Damaged Tubes- Help Please!

[vjmehra]

So after moving the RIB to its new home at Gillingham Marina today and scrubbing the hull to remove most of the mess we can now start our (hopefully not to lengthly) refurb process.

I've taken some pictures of all parts of the tube, we would really appreciate if anyone is able to advise us whether we can get this fixed easily, as we are (probably rightly) worried this could be an expensive job. Do we need a full re-tube (I hope not), but if so, what would this cost for a 5m Humber Assult?

[vjmehra]

[vjmehra]

[Poly]

Do they still hold air?

If they do then I think they can probably be made to last a while longer. Tube repair is all about preparation. Search for threads on cleaning tubes, repairing seams that are lifting and sticking on trim thats pealing off etc.

Replacement tubes if needed, will depend on various things like spec (there are various "commercial" spec 'wear' patches on there), who removes the old ones and preps the hull for the replacement etc. I wouldn't have thought you'd get much change out of £4k though, and it could be more, although I could be completely wrong.

[vjmehra]

There is definitely a puncture on the port bow, we have patched that and although not perfect it does release air very slowly (we used one of those quick patches, so I presume we can use something more permanent and get a better result).

If we're looking at 4k it would be cheaper for us to sell the engine and hull and walk away, I thought even a full re-tube would only be approx 2k :-(

[willk]

I haven't poured over the extremely comprehensive suite of photos there, but other than them being possibly the dirtiest set of tubes I've ever seen, they don't look as worn as many I HAVE seen. You need a couple of seam tapes replaced and a proper patch on the leak. The rubbing strake may be damaged, but again, cleaning and an insert may be all you need.

I'd suggest that you clean it first as best you can, then soap it down and see where the problems are.

Your prop is thoroughly stuffed and if you've been running it like that for long, you may have done damage to the leg.

[Ribshop]

Great that you posted pics with your question it makes things a lot easier. The material looks in reasonably good condition so providing there is no seam problems repairs should be fine providing you use the right glues (take a look at our website for hypalon two part glue). A retube will cost you around £600 per meter. If want a estimate on repairs just let me know.

[vjmehra]

Dirtiest tubes you've ever seen...lucky you didn't see it before we attacked it with the scrapers, when we took it out of the water for the first time it was much worse ;-)

Thank you Ribshop, I'll take a look, but at £600 per metre unfortunately a re-tube is not an option, we would unfortunately have to sell up :-(

[willk]

Originally Posted by vjmehra

Dirtiest tubes you've ever seen...

Piggin'

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Agreed, a few areas are a bit worn, but I can't see any thread bare on the hypalon. Therefore, by putting decent patches or thick rubber wear patches on areas of concern, then using a professional, trade experienced tube cleaner with proper chemicals etc then seal it all, they'll come up sweet for less than a grand.

Our tubes were stained badly over 3years with weed and barnacles and also sun faded on top. We put thick rubber straking on the rear 2/3 underside of the tubes, where its on the water, as humbers usually are to keep stable, £750 for a 6.3m. Then got the tops brought back to life with M501 bostick cleaner/thinner, £150, it takes a fine layer off like on a car when buffed, you lose a layer of lacquer, but it works and is fine if not done often. Then sealed them again to protect from elements.

[vjmehra]

That is much more what I was hoping to hear :-)

[Ribstore]

Originally Posted by vjmehra

..... we would unfortunately have to sell up :-(

We have some help & advice guides on our website that may help with DIY repairing and cleaning tubes etc

[paul tilley]

Retube approx £2800 + vat , repair /cleaning materials less than £100 and some hard work .
1 .clean the tubes with thinners
2.repair leak properly
3.fill small torn areas of strake with sika flex
4 . polish tubes
5.dont bother with seam tapes they should have tapes internally
email paul@tidel.biz or phone 07815144269 if you need help

[vjmehra]

So far I've received some very promising estimates, which is good news :-)

However our lack of ability to tow is proving to be a big hurdle (unsuprisingly)!

Our trailer is roadworthy, but we have no car suitable, therefore can anyone recommend a tube repair place closer to Gillingham perhaps?

[oxboy]

Hi Guys

I carry out tube repairs I am based in Birchington but can travel, I have a job to do on a commercial RIB in Chatham Marina then another one at Whitstable Marine on Friday 2nd November but will be happy to stop by and have a look and give you some help or guidance if you need it.

You can call me on 07743 392599 if you want to give me a call.

Thanks
Darren

[vjmehra]

So....after a few hours of scrubbing, with the help of some Toobshine we have made some progress.

Most importantly we confirmed the tubes are holding air, which is a massive relief! Obviously our temporary patch will need to be made more permenant, but at least there are no more punctures!

Also, hopefully, from the new pics, with at least some of the dirt gone, it is easier to see the areas with cosmetic damage, that will need to be repaired.

First 10 pics:

[vjmehra]

Next 10:

[vjmehra]

Another 10:

[vjmehra]

More:












As you can see, we're having real trouble with the underside of the tubes, however the topside and the hull are coming along (fairly) nicely....

[vjmehra]

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