My new RIB

[captnjack]

15.5ft long, hypalon, anchor locker, dry storage bench seat, mini-console to leave room for scuba gear, custom tank rack, 60hp 4-stroke Yam. The hull is a single peice of 3/16" 5000 series aluminum formed with a single weld near the bow. Lots of thoughtful touches like the Stainless grommet in the bow eye and the hull plate extension which makes it effectively a 16ft boat. The deck is 1/2 style - only covers the very bottom of the V. 14deg deadrise, handles choppy water very well. Max speed with the Yamaha 60 is about 31knots with a single person and flat water. I have it pitched down a little (10.5x13") since it will mostly have a 2-4 diver load.

Made by Polaris in Langely BC.

Now has a combo GPS/sounder and fixed VHF (not installed when the pics were taken). Also now has a grab bar which goes around the console.

Used 90% for diving. Newfoundlands extra

[codprawn]

Looks nice and rugged - tough as old boots. Aluminium not that popular over here on RIBs smaller than about 9m.

[captnjack]

Here in Puget Sound BC waters we have rocky "beaches" and lots of logs and debris in the water. So aluminum is one of the most desirable materials to make boats (in general) out of. Weather's generally not too hot either so the decks don't get uncomfortable.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Here in Puget Sound BC waters we have rocky "beaches" and lots of logs and debris in the water. So aluminum is one of the most desirable materials to make boats (in general) out of. Weather's generally not too hot either so the decks don't get uncomfortable.

We tend to have conditions like those as well - thrown in with massive Atlantic swells and high winds - still don't see much ali around. Doesn't exactly get very hot here either......................

[captnjack]

Why do you think that is? Cost? Alis easy enough to work. Its more and more popular around here every year

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by captnjack

Why do you think that is? Cost? Alis easy enough to work. Its more and more popular around here every year

I don't know - I suspect people stick with what they are familiar with. Ali boats are very popular downunder as well. I wonder if it's a coincidence that Canada and australia both have huge aluminium industries???

[captnjack]

Ditto for all the Pacific NW. Relatively cheap hydropower, couple of AL smelters here. Most were built in the 30s and 40s. Part of the reason we cranked out planes in WW2.

[codprawn]

That's why all Land Rovers are aluminium bodies - there was a shortage of steel after the war but a big surplus in scrap aluminium from aircraft. Hell there's a thought - early LRs were probably once spitfires - sacrilege!!!

My favourite RIBs which are built in Wales are aluminium though.


http://www.mustangmarine.com/ribwork...olio/index.htm

[captnjack]

Look similar to these:
http://www.safeboats.com/default/boats.html

Which have rigid foam not inflated tubes. So much $$$ in government/ Coast Guard boats they don't even built for individuals anymore.

[codprawn]

The Ocean Dynamics boats were designed by one of the father's of RIBs - Shaun Whyte - a true gent but sadly died last year. The boats are still built by the same company though. They are designed for rough seas and shallow waters - no transom and jet drive with proper inflatable tubes.

I agree these boats aren't cheap. Typically about £150,000 or $300,000.

They started off as extreme whitewater thrill rides but with ever increasing litigation they gave up on that when one capsized with 12 people on board - sitting on the tubes meant they were all thrown clear and nobody was hurt but it really scared Shaun!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk6Ngh2bXt8

The yellow boat is one of these in action - the water just streams out of the back.