Fake RIB

[Nasher]

Hi all

Was coming down the A3 lunchtime just south of Guildford when I spotted a RIB in the distance, nothing unusual in that, I see them all the time heading for the coast, or heading home after a days Ribbing whilst I've been in the office. (Bast***s).

Anyway, as I got closer I realised first it had a cabin, then, that the whole thing was made of Aluminium. Even the 'tubes' were welded sections of Ali tube, a fantastic piece of fabrication, especially the very convincing Bow.

The question is Why?

Why go to the trouble of exactly copying the shape of a RIB in ali when a more traditional style would be easier to fabricate.

I can understand why in certain circumstances an ali boat is better than a vunerable 'Rubber' one, but would Ali 'Tubes' give the same stability whilst at rest as hypalon/PVC tubes. In a rough sea there will be no cushioning of the waves, and once on the plane the Ali 'tubes' are irrelivant, and almost certainly heavier.

I can understand the appeal of RIBS with solid expanded foam tubes, but cannot make sence of this one. However I'm sure one of the resident experts will put me in my place.

It might just be that I've been working too hard and have totaly missed the point. Or perhaps the owner like polishing.

Nasher.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by Nasher

would Ali 'Tubes' give the same stability whilst at rest as hypalon/PVC tubes

Why shouldn't they?

In a rough sea there will be no cushioning of the waves

You're right... but how much cushioning do you think your tubes do?

...once on the plane the Ali 'tubes' are irrelivant...

Need I say more without appearing to be a closet hardboater?

There are a few of these RABs around (Rigid Aluminium Boats) Was the one you saw was this one...

[codprawn]

Just as much stability as an inflatable but no shock absorbtion - tough as old boots though - many of them are filled with empty plastic pop bottles - brill idea - no way will they sink with about 1000 air chambers!!!

There is one interesting design called the allyduck - ugly as sin but with a certain charm - AND a built in trailer!!!!

http://www.allyduck.co.uk/

[Jelly]

Didn't Andy Mickleright (appologies if I have spelt his surname incorrectly), build one himself called Awesome - and it is!!
James

[Louise]

James, see picture above!

[Jelly]

Okay okay point taken!!
Since we went to these thumbnail images don't always blow them up.

I hope Andy's hydradrive leg is healther than mine - discovered how much to fix the slop int the stearing on the leg still more saving!!
Jelly

[MeMe]

..........are for sale on boats and outboards in the speedboat section ! It's an ugly beast. Looks like something P D would buy.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Nasher

Hi all

Was coming down the A3 lunchtime just south of Guildford when I spotted a RIB in the distance, nothing unusual in that, I see them all the time heading for the coast, or heading home after a days Ribbing whilst I've been in the office. (Bast***s).

Anyway, as I got closer I realised first it had a cabin, then, that the whole thing was made of Aluminium. Even the 'tubes' were welded sections of Ali tube, a fantastic piece of fabrication, especially the very convincing Bow.

The question is Why?

Why go to the trouble of exactly copying the shape of a RIB in ali when a more traditional style would be easier to fabricate.

I can understand why in certain circumstances an ali boat is better than a vunerable 'Rubber' one, but would Ali 'Tubes' give the same stability whilst at rest as hypalon/PVC tubes. In a rough sea there will be no cushioning of the waves, and once on the plane the Ali 'tubes' are irrelivant, and almost certainly heavier.

I can understand the appeal of RIBS with solid expanded foam tubes, but cannot make sence of this one. However I'm sure one of the resident experts will put me in my place.

It might just be that I've been working too hard and have totaly missed the point. Or perhaps the owner like polishing.

Nasher.

If the boat in question was Awesome - Andy Micklewright's boat then I think the answer to your question is along the lines of if you own a metal fabrication business, are a talented welder/fabricator and want something tough as hell then why not! Andy has done a lot of cruising in alsorts of conditions in Awesome and she goes through just about everything. All the more impressive for being home built and designed.

Alan

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by MeMe

..........are for sale on boats and outboards in the speedboat section ! It's an ugly beast. Looks like something P D would buy.

Looks like one of those Zodiac thing to me!
Nick

[Andy Cox]

Just to reiterate what Alan has said about Awsome, I have had the good fortune of having a play about in it and two things really stood out. Firstly, the ride really is awsome, it's a very very soft ride, which is down to weight and good hull design me think. The only thing is that it is a wet boat, with a lot of spray coming back in, but I think Andy's working on some hull mods for this. Secondly, one gets the feeling you are in a boat that really is tough as ol' boots. Andy really has done a superb job with this boat and the quality of the workmanship is second to none.
Alan, hope you're both settled in now, how's the weather?

Andy

[EdwardH]

Originally Posted by MeMe

..........are for sale on boats and outboards in the speedboat section ! It's an ugly beast. Looks like something P D would buy.

I quite like that!!

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by Jelly

Didn't Andy Mickleright (appologies if I have spelt his surname incorrectly), build one himself called Awesome - and it is!!
James

Met him last night at the Torbay Ribnet meet - nice bloke! Half the reason he's put the cabin on is the wet ride apparently!

[MeMe]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Looks like one of those Zodiac thing to me!
Nick

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