Modular concept RIB, first thoughts...

[Channel Ribs]

A colleague and I are probing the idea of putting together what might be described as an "open source" RIB. Anyone that has modified an old style Landrover will appreciate the modular nature of them, not to mention that there are many accessories produced by many different people. We would like to see something similar in the RIB market.

Our idea is to have a single mid sized hull, with good rough water characteristics. The build will be fairly lightweight but very strong, but above all it will have a detailed set of specs for anyone that wants to build their own modifications to suit a particular role as well as having built in modification options and fixing points.

We think we have found a manufacturing technique that will allow this and now seems to be a good time to pick up moulds/designs for hulls that will be up to the job.

What do you think?

[Nos4r2]

I'm not sure what you mean as I can't really see anything more modular than say, buying a bare hull and fitting it out with the many consoles/seats available a la Osprey or an old Searider.

Can you explain more?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Can you explain more?

I can try.

The idea is not just about one shot flexibility, it is about being able to change and update/upgrade many times. So you can configure it for one season as a "pickup" type boat - with a double console and loads of open deck space, next season you might move the console and add a second fuel tank and add jockeys. Just as an example.

The hull would be designed and built in such a way as to allow such changes without altering the integrity of the core boat.

[Nos4r2]

I quite like that idea-it'd be the ideal 1st time rib too-a lot of people seem to buy new then realise they would like to do something differently. Not sure how it'd work in practice with people walking on mounting points and so on though but that's your job doing R&D .

[gtflash]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I quite like that idea-it'd be the ideal 1st time rib too-a lot of people seem to buy new then realise they would like to do something differently. Not sure how it'd work in practice with people walking on mounting points and so on though but that's your job doing R&D .

didnt rib eye use a track mounting system that meant seating anc consoles could be re configured?? From all accounts things wernt moved once settled and the tracks were ugly......... Would need to be discrete and tasteful if your market was aiming at leisure!

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by gtflash

Would need to be discrete and tasteful if your market was aiming at leisure!

Quite right, we can do discrete and tasteful

The idea would be that at any time the boat can revert to a totally flat and level deck, even with fixtures in place there would be no rails or raised fittings.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by malthouse

Quite right, we can do discrete and tasteful

The idea would be that at any time the boat can revert to a totally flat and level deck, even with fixtures in place there would be no rails or raised fittings.

Can you describe how you'd do it without revealing secrets?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Can you describe how you'd do it without revealing secrets?

If we knew exactly how we would do it then sure, but it is still very early days. If there is a market for it (or rather will there be a market for it once the economy bounces back) then we will build it.

We have some pretty good ideas on how it might work, based on our time modifying other people's designs.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by malthouse

If we knew exactly how we would do it then sure, but it is still very early days. If there is a market for it (or rather will there be a market for it once the economy bounces back) then we will build it.

We have some pretty good ideas on how it might work, based on our time modifying other people's designs.

Hmm.
Worth some market research.

I do get the feeling though that however good the idea is (and it's a fantastic idea), in practice it'll be a bit of a non starter.
I can see a lot of advantages to it-but also a lot of pitfalls.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I do get the feeling though that however good the idea is (and it's a fantastic idea), in practice it'll be a bit of a non starter.
I can see a lot of advantages to it-but also a lot of pitfalls.

Like everything in boat design there will be a compromise, but the aim is to have a basic shell of a RIB that can take a wide range of engines, tanks, seats, storage, etc etc without being set for life in that set up. IF we are right and it can be made to work then it should be an interesting project.

None of my RIBs (in fact any kind of boats) have ever been just right, but my Landrover is finally perfect. Time for a bit of cross fertilisation I think!