I happened to stumble across this thread! (turns out Tornado 4.8s with blue tubes aren't too common
) So fast forward a
few years since the last post and Jizm's Tornado has a new home!
Having picked up the RIB locally after it had sat unused for a lengthy period of time, we set about preparing it for the water, this included;
- New hubs, wheels, jockey wheel and winch
- New battery
- Tearing out Jizm's wiring system under the console (this was still semi-functional but the ply was rotten and falling apart - sorry Jizm!
)
- Fitting new wiring panel, bus bars, isolator and wiring to all of the instruments (including a new second-hand VHF)
- Fitment of VHF aerial to a-frame
- Reupholstery of the helm seat and backrest
- A deep clean of the tubes and hull
- A re-paint of the deck (original orange colour showing through in places)
- Fitment of water separating fuel filter to the transom
- A strip-down of the 2012 Mariner 60 to rectify fuel and coolant issues
- Loading up with general safety kit and warps, anchor etc
The Tornado was then given a few sea trials before being put to the test as Lead Safety Boat during a National Championship sailing event held in Tenby. it performed brilliantly and held its own against the bigger and newer ribs in the fleet (one of which is our recently acquired XS-500, essentially a Tornado itself)
Having had plenty of use in the past few weeks, the only notable issue is a small water leak in the port quarter. It appears that the tube has separated slightly from the underside of the hull and is allowing water to enter, which is then pressurised and forced onto the deck via the internal joining seams. We're planning to clean, prep and re-adhere the tube in this area - any advice on the procedure and what adhesive to use?
Jizm, (if you're still here), did you happen to cover the transom plate when fitting the steel sheet? It would be good to identify a serial number if possible.
TIA and hope you enjoyed this little blast from the past.
Cheers,
Max
White Noise
