Methods/Materials for building a Pilothouse

[boatster_sr4]

I've looked at "marine wood ply & fiberglass" or "high density foam & fiberglass". Has anyone tackled building a nice roomy pilothouse on a smallish 18' Avon Searider like rib? How about building methods?

[Nos4r2]

Not quite what you're asking but how about building something like this instead? It was on Ebay a while back.

If I found one (or had the room and knowledge to build one) for my Searider I'd snap it up as it has the advantage of being removable. Looks like it's a bit more aerodynamic than a pilothouse too.

[boatster_sr4]

That looks just about perfect. A few small design changes (aesthetically) and I'm in. I wonder how much weight that adds to the boat? I would also want to take out the center console and put a leaning post/bolster for stand up driving.
I've experienced after several outings that standing up works best for me, especially in the rough.

I have saved pictures of a few of my own too. The one similar to what you've posted is made by Zodiac Hurricane for the 5.9 meter ribs. The other is a prefab pilot house that bolts onto the hull. I like the idea of having a little cuddy though.

Now the question is what materials should the pilot house be made of? I think to keep the rib performing well they'd need to be light as to not throw off the cg and balance of the hull.

[Nos4r2]

Personally if I was going for the cuddy I'd have a setup similar to the separate seat/helm you built on your sr4 and have the option of standing or sitting.

Besides, it looked very smart and wouldn't detract from the boat with the cuddy removed.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by boatster_sr4

I've looked at "marine wood ply & fiberglass" or "high density foam & fiberglass". Has anyone tackled building a nice roomy pilothouse on a smallish 18' Avon Searider like rib? How about building methods?

Possibly a bit big for what you are thinking... http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...hlight=tractor

[boatster_sr4]

Here are some drawings I have for my pilothouse.
The grey rectangles on the A frame are going to be fuel tanks mounted over the tubes. I'm thinking this will increase internal space in the boat.

The cabin is going to be grp laid over a foam core to keep it light. My only concern is how it will blow in a cross wind.

What do you think? Is there some potential problems or improvements that could be mad to this design? I want to keep the pilothouse under 200lbs in weight. I was thinking of mounting on top of the tubes like the photos above.

[Limey Linda]

I would not mount the fuel tanks there. It will seriously effect the C of G of the boat and have an adverse effect on stability.

[boatster_sr4]

I was thinking of that. Here are two ribs that I've seen that put the tanks on the A frames though. One of them is a regular poster here on rib.net (the name escapes me at the moment).

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by boatster_sr4

What do you think?

With a front cabin, if you are stopped in the water, your boat will blow stern to the waves. However, with the tanks and the cabin you might end up floating beam on which could be a little uncomfortable. Just a thought.

[Rogue Wave]

I loved that Nissan Patrol and was very fond of the Sea Rider.too