care, as the boat's year-round potential depends significantly on proper winter protection.
Owner feedback and real-world performance insights
Those who have spent time aboard the Capelli Tempest 770 Open consistently praise its sea-keeping abilities and comfortable ride characteristics, qualities that set it apart in the competitive RIB market. Owners frequently highlight the boat's stability across various sea conditions, noting that it inspires confidence even when weather conditions become less favourable. The practical layout receives particular acclaim, with many appreciating the thoughtful arrangement of seating and the generous sunbathing areas that make extended outings genuinely enjoyable. The manufacturer's attention to build quality becomes evident through real-world use, with the solid construction proving its worth over multiple seasons of demanding service.
However, candid feedback from the boating community also reveals areas where expectations must be carefully managed. Some users mention that standard engine configurations might feel somewhat underpowered when carrying a full complement of passengers, particularly for those accustomed to more spirited performance. Fuel consumption attracts occasional comment as well, especially at higher speeds where the thirst for petrol becomes more noticeable. Like most rigid inflatable boats, the Tempest 770 Open offers limited weather protection, meaning occupants remain somewhat exposed to the elements during inclement conditions. These honest assessments from experienced owners prove invaluable when considering how to protect the investment during winter storage, as understanding the boat's characteristics helps inform decisions about covers, maintenance schedules, and protective measures that address specific vulnerabilities inherent in the design.
Maximising storage capacity: practical solutions for your capelli rib
Onboard locker systems and clever space management
The Capelli Tempest 770 Open incorporates several storage lockers distributed strategically throughout the vessel, addressing one of the perennial challenges faced by RIB owners seeking to keep equipment organised and protected. These compartments serve multiple purposes during active boating seasons, housing everything from safety equipment and navigation tools to personal belongings and watersports gear. The thoughtful placement of these lockers reflects an understanding that accessible storage contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of time on the water. Forward compartments often accommodate anchoring equipment and mooring lines, whilst storage spaces aft typically house water toys, fenders, and other frequently accessed items. This distribution helps maintain proper weight balance whilst ensuring that essential equipment remains readily available when needed.
When preparing for winter storage, these same locker systems become critical components in your protective strategy. Before closing up the boat for the season, thoroughly clean and dry all storage compartments to prevent mould and mildew development during the dormant months. Remove all fabric items, cushions, and soft goods that might retain moisture, storing them separately in a dry, well-ventilated space away from the boat itself. Electronics and navigation equipment benefit from removal during winter storage, protecting these valuable components from potential moisture damage and temperature fluctuations. Consider placing moisture-absorbing products within lockers to combat condensation, and leave compartment lids slightly ajar if the boat will be stored in a covered facility, allowing air circulation that discourages dampness. The investment in proper locker preparation pays dividends when spring arrives and you discover equipment in pristine condition rather than facing unpleasant surprises that could have been easily prevented.
Accessory storage options and winterisation equipment
Beyond the built-in storage solutions, savvy Capelli Tempest 770 Open owners often enhance their vessel's capacity through carefully selected accessories that address both seasonal use and off-season protection needs. Waterproof bags and containers designed specifically for marine environments provide additional organisational options during the boating season whilst offering convenient transport solutions when winterising requires removing items from the boat. Dedicated equipment for watersports such as wakeboards, skis, and towable tubes demands proper storage consideration, as these items represent significant investments that benefit from climate-controlled winter housing away from temperature extremes and UV exposure that could degrade materials over time.
The winterisation process itself requires specific equipment and products that warrant their own storage considerations. Engine winterisation supplies including antifreeze formulated for marine applications, fuel stabilisers, and fogging oil should be kept organised and readily accessible as the season draws to a close. Battery maintenance equipment, including trickle chargers or battery maintainers, becomes essential for preserving the electrical system during extended periods of inactivity. Protective sprays and conditioners designed for tube materials help maintain the integrity of the inflatable sections, guarding against the deterioration that can occur when these surfaces remain exposed to harsh conditions without proper treatment. Creating a dedicated winterisation kit that lives with the boat ensures nothing gets overlooked when the time comes to prepare the vessel for its seasonal rest. This organised approach transforms what might otherwise feel like an overwhelming task into a manageable routine that becomes second nature after the first season.
