Who Has Built Their Own RIB?

Working though the "what dinghy/tender" thread, it has come to light that a RIB - about 12ft is probably what I need.

I'm not about to spend $12K-$20K on a tender, but I still want the RIB and I still want something that looks good.

Sounds a lot like my original catamaran dilemma. :idea:

Has anyone built their own RIB to go with a set of Hypalon tubes they bought?

Are there any plans for a good, light weight RIB out there that can handle a nice 25HP engine on the transom to allow people to water ski behind it?

I'm thinking it'd be a piece of cake to build a foam/glass RIB hull and glue some tubes to it, when compared to building a 45' catamaran.

Anyone know anything about this?

 

I think you can build something with the left overs. 6 people and you are 1050 lb disp, tell them to pack lite.

 

Exactly. I will use left over Corecell. Haven't found any plans yet. Are there any people on here who know about RIB building plans?

 

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/wo...on/rib-hull-design-tube-attachment-13255.html

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/pvc-rib-12969.html

 

Ah, the search feature. (embarrassed)

 

Scroll down to the box labeled "similar threads" at the bottom of this page.

 

D-tube RIB, foam or inflatable tubes

I would definitely consider D-tubes rather than round tubes.

Perhaps you might have another look here at a few sketches:
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/tenders-stored-foredeck-35605-4.html#post422925
...maybe this idea without my 'unusual' bottom treatment

CatBuilder, did you forget this previous forum discussion?
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/tenders-stored-foredeck-35605-4.html

...and how about that one in posting #59
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/tenders-stored-foredeck-35605-4.html#post423039

 

Yep... I forgot. I am in the middle of building a boat and things tend to fall through the cracks. Sorry about that.

The more I have thought about it, the more the D tube seems like the way to go. More interior room. Also, if the D tube can be made from glass, rather than hypalon, you have boat that's shaped correctly for large load carrying, while using a V below (like the normal RIBs) seems it will give it a good ride in the chop.

D tubes can also have hatches in them to allow you to store life vests, fuel or other items in there.

I figure I can copy the basic hull shape of a Caribe or other dinghy, then build D tubes from glass.

Scantlings however... are a bit tougher to figure out. I'd need to keep it really light, but be a 12ft boat min. I figure a couple of bench seats and a "euro helm" would probably be the best use of space.