Transom Bulkhead

[r mcdonald]

I am getting to the end of building my 7.5m RIB with twin outboards.
I am after some sugestions. Do I need the bulkhead in front of the transom.
The freeboard at the transom is about 6 inches(150mm) or 2 inches(50mm) above deck level.
Placing the bulkhead in front of the transom will remove about 24 inches(600mm)of deck area but increase the freeboard by 10 inches(250mm), and help reduce
water coming in the stern of the RIB.
the photos are of the bulkhead inplace and removed.
Does any one have any sugestions if I need to have it in place or not?
Thanks for a great web site, I have got alot of ideas for building my RIB from the contrubutors of this site.

regards
RPM

[codprawn]

The best RIBs of all don't even have a transom so water can go straight out at the back!!!

My transom is pretty low but water never comes over it - the tubes are so buoyant the stern just lifts.

Fit the biggest and strongest knees you can though!!!

[treerat]

I think it'll depend on the boat usage, low or non existant transoms are great until you have dive kit kicking about.

If it's for fun / cruising then I wouldn't worry. If you want somewhere to put the fish that you'll be catching or somewher to put the scallops when diving then yes put one in.

Andy

[r mcdonald]

Codprawn and Treerat
Thanks for you thoughts. I have put the bulkhead in with two drain holes for drainage, I will put flaps(scuppers) on them but if they leak, I will put elephant trunks on them.
regards
rpm