Displacement rib....

Tim M · 28 October 2007, 11:12

Weird looking thing:
http://inflatables.apolloduck.co.uk/...=69823&image=3

Hightower · 28 October 2007, 11:20

I think that it's been designed for use in canals by incompetent crew bouncing off loch walls and the like.

Nos4r2 · 28 October 2007, 12:37

Looks like a dead loss to me-I bet it costs more than a steel narrowboat and not as tough.

"Roughneck RIB version of the Traditional cruisers that we have available
All the finesse of a traditional cruiser sloop with the added protection of a Hypalon RIB floatation sponsons
Ideal for those who have trouble in locks or when coming alongside
Take the stress out of the boating experience on constrained waterways
Available in this range from 31 feet to 40 feet as The “ Roughneck”
5 year hull warranty and 2 years engine warranty orders taken now for 2008 deliveries
C31 as photos show with 40hp Yanmar diesel and in “roughneck “
Loads of different options available please ask for more details and show models near you"

jwalker · 28 October 2007, 12:49

I like it. No fekkin around with fenders, able to come alongside rough walls or banks, nice airy cover for sleeping under the stars, no damage by other boats coming alongside, a wee cooker and sink, plenty of space.....and I bet even Nos would have difficulty stuffing it.

Neil Harvey · 28 October 2007, 12:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

able to come alongside rough walls or banks,

only if they rise quite a way up. Fine in most locks until the lock is full, but in my experience, most rivers have lowish banks, that "fender" looks too high to me to be much help. If it was moved down 15" or so, now that might work

jwalker · 28 October 2007, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

If it was moved down 15" or so, now that might work

Yer, I'll go with that.

Hightower · 28 October 2007, 13:29

You all should be asking rickuk3 on his opinions about this craft.

Nos4r2 · 28 October 2007, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

I like it. No fekkin around with fenders, able to come alongside rough walls or banks, nice airy cover for sleeping under the stars, no damage by other boats coming alongside, a wee cooker and sink, plenty of space.....and I bet even Nos would have difficulty stuffing it.

I wouldn't even get onboard it. Canal boaters tend to look down on tupperware boats anyway. Imagine the laughter this would invoke.

Seriously though,I think if a 60'+ steel narrowboat was washed against it then the tubes would pop-unless they can somehow withstand higher pressures than normal tubes.

ian parkes · 28 October 2007, 16:43

maybe it should also have flashing lights warning that its likely to bump into things . Maybe good for the hire market though

jwalker · 28 October 2007, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Canal boaters tend to look down on tupperware boats anyway.

That Mr Kennett bloke might be along shortly.

RAD · 28 October 2007, 16:50

Looks ugly! Not quite a rib, more a rubber ring around a boat. Next you'll see a narrowboat with toobs round it!

Yes, and hard hit by anything and it will either bounce or pop!

rickuk3 · 28 October 2007, 19:01

As a narrowboat operator I would say the tubes are a waste of space on the canals for mooring the reinforced bank is normally 6" to 12" above the waterline, the tubes are at just the right to catch the steel/iron strip on lock gates which normally have nice sharp protrusions. I am not sure how well they would take a steel or wood narrowboat rubbing them as they passed, but my guess would be that they would be ripped very quickly. As for use in the hire boat market no chance, we don't even fit rope side fenders now as hirers rip them off in no time, its cheaper to just slap a bit more bitumen over the scratches. A rope bow button just about lasts a season before its ripped to shreds.
Richard

John Kennett · 28 October 2007, 22:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

That Mr Kennett bloke might be along shortly.

You called?

Did you know that the beam of a Phantom 28 is just right for cruising the British canal system?

John

Hugh Jardon · 29 October 2007, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Weird looking thing:
http://inflatables.apolloduck.co.uk/...=69823&image=3

looks slightly odd but i have seen a lot worse on the river.

my favorite boats for the river are those electric canoes that appear after 7pm when the locks close for the evening, they cruise up and down silently, great for experiencing the wildlife......i think most appear to be owned by folks that have houses on the river