Homebrew A Frame for SIB?

[tehschkott]

Hey all

Considering building a small A frame for my 10ft SIB - something to put safety box, lights and VHF antenna on - and maybe something to grab onto.

Plan right now is to drill and seal the transom with Sikaflex, and then use stainless steel U-Bolts/washers to affix a piece of bent up galvanized pipe that is the A Frame.

Is there anything immediately stupid about this I should be aware of? Ways to make this successful? Pitfalls I should be aware of? A link to someones detailed photo by photo howto mayhap....?

Thanks in advance

[willk]

You will be adding to the load at the stern. My experience of this (9' SIB, same HP) is that it is to be avoided. I'm not trying to p1$$ on your parade, but I think that you're trying to do a lot with a 10' boat - maybe a bit of lateral thinking is needed?

[tehschkott]

You may be right, just exploring options. Wondered. Thanks for the input.

[willk]

Originally Posted by tehschkott

just exploring options. Wondered.

As you should. I have been looking at the pics of yours since I posted my reply - it looks very similar in size to mine (width etc) - they ARE very compact. In my case I put some of the kit on my person, some in a sealed box and the rest in a bow bag. It worked out quite well and left space for two adults IN the boat, not ON the tubes. I don't bother with a seat.

Just a suggestion, but maybe try her out for a few days first and see how you feel then - a good shake-down can help the decision making process no end!

[jyasaki]

Hmmm. Galvanised is not ideal; if you run salt water you'll be rebuilding in a couple of years. Get someone to bend up some stainless or aluminum (thick wall) and just deal with the weight gain.


jky

[Channel Ribs]

Many times we have fitted just this, for customers wanting a fixed VHF in a small boat...

Two aluminium tv arial poles, double cranked. Welded at the top and bolted in two places each at the transom. Very light and solid enough for nav lights and antenna.

[MustRib]

I made one up for my Honwave 3.8
I used Stainless tube designed for yacht handrails
wasnt that expensive at all.
90 degee bends that grub screwed to the rail,
and faired ends that fitted to the transom.
Didnt weight much.

[kerlstone]

I made up one for mine, I find it very usefull and its not very heavy, It bolts into the holes for the launching wheels, so no new holes in transom, I have a vhf, flares, engine toolkit, spare ropes, and 2 rod holders on it, its painted black and Ive had it for 2 years now and its still ok, and I use it in the sea, although I nearly always take the boat home and clean it etc, I made another bracket that holds the wheels up when launched, hope this helps.
Cant seem to post any pics, Ill post some on a new thread,
Gerry.
Ignore that last comment, I think ive managed some pics.

[tehschkott]

Hey that's exactly what I had in mind. Thanks!

[ILL PHIL]

where did you get the rack or did you make it?

[bingosucks]

looking at doing something very similar,it just keeps everthing off the deck and to hand