Winter protection strategies: safeguarding your tempest 770 open
Proper cover selection and tube material preservation
Selecting appropriate protective covering represents perhaps the most visible and critical decision when preparing your Capelli Tempest 770 Open for winter storage. The investment in a quality, properly fitted cover pays enormous dividends in preserving the vessel's condition during months of inactivity. Purpose-designed covers engineered specifically for the Tempest 770 Open offer the best protection, as their tailored fit prevents the pooling of water or snow that can stress fabric and create conditions conducive to mildew growth. If a custom cover proves beyond budget, ensure any universal cover selected provides adequate coverage whilst incorporating support structures that prevent sagging, which inevitably leads to moisture accumulation. The cover material itself should breathe, allowing air circulation whilst blocking moisture intrusion from external sources. Purely waterproof materials that trap condensation beneath them often cause more harm than good, creating greenhouse conditions that accelerate deterioration.
The tube material forming the inflatable sections of your RIB requires particular attention during winter preparation, as these components represent both a significant portion of the boat's value and a potential vulnerability if neglected. Whether your Tempest 770 features Hypalon or PVC tubes, thorough cleaning with appropriate marine cleaners removes salt deposits, organic growth, and accumulated grime that can degrade the material over time. After cleaning, allow the tubes to dry completely before applying protectant products formulated specifically for inflatable boat materials. These treatments create a barrier against UV damage and environmental contaminants whilst maintaining the material's flexibility through temperature variations. Inflate tubes to their proper pressure before storage, as underinflation can lead to cracking along fold lines whilst overinflation stresses seams unnecessarily. Check periodically throughout winter if possible, adjusting pressure as needed to account for temperature-related changes. This vigilant approach to tube care ensures your Capelli emerges from winter storage with its inflatable sections in condition indistinguishable from when you put it away.
Engine winterisation and off-season maintenance essentials
The powerplant driving your Capelli Tempest 770 Open demands meticulous winterisation procedures to prevent damage from freezing temperatures and corrosion during extended periods without use. Beginning with the fuel system, add an appropriate fuel stabiliser to the tank following manufacturer recommendations, then run the engine sufficiently to ensure the treated fuel circulates throughout the entire fuel delivery system. This step prevents the degradation of fuel into varnish-like substances that can clog injectors and carburettors, creating difficult and expensive problems when attempting to restart in spring. The cooling system requires complete draining or flushing with marine antifreeze appropriate for your engine type, protecting internal passages from freeze damage that could crack engine blocks or cylinder heads. Consult your engine manufacturer's specific winterisation procedures, as requirements vary between outboard configurations like the Yamaha F250 and other powerplant options.
Beyond the fuel and cooling systems, comprehensive engine winterisation addresses lubrication, electrical, and exhaust components to ensure reliable spring commissioning. Fogging oil sprayed into the engine through spark plug openings or intake systems coats internal cylinder walls, preventing corrosion during the dormant months. Change engine oil and filters before storage rather than waiting until spring, as used oil contains combustion byproducts and contaminants that can cause corrosion if left in the engine throughout winter. Remove the battery from the boat, storing it in a temperature-stable environment connected to a quality battery maintainer that prevents the deep discharge which ruins batteries over winter. Protect the exterior powerhead with appropriate spray treatments that repel moisture whilst allowing periodic inspection for any developing issues. Grease all fittings, check sacrificial anodes for wear, and address any minor maintenance items discovered during the season whilst parts remain readily available and the tasks feel less urgent than they will when spring fever strikes and you cannot wait to return to the water. This comprehensive approach to engine winterisation transforms what might seem like tedious work into an investment that pays consistent returns through reliable performance and extended equipment lifespan across many seasons of enjoyment aboard your Capelli Tempest 770 Open.
