Do I need an A frame?

[Uncle Nobby]

Hello

First rib: 4.5m, 70hp. Bow cushion, double bench seat behind console, twin individual seats at stern. No seats are jockey seats.

Do I need an A frame? I have the VHF aerial on the grab handle at the top of the console. Kind of stuck for the nav lights though.

Any pros and cons please? Thank you

[spartacus]

If storage and height restrictions aren't a problem, then there's not much of an argument against an A-Frame. Great for fixing on VHF antenna, GPS, navigation lights, etc.

My boat is garaged so I opted to fit a detachable light-pole as height would be an issue, plus for the best reception VHF aerials need height, probably away from the receiving set. Navigation lights can be added to the console sides higher up.

Ideas: http://www.rib.net/forum/f37/boat-li...eas-45076.html
Fitting: http://www.rib.net/forum/f37/install...ole-52734.html

Adding the Royal Navy ensign... well that's just a bonus.

[Nasher]

Apart from mounting lights, Antennas etc, A-frames are invaluable to hold onto whilst 'Relieving yourself' over the side.

Nasher.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Uncle Nobby

......Do I need an A frame?..........

Never confuse "Need" with "Want" Do you "need" an "A" frame? probably not, plenty of folk get by without. Do you "want" an "A" frame? do you really need to ask?

[mick]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Never confuse "Need" with "Want" Do you "need" an "A" frame? probably not, plenty of folk get by without. Do you "want" an "A" frame? do you really need to ask?

Should be a couple kicking about don't you think 😜

[Uncle Nobby]

Thanks peeps.
No height or storage issues, great light pole info.
Hadn't thought of a wee handle!
Useful place to bung stuff like aerial, flag, allround white light, nav lights, life ring, throw line etc.
I 'want' to myself, and therefore 'need' to the wife
I have moulded seat bases either side of the engine, so I don't have the option of bolting through the transom, unless with 'blind' fixings.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Uncle Nobby

Thanks peeps.
No height or storage issues, great light pole info.
Hadn't thought of a wee handle!
Useful place to bung stuff like aerial, flag, allround white light, nav lights, life ring, throw line etc.
I 'want' to myself, and therefore 'need' to the wife
I have moulded seat bases either side of the engine, so I don't have the option of bolting through the transom, unless with 'blind' fixings.

I think you've answered your own question there, yes you do need an "A" frame. Be very careful how you fit it, don't underestimate the forces that can be applied when (not if) it gets lumpy. The last thing you want is it disappearing over the back

[Trimix]

You really just want us to agree with you and say you do need one, don't you

I don't actually have one, the only thing I actually miss is somewhere good to fly a flag from. But then my boat is a little different in shape.

If I had a more normal shaped boat I would get one, they seem to finish the look off nicely as well as the small practical advantages they provide. Google a bit and there are loads of styles and types you can buy.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I think you've answered your own question there, yes you do need an "A" frame. Be very careful how you fit it, don't underestimate the forces that can be applied when (not if) it gets lumpy. The last thing you want is it disappearing over the back

Indeed!....Ask Kerny about that one....
If you afford it Custom is the way to go,of course you get really lucky and pick one up second hand,but frankly unlikely.
Or you may consider up-sizing/grading to something with a few more "Bells and whistles"....surprising how adding extras can soon mount up finantialy.

[kerny]

Originally Posted by Maximus

Indeed!....Ask Kerny about that one....
If you afford it Custom is the way to go,of course you get really lucky and pick one up second hand,but frankly unlikely.
Or you may consider up-sizing/grading to something with a few more "Bells and whistles"....surprising how adding extras can soon mount up finantialy.

Like Maxi says custom made is the way to go. :thumbup: DO NOT GET A FOLDING ONE...

[treerat]

Originally Posted by Uncle Nobby

Thanks peeps.
I have moulded seat bases either side of the engine, so I don't have the option of bolting through the transom, unless with 'blind' fixings.

A picture or two would be handy, can you go through the whole lot or do you have D rings or similar on the back you can adapt and use??

[Uncle Nobby]

Great, thank of the ideas.

Why not a folding one?

[Uncle Nobby]

"You really just want us to agree with you and say you do need one, don't you"

YES..!