A frame substitute??

Hightower · 31 January 2007, 19:12

Any Idea's as to alternatives to A frames?

I like the shape of A frames but wanted to design something that would help clear an area of transom either side to allow easier fishing and to still add Impact to the look of a RIB still allowing the mounting of lights, antenna's, Radar, Flags etc.

I thought of a single moulded GRP mast that could be sculpted around the front of the outboard (to still allow tilt) and having two little wings either side at the top for the antenna's.

What do you guys think/suggest?

nik · 31 January 2007, 21:30

I have often thought that an A frame over the console would be more practical.

1: shorter wiring run for lights etc
2: you can mount a radar without worrying about it frying your brains
3: if navigating at night, you wont have your nightsight compromised by your running light lighting up your console, (as it will be above your head).

downside to not having a rear A frame
1: you dont have anything to grab hold of if you are about to be ejected from the back of the boat.

Poly · 31 January 2007, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by nik

I have often thought that an A frame over the console would be more practical.

I think redbay do this on some of their boats - I think it also acts as a support for their fabric cabin thingy too...

Hightower · 31 January 2007, 22:11

Practical! But they look ugly and nothing to hold onto when having a pee.

Biggles · 31 January 2007, 22:58

Andy,

How about a single S/S tube up one side only at the rear. Might need a cross piece for the Nav lights and a bracing bar at the bottom. But it would free most of the transom and I think it would look quite good.

Nos4r2 · 31 January 2007, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Andy,

How about a single S/S tube up one side only at the rear. Might need a cross piece for the Nav lights and a bracing bar at the bottom. But it would free most of the transom and I think it would look quite good.

That's what Leeway's done on his own boat. It doesn't look bad at all.

Have a look at the 6.3m on his site.

Biggles · 01 February 2007, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Andy,

How about a single S/S tube up one side only at the rear. Might need a cross piece for the Nav lights and a bracing bar at the bottom. But it would free most of the transom and I think it would look quite good.

Some seariders have a single S/S pole on the console. This caters for the lights and leaves the rest of the boat free.
it will also give you something to hang on to when walking round the boat or doing the other important things in life.

Hightower · 01 February 2007, 00:15

I've seen the single ones on one side, but I like everything symetrical. I also wanted to try something new and different. It's not an easy answer on a small RIB though. If a RIB had a twin setup I think it would be easier to design. I'll do some doodling tomorrow and if I come up with any possibilities I'll post them.

Poly · 01 February 2007, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Practical! But they look ugly and nothing to hold onto when having a pee.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I used to think redbays had been seriously beaten with the ugly stick - but they have grown on me and I think their rugged practicality is actually quite attractive.

Can you not pee off the side - midships?

Hightower · 01 February 2007, 21:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Can you not pee off the side - midships?

Well I could, but would be unfair on other Crew

Biggles · 01 February 2007, 22:51

Okay,

Lets think outside the box. if you need somewhere to pee. Why not carry a bucket to pee in that you can you use anywhere on your mighty craft, then dump it overboard. It also means you can have a proper A frame then.

Just an idea.

bootneck81 · 04 February 2007, 15:53

What I have done is fix a 6 foot alloy tube from the seat back on the rib mounting the VHF Ariel on top and mounts for a A flag. Just ran the cabling down the inside of the tube and right into the consul, does the job OK. and a hell of a lot cheaper than a A frame. Well it is until the wife finds out what happened to the centre pole of here Rotary dryer

Aidan · 04 February 2007, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Practical! But they look ugly and nothing to hold onto when having a pee.

What do you mean you have nothing to hold on to when having a pee.
Are you a woman High tower?????

Seriously, I find that if you just trail (your uno) it for several feet behind the boat, it does not make a mess with the wind etc. A lot of trouble reeling it all back in tho!!!!!

Stoo · 04 February 2007, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Well I could, but would be unfair on other Crew

Na, only the ones downwind...

When I purchased my boat, it had been equipped with a mast about 6' tall, located in front of the transom and off to one side. It carried the antenna, and lights and had the advantage being lowerable (Is that a word?).

The boat had been owned by a police unit and they needed to be able to get under a low bridge at the end of their harbour...

I should add that they flipped this boat (5.9M), then flipped its successor (6.3M) and have finally replaced it with a 7.5M Hurricane with self-righting gear... I have come to believe that flipping RIBs was their standard way to upgrade a boat in the face of departmental budget cuts! Let the insurance pay for it...

jyasaki · 05 February 2007, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoo

The boat had been owned by a police unit and they needed to be able to get under a low bridge at the end of their harbour...

I should add that they flipped this boat (5.9M), then flipped its successor (6.3M) and have finally replaced it with a 7.5M Hurricane with self-righting gear... I have come to believe that flipping RIBs was their standard way to upgrade a boat in the face of departmental budget cuts! Let the insurance pay for it...

Well, hey; can't say they're all that stupid, I guess. Seems to be working for them.

jky

mark-f · 05 February 2007, 18:29

XS do a console based a frame as an option

mark