A Frame for Ribcraft 5.3

[Eddy Stone]

Not wanting to spend the amount of money that Ribcraft charge for their A frames, I purchased one on Ebay (thanks Jono) and adapted it to fit. This forum has been very helpful at confirming the fitting of brackets to the transom with decent backing plates. The front feet are attached through the transom supports as I couldnt get access under the deck for backing plates without having to create a hole and access hatch. The A frame was narrowed by angle grinding out foot or so section, bracing the tubes with solid round bar and rewelding. As the existing tubing between the front and back frmaes were off "horizontal" plates were welded and these act as nav light mounts. There is the required 1m vertical distance between the all round white and port/starboard lights.
Before piccies, and after.

[Jizm]

good job
A frames can be bloody dear...

[chewy]

Looks good, does the engine lift all the way up and clear the frame?

[Eddy Stone]

Yes, made sure enough clearance in all trim/tilt positions and full lock on steering. It had to be that narrow to get front tube feet attaching onto transom suports