A frame substitute??

[Hightower]

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]

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.

[Polwart]

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]

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

[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.

[Nos4r2]

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]

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]

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.

[Polwart]

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]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Can you not pee off the side - midships?

Well I could, but would be unfair on other Crew