RIB Tube maker

[Jeff Therrell]

We are looking for someone to build the tube for our 17' ridged inflatable boat .We are located in Hickory NC.We want the tube to be welded not glued.
Thanks
Jeff Therrell 828-313-0874

[wet-foot]

wing.com ........ they put out a really nice welded tube. Located in CA.

[Jeff Therrell]

Thanks,we're getting a quote from them now.

[wet-foot]

Good choice indeed!!!!!!! they started out as whitewater boat builders and now do strictly RIBS. Strong and well made, you won't be disapointed. Are you starting a boat company?

[brian eiland]

Who did you finally chose to build your RIB tube??

[Jeff Therrell]

We had a company from Houstin TX make the tube.The tube is made of urethane and has seperate removeable bladders inside.You can see the boat at www.hydroeye.com
Thanks, Jeff Therrell

[wet-foot]

Neat boat, looks very beamy!!!
So where do I go for a test run, do you offer a trailer package?
I would probably look for a Yamaha but would consider the e-tec, if priced right.
Very nice job!!!!!!!

[Wellydeckhand]

The hull seem suitable for shallow river but would it withstand small storm or as a crew boat for offshore transport.................. this hydroeyes?

[Jeff Therrell]

Wet-foot,The reason for the E-TEC was it was 74#'s lighter than the Yamaha.
Come on down to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina anytime and we will ride.
The boat was built for the ocean but we are demoing it to the NC swiftwater rescue team next week
ThanksJeff Therrell

[wet-foot]

E-tec? nice to see such a large group praising these motors, perhaps I'll give them another go! Are the boats going as a package, have you established pricing?

[brian eiland]

We had a company from Houstin TX make the tube.The tube is made of urethane and has seperate removeable bladders inside.You can see the boat at www.hydroeye.com
Thanks, Jeff Therrell
Are the bladders made of urethane, or the outer casing, or both? If the "tube" is urethane, then what are the bladders made of?

You might check your private message box as well as I sent you a message there also.

[brian eiland]

Come on down to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina anytime and we will ride.
The boat was built for the ocean but we are demoing it to the NC swiftwater rescue team next week
ThanksJeff Therrell
Have you had it out in the ocean?
Will your demo be in the ocean?
What date for the demo?
What max chop would you guess you've had it in?
What max load aboard in that chop condition?
Courious, as I have some backgrd in multihulls, Brian

[Jeff Therrell]

Brian,Jay tested it for 2 months in the ocean off Miami,he had it in 10'seas in the gulf stream.
Jay said he e-mailed you today,he is the one that designed it and owns the company,he can explain every detail.If you didn't get his e-mail give him a call the number is on his website.I am the one that builds the boat for him,we both live in hickory and had to go all the way to Alabama to meet and I was building racing parts at the time he needed some help.To make a long story short I sold my business and went to work for him and it has made for a very good relationship.He is a very smart and good person.Give him a call you will enioy talking to him.
Thanks Jeff Therrell

[wet-foot]

What is the logic behind a bladder? Seems to make it a bit more complex and adds extra weight. I really like the wide beam even though it would take more air to self right, if so equipped! Nice looking craft, expect you will do very well with it.

[Jeff Therrell]

The reason for the bladders is that if you puncture one you could replace it while on the water in just a few minutes.There are 5 bladders in this boat the 4 side bladders are all the same and the front one is curved.
Thanks for the complement.
Thanks
Jeff Therrell

[wet-foot]

Hi Jeff,

Do you have any photos or diagrams of the tube chamber with removable bladder, interested in seeing how the bladder is accessed. Yes it would be worth while to keep a spare bladder so leaking tubes are never an issue, plus the leaker could be patched and always ready to go, “great idea”. Also if you can get an arm through the access port one could do a really nice repair on the outer skin from the inside. I’m guessing the bladder is a really light material to keep the weight down, really no need for strength here! Fast easy tube repair will certainly draw attention. Why don’t you shoot some video of the water tests for all to see? Will be following your progress, very interested.

[Jeff Therrell]

The bladder goes in through a 5" hole in the tube and the outside fill panel stays on the outside and covers the hole. I don't think Jay has shot any video but I'm sure he will,he is a professional photographer he takes pictures of everything.
Thanks
Jeff Therrell