advice on fitting A frame to floor

davis · 01 April 2007, 15:48

Hi I would like some advice on how to fit an A frame , I can buy a factory made A frame but the trouble is it needs to be fitted to the floor, is there any product such as epoxy resin that I can bond the base to the floor as I am reluctant to cut the floor to bolt it in, thanks

martx007 · 01 April 2007, 15:53

Me Too ! Just ordered one for my Yam yesterday but at £527 I intend to fit it myself !

Cypman · 01 April 2007, 17:55

Whilst there are some very effective epoxy resin adhesives available I believe that S/S bolts are required due to the harsh environment of shock loads etc etc .

It is not too difficult to cut a hole in the floor (only just big enough to get your hand and spanner into) with a hole cutter and once the A Frame is securely affixed you can resin seal the edge of the holes (one each side!!) and then fit an appropriately sized inspection hatch. Not only will this be watertight but it will allow you to check the bilges at any time in the future.

If done properly it is most unlikely to impact on the integrity of the boat, but if you are not sure of the structure of the hull/decking in the area selected you should seek advice from the RIB Builder before proceeding

If you don't wish to go down this route, epoxy resin and big S/S self-tapping screws may well be sufficient if the A Frame is not too large and you have not got much equipment stapped to it.

Jono · 01 April 2007, 18:22

....."No Nails"

Biggles · 01 April 2007, 19:10

Is it possible to bolt the A Frame to the transom. This might be an easier route as you will have acces to bothe sides for doing up bolts etc.

Tim M · 01 April 2007, 19:36

Ribcraft seem to favor the tramson idea, I assume from what biggles just said its like that on his and certainly is on my 4.8. It's not a great way of doing it IMHO as it really isn't as strong as through the floor as well. I used to be able to tow off the one I had on Cormorant (4.1m) as I bolted it through the transom and the deck. The double on the Ribcraft is quite wobbly dispite its very heavy duty apearance.

Jizm · 01 April 2007, 19:52

do a search on 'a frame', quite a bit of info on here

Biggles · 01 April 2007, 19:58

Tim,

Mines through the transom and floor. Therefore does a couple of jobs. But if its not factory fiitted just thought it might be easier to go thro transom. Obviously bearing in mind you don't want to pull skiers with it.

martx007 · 01 April 2007, 21:37

i was expecting to put it near the edge of the transom, right over the engine where there is no hull below. Sound reasonable? (as in the pic)

Biggles · 02 April 2007, 18:29

Sounds reasonable. Now I've seen the pic I'd attempt to do what you say. However how strong is that part ? If it has wood inside then no problem. If not wait and see if anyone who has that boat can confirm if its strong enough.

havener · 02 April 2007, 18:54

Definately talk to the manufacturer about that one, doesn't seem much of a transom in the true sense of the word to bolt anything on to....