Not sure what the boat designers were thinking

kubcat · 18 August 2011, 08:27

On the front of our RIB is what looks like a step that attaches to the tubes and has a cleat for securing the anchor.

It had no reinforcing in it at all and looks like it has been repaired a few times before.

We decided to fix it once and for all and built a knee behind it to support the weight of someone stepping on it.

Now that we have almost completed it we are trying to understand why it was built so thinly. Was it designed to flex? The only thing holding it up would be the pressurised tubes but obviously this wasn't sufficient but have we gone too far?

Surely the designers thought of this. Any ideas?

willk · 18 August 2011, 08:47

It's a bit puzzling. Maybe it was simply intended to hold a line in a marina type scenario and thus prevent tube wear. In any case, I'd say it was a fairly pitiful piece of work and you had to do something with it. Personally I would have removed it completely and fit a braced samson post, but that might not suit your application. Solid build up you did there!

kubcat · 18 August 2011, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

It's a bit puzzling. Maybe it was simply intended to hold a line in a marina type scenario and thus prevent tube wear. In any case, I'd say it was a fairly pitiful piece of work and you had to do something with it. Personally I would have removed it completely and fit a braced samson post, but that might not suit your application. Solid build up you did there!

When the tube is inflated, it is level with the top of this section. Under it there is no floor, so we would have had to fibreglass one in.

We have yet to use the boat so not sure what the best configuration will be. It does provide a convenient step for boarding. I do like the idea of a post but too late now.

What I find unbelievable is that it is the middle of winter, we have four fibreglass repair shops within a few kilometres and they for the last few months they are all still making room in their workshops. Sometimes it is quicker, easier and cheaper to do it yourself.

bedajim · 18 August 2011, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by kubcat

What I find unbelievable is that it is the middle of winter, .

I could tell by the weather and your arctic gear

Cookee · 18 August 2011, 12:31

I suspect the "Designer" would have had a fit if he had seen that! The gap between what a designer envisages and specifies and the result of a few different people actually doing the building of a boat is often large!

kubcat · 18 August 2011, 21:14

Good point Cookee, I am not as paranoid that we stuffed something up.

Bedajim, it IS winter, only a maximum of 18 degrees today.

Bigmuz7 · 18 August 2011, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by kubcat

Bedajim, it IS winter, only a maximum of 18 degrees today.

I think he knew that

But yes I agree I have a few RIB's that Ive wondered how the tubes are supposed to take such a load

tonymac · 19 August 2011, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by kubcat

Good point Cookee, I am not as paranoid that we stuffed something up.

Bedajim, it IS winter, only a maximum of 18 degrees today.

ONLY! Pig!