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Shark Poker
23-12-2016, 05:53 AM
Hi All,

Am seeking a little help with my RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)

We removed the tubes (that contain air) from the hull in order to reduce its' beam.
As predicted by my neighbour, stability has gotten worse and its more open and indeed very wet.


So here are my questions:


1. Can you buy new tubes by the metre? If so where?
Does anybody know of a mobile service? Is there a DIY option?


2. I would like to upgrade the RIB to centre console. Are the BCF consoles as good as they look?


3. Does anybody know a good trimmer for installing new carpet?


4. Which of the used outboards are easily modified to fwd control? Also for resale, as I might sell this boat.


Any help would be appreciated. Am hoping to take the family out over the holidays.


Cheers,
SP

GBC
23-12-2016, 06:56 AM
Talk to a small builder like ocean craft, they use round tube.

Chris Tucker
23-12-2016, 07:50 AM
what sort of boat is it? Does it have a CE plate? if so it is quite an easy boat to get into survey so will have a reasonable resale value. Was there a problem with the tubes other than the overall beam? If not, put them back on the boat and sell it as is and buy something that better suits your purpose. The odds of you getting back anything extra your spend on it are pretty small.

Otherwise....There are a few companies around that make custom or replacement tubes (google is your friend). The better ones will even be able to make you a narrower tube that fits on the same hull. Remember however, that with smaller tubes you have voided your builder's plate so if anything ever goes wrong you'll be on your own legally. The other alternative would be someone like Trans Continental (http://www.transconmarine.com.au/) Marine who will make you a custom set of solid foam tubes to fit your boat.

Shark Poker
23-12-2016, 11:34 AM
Talk to a small builder like ocean craft, they use round tube.

Good idea, GBC. Actually it's rolled sheet that they would be using. You won't get an extruded tube that large anywhere as far as I know.
i would be careful about ever approaching them again. I did so once over five years ago and I am STILL getting their monthly emails and specials.

scottar
23-12-2016, 04:44 PM
Someone who may be able to help - at least with information is Steve from Woody Marine. They build pretty serious ribs for the likes of Coastguards, Pilots etc. Have also seen solid "soft" tubes on some of his boats.

http://www.wmf.com.au/

Also the Inflatable Boat Centre

http://www.iboat.com.au/

Or as a wild card the guys at Kapten boat collars - not sure whether they can custom design build in a solid format.