Fibreglass or aluminium...?

[AVDB]

Would like to hear from other RIBsters what RIB you prefer, fibreglass or aluminium build hull?

[codprawn]

Well it depends what it's being used for. I have a fibreglass RIB - if I wanted something for tough commercial use etc then I would go ali.

Fibreglass is much easier to make into a nice streamlined shape!!!

This is the ali hull RIB I want.

http://www.mustangmarine.com/ribwork...laderunner.htm

[walruz]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Well it depends what it's being used for. I have a fibreglass RIB - if I wanted something for tough commercial use etc then I would go ali.

Fibreglass is much easier to make into a nice streamlined shape!!!

This is the ali hull RIB I want.

http://www.mustangmarine.com/ribwork...laderunner.htm

Nice.

BUT

What's the price tag & I get (almost) that speed with a 90 rather than 485 horses!!!

Ian

[codprawn]

The price is about £150,000 and I suspect your 90 would make a nice aux for it!!!

The Ocean Dynamics boats are the ultimate shallow/rough water RIBs - tough as old boots!!!

[pathalla]

Originally Posted by AVDB

Would like to hear from other RIBsters what RIB you prefer, fibreglass or aluminium build hull?

I like em both, once built, I think aluminum is easier to modify... imho...

[OceanEco]

Fibreglass is a much softer ride. Aluminum is great until it gets old and starts to fatigue. We have lots of ally commercial ribs in my area and after about 5 years of heavy use(240 hours a month) the aluminum really starts to fatigue and once it does start it is really hard to fix properly. You are continually fixing the same areas.

[AVDB]

Thanks a lot guys - my first idea about building a RIB in fibreglass seems like the best option then. I have been involved in the design and building progress of some +8 M aluminium RIBs, but these simply broke when they where put to the test (weldings broke etc.). I will keep on working on the idea of a fibreglass RIB, with stainless steel fittings, and no alu.

Once again, thanks!