A Frame for a Valiant DR 490

[two stroke mick]

I have taken the plunge an purchased a DR 490 and trailer. All I need to do now is save up a few euro for an engine. I would be keen to see photos of A frames on the various Dr 490's that are out there. I dont like the look of the one that is produced by Valiant as it looks very weak. If I was to get one made up and was to use the A frame for water sports what is the lightest diameter tubing that could be used? what is the marine standard for stainless steel?

[jonnyrebel1000]

Hi, not sure what others think but I have just bought an a frame from pacer marine on ebay. Very good product, and very solid.

[ian parkes]

The one I had was removable so the boat could fit under a garage door . i think it was a valiant item ,double tubes but certainly not up to towing with .

The valiant is a pretty light boat ,Iam not sure i would want to tow from the top of the A frame with one . Its not just the A frame that needs to be strong its going to put a lot of strain on what its bolted to.

Iam not knocking the boat I was impressed with that ,
What motor are you fitting ?

[two stroke mick]

Hi Ian thanks for your contuined input on the DR 490. I wanted a light boat so that I would not have to purchase a 4wd. You seemed to have a good experance with yours. I would have liked to have got a rib craft 4.8 but they are just too expensive.

If the DR 490 is good enought for the RNLI who am I to say.

I am hoping to put a 60hp ETEC on the tail. Do you think this is large enough for 4 divers?

Will a standard fuel tank fit under the seat?

TSM

[ian parkes]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Hi Ian thanks for your contuined input on the DR 490. I wanted a light boat so that I would not have to purchase a 4wd. You seemed to have a good experance with yours. I would have liked to have got a rib craft 4.8 but they are just too expensive.

If the DR 490 is good enought for the RNLI who am I to say.

I am hoping to put a 60hp ETEC on the tail. Do you think this is large enough for 4 divers?

Will a standard fuel tank fit under the seat?

TSM

Mine had a 30 litre tank under the seat and a suzuki df70 . i think it would take a 75 etec which is considerably lighter than the suzuki but A 60 should be ok , I would guess a 60 etec would probably perform better than mine did with the suzuki . loaded with 5 people it did about 33 mph and near to 40 1 up unloaded .

The a frame I had was the same as the pacermarine one .

[two stroke mick]

Hi Iain

The A frame you bought was it mounted to the floor or to the transom? Did Pacermarine make the unit up for you? Did you flush mount the VHF unit in the seat unit? Any photos you have would be appreacated?

[ian parkes]

Mick pm me your email and I can send you some pics . I have never been able to get pics up on here

The a frame mounted on the transom and on the lower part of the two side ribs that join the transom to the deck

I never had a VHF fitted i just used a hand held , fitting one in the consul would depend on where the other instruments are allready fitted .

Iam Currently having problems finding a space for the VHF on my new boat