Strengthening bars

[keg]

Hi everyone,

I've looked at a number of images and some Ribs have a strengthening bar running from the floor to transom.

Is this essential or just a nice to have.

I want to tow a kneeboard and there are already attachment points on the A frame.

Thanks

Tim

[Chris Caton]

think it depends on which model Searider you have, if it's the delux version I think they come with built in knees to support the transom but if it's the basic model they stainless bars do a similar job, I guess with a 50+HP you need something to take the strain, especially if towing off the a frame

[keg]

Hi Chris, it's an 4m with a white hull if that helps. Would you suggest not towing until i have them fitted?

Are they easy to fit?

Thanks for the prompt reply.

The attachment points are level with the top of teh transom on the A frame.

[Nick Hearne]

Post a photo of what you have and we can give you some advice
I removed my bars and had a Aframe made up which more than replaces them

Mine is not a Deluxe by the way

[9D280]

Keg,

not sure how new you are to Seariders,. but the "deluxe" version (and yours being a white hull is highly likely to be one of them) had fibreglass "swooshes" moulded into the corners between floor & transom. I think these are the "knees" chris is talking about.

The "standard" version used the two stainless braces.

To be sure - can you post a pic?

[keg]

Thanks guys, speedy replies much appreciated. I am in Leeds and Rib is in Windermere but am going up on Friday so will post as soon as after that.

[keg]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Post a photo of what you have and we can give you some advice
I removed my bars and had a Aframe made up which more than replaces them

Mine is not a Deluxe by the way

Like the seat at the back Nick, where did you get it please?

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by keg

Like the seat at the back Nick, where did you get it please?

I got it from here
Igloo Marine 68 litre coldbox

But this is a better price

Igloo Marine Ultra 72qt cool box ice chest cooler # 16685 | eBay

Had to fit 2 blocks for it to sit on so it fits nicely between the raised bits in the floor!

[keg]

Originally Posted by 9D280

Keg,

not sure how new you are to Seariders,. but the "deluxe" version (and yours being a white hull is highly likely to be one of them) had fibreglass "swooshes" moulded into the corners between floor & transom. I think these are the "knees" chris is talking about.

The "standard" version used the two stainless braces.

To be sure - can you post a pic?

Not got a pic yet but just had a look an it does have the swooshes described which is great news. They seem to part of the floor and transom all moulded as one.

Thanks again everyone. Will post pics when I get home.

[beamishken]

I hate to think what towing from that height does for the handling on such a small boat
Your braver than I am!!

[keg]

Here is a very poor pic under the cover showing the "swoosh" on the port side.

The attachment points on the A frame are just above the transom but is used what i assume are davit attachment points actually bolted through the transom and took it steady.

All seems fine

[Nick Hearne]

I have towed from the top of my Aframe which is rock solid recon you could pick the boat up by it!
But I have water skied off it without problem but once towing our large inflatable toy 84" diameter it dug in on me turning and just pulled the boat over till I fell out killing the engine with the kill cord! thought it was going to come right over on top of me but ended going the right way up, so no harm done just me a bit wet and the girl I had in the boat a bit alarmed
I don't tow toys from it anymore but use a bridle or my larger rib

[9D280]

Originally Posted by keg

Here is a very poor pic under the cover showing the "swoosh" on the port side.

That's a "Deluxe".

I'll hand you over to the Sr4 experts for the best way to fix a frame to one of them!

[Chris Caton]

if it were mine I'd just drill straight thru the hull n bolt the a frame to the floor and transom, be rock solid then

[keg]

The current frame is bolted through the transom. More pics in a couple of weeks when i am back up to the lakes.

Thanks again to everyone for their help.