Care and Feeding of My RIB?

Stormy · 31 August 2004, 02:53

I have just bought my first RIB last month and have read much as I can find on the do's and don'ts. RIBs in the USA, especially in the North East are few and far between. I am in Maine on the Fundy Bay and have a fairly harsh and cold winter season ahead. Any suggestions on winter preparation and storage? Do I deflate and move it into the garage? Keep it inflated and covered outdoors? I would appreciate any suggestions from those who have more longevity and experience. Jerry

Alan · 31 August 2004, 11:34

Jerry,

If you can store under cover I guess that would be best given the extremes of climate. I dont think tubes will need deflating - they will naturally go "limp" as the air cools and contracts. (The problem with RIB tubes is when its hot and the air expands, hence the reason why RIBS in hot climates often have pressure relief valves fitted.)

The bigger problem will be the outboard engine and risk of frost damage. Another pressing reason for storage inside.

Not familiar with the RIB make of your boat. Can you post a pic for us?

Cheers,
Alan

Stormy · 31 August 2004, 12:16

Thanks Alan for the suggestions on storage, I have attached the only pic I have on my drive. The manufacturer is a small company in Montreal, CA. Regards, Jerry

codprawn · 31 August 2004, 14:09

No matter where you store it look out for rats and other vermin - they love making holes in tubes!!!

Stormy · 31 August 2004, 14:20

That's a horrible thought. So what defensive measures do you suggest. Perhaps I can suspend it from the garage ceiling. Any thoughts appreciated. Regards, Jerry

bpevans · 31 August 2004, 14:38

Usage wise, a shop sales person said RIBs are particularly susceptable to damage if you run aground on an oyster bed. He claimed that the tubes would be easily ruptured/cut. I would have thought the fiberglass hull would have taken the brunt of the hit. Anyone care to comment on this risk?

Not that it's much of a concern, I've never run any of our hardboats onto a oyster bed to date.

Alan · 31 August 2004, 14:48

That sounds like a pile of bovine excretia from a sales guy who knows little about RIBS. If you hit anything solid or sharp you most likely will hit with your outboard leg first, your hull second and your tubes third. Its a bit like saying that if a mad knifeman slashes your boat the tubes will burst. True but meaningless!

codprawn · 31 August 2004, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormy

That's a horrible thought. So what defensive measures do you suggest. Perhaps I can suspend it from the garage ceiling. Any thoughts appreciated. Regards, Jerry

How about a cat????

Rogue Wave · 31 August 2004, 20:21

I am not familiar with rats nesting in the tubes but I guess they would make a mess.

Winter storage

Take out what electronics you can

make sure all water is removed from hull (jack it up or drain it for a while on the slipway)

store it with the nose in the air (jockey wheel fully extended or on a big block) with the bungs removed

disconnect the batteries and whip em indoors

if you can't store your boat indoors then wrap engine in a space blanket and then cover with a hotwater cylinder lagging jacket or similar and then cover with a sheet of plastic.

fill up all fuel tanks and oil tanks

follow engine manufacturers advise on winterising

give everythingyou don't want to rust a spray with WD40 or duck oil (is this stuff sold Stateside)

Stormy · 31 August 2004, 20:52

Thanks for the winterizing tips, (had 2 cats but either the lynx or the ealges ate them...) Regards,

Richard B · 31 August 2004, 21:58

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....=rats+ate+boat

EdwardH · 01 September 2004, 01:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormy

That's a horrible thought. So what defensive measures do you suggest. Perhaps I can suspend it from the garage ceiling. Any thoughts appreciated. Regards, Jerry

Due to your location - Rats should not be an issue

These guys can help

http://www.thepetprofessor.com/cat-b...-Coon-cat.html

HTH

EdwardH · 01 September 2004, 01:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

How about a cat????

damn,,, you beat me to it...

Stormy · 01 September 2004, 02:40

In Maine unsolicited advice is rare; I appreciate all the responses and advice this forum has provided me. It is a bit of a stretch to go from winterizing to "rats & cats" but I have enjoyed the exchange. Thank you one and all. Warmest Regards.....

mstacey · 01 September 2004, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Winter storage

fill up all fuel tanks and oil tanks

What is the resoning behind filling the fuel tanks Stu?

John Kennett · 01 September 2004, 14:38

The normal advice is to fill fuel tanks to avoid condensation forming -- the less air there is, the less moisture there is to condense.

John

jwalker · 01 September 2004, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormy

....(had 2 cats but either the lynx or the ealges ate them...)

Are you sure it wasn't a big rat?