I Would like to build a rib"looking for mold for it "

[johndasilva]

hello

I would like to build a rib size ,5.50=6.50.
Were could i buy a mold "rib"
Looking forward to hear from any one !

Best regards


john

[Crag Cay]

Lots of RIB's have been built in aluminium, which means that the panels are 'developable' from sheets of material. It therefore wouldn't be hard to build a disposable female mold from ply and mdf and laminate you hull in that.

Failing that, a look around any of the marine industrial estates on the Solent / South coast might turn up what you are looking for, lurking in the corner plot of some unit. RIB builders come and go on a regualar basis.

[E Hanson]

In the early days of RHIB design it was not unheard of to use the hull of sport boat of some type, cut off the topsides, add a cradle for the air collar, and call it a RHIB. If you got thios route, remember that the topsides added hull stiffness, you may need to beef up the hull structure.

I have even seen some brave souls build their hull "stitch and glue" style with plywood.

As Crag posted, aluminium is a great choice for a RHIB's hull. Your might find it easier to go straight to an aluminium hull. But, smaller aluminium RHIBs (under 6m) tend to be heavy for their size.

Another source may be a military or coast guard auction. Now and then they will liquidate the older boats from the fleet and you can pick up a hull for very little money. Some of the older military RHIBs are built like a floating tank. A little gelcoat repair, and you will have a nearly new hull. The downside to a floating tank is weight. These boats are heavy.

What do you plan to do about the collar? Are you going to build this as well, or buy it from a manufacturer?

Good luck with your project. I'd like to hear how it goes.

Eric.

[antonfourie]

Hi John

You can get a kit from these guys

http://www.geminiindustries.co.uk