Foam Tubes

[marklo]

I was wondering if anyone can assist me with advice on the following.

I have an 8.0m RIB that is used to transport goods from land to see. The RIB has normal inflatable tubes (in good condition) however, whenever I tie up against the mother ship I damage the tubes and they deflate.

I would like to fill the tubes with foam (not the 2 part polyurethane mix, as I have tried this and it doesn't work).
I,m thinking of using the existing tubes and simply inserting foam collars inside the current tube (I would have to cut the entire tube open, insert the foam & then glue a closing strip over the cut)

Has anybody done anything like this??? Help or advice would be appreciated!!!

[AMac]

Try talking to redbay as they fill tubes with foam of some sort on the larger ribs they build

[ShinyShoe]

And try using some proper fenders rather than using the tubes as fenders.

Have to say I'd probably be tempted in this situation not to use foam but to replace the tubes with HDPE like these: Searover Boats Ltd

From what I gather its basically a HDPE pipe (like gas or water) thats cut and welded to fit the hull shape.

[Rogue Wave]

Been there nasty things ships real tube eaters.

During your transfers are you tied up alongside or do you get lifted on board..



You can replace the tubes with foam collars but they also get damaged over time, but much more suitable for the work you are doing

Are your tubes bolted or glued on and do you have any through hull lifting points?