Oversize beam problem in Oz

ryan4321 · 12 August 2012, 14:33

Hi guys n gals,

I've got a strange problem in that I have purchased a 6.0m RIB which has a beam of 2.56m and in Australia if your boat is over 2.5m there is a long list of requirements for towing the oversized boat. For example, it needs 2 OVERSIZE signs which are rigid and are 1.2m wide, one facing forward and one back, I need an amber warning light, amber lights along the sides of the boat every 2m, red lights at the back. A load or horse doo doo if you ask me but I am considering deflating one side of the boats tubing before hitting the road to reduce the width by 6cm so it comes in at 2.5m so I don't have issues and insurance problems if an accident occurred and they said I was not compliant.

If this is a good approach in the forums opinion, how should I most efficiently deflate the tube and then inflate when about to use. For example, what is the best hardware options to get this done quickly as I don't want to spend 30 mins waiting for deflation/inflation every time I want to take it out.

Thanks for your ideas everyone.

Ryan

uncle al · 12 August 2012, 15:09

find an electronic pump that blows and sucks, try googleing it, where I used to work we had one for the inflatables and ribs it was 12v and worked of a 12v battery
welcome to the site

jyasaki · 12 August 2012, 19:32

Seems to me that deflating/inflating is (in the long run) easier than dealing with oversize permits/restrictions/requirements.

I've seen other RIBbers (though not with your problem) deflate and run a couple of straps around the boat to keep the tubes from flapping. Aside from the wait while the tubes fill or empty, I don't see it as a big deal.

jky

9D280 · 12 August 2012, 23:05

Have a look at any UK built rib. There are basically 3 beams:
2m - single garage door size
2.3m -max EU towing width
>2.3m The rest is self explanatory...

I believe some of the bigger ribs will meet the 2.3m rule when deflated.

chewy · 13 August 2012, 06:10

For the 6cm its over I'd turn a blind eye, if you do get hassle then delfating the tubes is your best option.

BumbleAbout · 13 August 2012, 06:47

"I partially deflated and measured the width at the correct size before we set out officer ..." - I'm not sure that it is worth messing around for a 3cm reduction in width per tube !

Poly · 13 August 2012, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

For the 6cm its over I'd turn a blind eye, if you do get hassle then delfating the tubes is your best option.

Traffic Police and VOSA inspectors - and their worldwide equivalents are not renound for their pragmatic, "Ah well, its near enough" attitude.

ryan4321 · 13 August 2012, 11:23

Thanks for your opinions.

I think I'll take a little from column A and a little from column B.

I think locally I'm just going to rock it with the 6cm oversize and if I get pulled over and cop a fine, well so be it. The amount of time I'll spend inflating and deflating every time will add up and might be worth it.

On the other hand, for longer trips I will deflate as the manufacturer says deflation is pretty quick and the air compressor is supposed to be quickish as well, so will take the time in that situation.

6 freaken cm... Bah!

uncle al · 13 August 2012, 14:04

good luck dont let the b£$&*ards grind you down

chewy · 13 August 2012, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Traffic Police and VOSA inspectors - and their worldwide equivalents are not renound for their pragmatic, "Ah well, its near enough" attitude.

Got to weigh up the chances of getting caught against the time taken to deflate and inflate again.
I'm not condoning breaking the law but I know which option I would take....

jyasaki · 13 August 2012, 21:36

Probably not the same enforcement where the OP is, but read Capt Troy's responses in this post:

http://www.rib.net/forum/f45/aluminu...h-48484-2.html

jky

kubcat · 14 August 2012, 01:23

Not many highway patrol officers carry tape measures.

There is a guy on Aussie ebay that has the battery powered bravo pumps. I purchased one from him and it was far cheaper than getting one from overseas. It will be a good solution if you want to deflate but also useful for topping up when the tubes hit the cold water and deflate a bit. You just set the correct pressure and push the start button. If you are in Sydney, you are welcome to try mine.