pinhole leaks & boat update
Hi all,
Ok, with the help of many so far, my RIB is cming along nicely. I've repatched and repaired a previous owners inadequate repair. I've got all the engine, electronics, and steering issues worked out.
I took the boat out for the maiden voyage (2nd one) last weekend, and everything was great. I was pleased that the massive amount of glueing, straking strips, tube to grp bond, and everything else stayed together just fine.
With the motor still being broken in, and still mixing extra oil in the fuel tank, everything ran smooth. Now we have about 21/2 hours on the motor, and will soon be onto the straight fuel, and let the motor mix on its own.. (2 stroke)
Well, she cruises well. Not quite WOT (a little breezy on Saturday) she goes about 45 MPH ground speed on the GPS. I suppose I should convert that over to knots, and will do so next time. Handles well, and I even managed to get a little airborne, and track well coming down. (that wake was just a little bigger than it looked at first)
A big thanks to all of you that have helped with input from motor type to steering, to tube repair.
To that end, I can't seem to find where a leak is coming from in my starboard tube. Holds air fine during the day, but after about 24 hours you can feel that it has let some out. After 48 hours it is visibly a little deflated. I've rubbed with soap and water, and looked for bubbles, but it's not apparent. No leaks seem to be coming out of the seams or valves. I'm lost on this one. Port tube stays rock hard. I've heard of putting in a tube sealer, but how can I get it all around the inside on a RIB? Perhaps put it in at the boat ramp, pump it up, and then take is out immediately for a bumpy cruise? Any other suggestions?
Thanks. As soon as this bugger is completely sorted out, I'll post a pic of "Glue Scraper"
playspot
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