Folding Transom Rib Question???

[CapeCodGuy3]

I've noticed alot of the smaller RIB's having a folding transom as an option. Does this have any negatives, e.g. to performance or long term structural integrity of the RIB?

[CapeCodGuy3]

lets help a yank out... not that YOU owe us anything mind you ;-)

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by CapeCodGuy3

I've noticed alot of the smaller RIB's having a folding transom as an option. Does this have any negatives, e.g. to performance or long term structural integrity of the RIB?

Maybe if you sent links to some examples?


jky

[CapeCodGuy3]

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|586964|587468&id=586990

[John Kennett]

CapeCodGuy3, the lack of response is probably due to a lack of information to share rather than unwillingness!

Until now I had never heard of a folding transom RIB, but for small tenders that need to be packed away it would seem to be a good idea. From a quick Google the Walker Bay Genesis seems to be the most popular, although Avon and Zodiac apparently have folding transom RIBs too.

Let us know how you get on!

John

[burkett]

The Walker Bay Genesis Folding Transom RIB is a new design unveiled at the end of 2005. The manufacturer specifies a maximum engine weight of 55Kg for the 3.4m This is the same specification as for the RIB with the non-folding transom. If the manufacturer has got it right there would be no structural integrity or performance difference. Both are rated at a maximum of 25Knt with a 25HP.

I hope to be able to confirm that the manufacturer has got it right once I have taken delivery of the 3.4m folding transom. There has been a delay in delivery due to Walker Bay rejecting recently supplied hypalon from their supplier (Penel Orca) as being below Walker Bay's specifications. In fairness to Walker Bay they have been apologetic for the delay and have agreed to make special arrangements for delivery once the RIB is ready.

This may seem no big deal for those of you who only need to arrange delivery of RIB's within the UK. But if, like me, you are trying to organise delivery of a RIB from the US to the Philippines via Hong Kong (location of the Walker Bay dealer) it's not without its problems.

The apparent benefit of the folding transom is in respect of storage - a particularly important factor in the Philippines where if the RIB is left at anchor overnight with or without a guard your RIB may not be stolen but the anchor will be.

If Walker Bay's present promises are fulfilled I should have the RIB in the Philippines by mid-July. Then it will be used for island/beach hopping snorkelling etc. I'll report back on it - good or bad - later on my return to Hong Kong.

Note that with the 3.4m folding transom I have been informed that I could, if I wished, transport the RIB by air cargo on the same flight as myself between HK and the Philippines for HK$1,300 (approx. GPS90). Obviously without the engine but with a lot of Philippine Customs hassle.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by CapeCodGuy3

lets help a yank out... not that YOU owe us anything mind you ;-)

Don't mind helping a Yank out but what exactly do we owe??

[jyasaki]

First I've heard of this.

OTOH, if you look at most SIB's, they're based on the same sort of principle (i.e. tube inflation is what locates the transom.) So, I wouldn't say this is a groundbreaking design.

jky

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Don't mind helping a Yank out but what exactly do we owe??

Dear Mr. C. Prawn.
Could you please explain your continuing derogatory remarks as they apply to both Americans and British citizens living in the USA. It is clear you have some bias. Perhaps, if you would spend a few of your valuable minutes explaining this it would help some of us to understand where you are coming from. A detailed and honest response would be appreciated.
Thank you

[Polwart]

i dont find codprawn particularly offensive towards americans (or british citizens living in the US) am I missing something.

I'm actually amazed that arrogant comments like

"lets help a yank out... not that YOU owe us anything mind you ;-)"

were not flamed by several people on here. Its precisely that sort of attitude that makes people this side of the pond think that those the other side are all tw@ts - when in fact we know that this is not the case.

I too am interested to know why it is being suggested that I owe some sort of duty to respond to him?