CARSON Interceptor RIBs

[macandrc]

Morning all,

I am pleased to say the design work for our new Interceptor RIBs is now complete and construction on the plug has commenced. Probond Marine has now relocated to new workshops in Buckie (Moray coast) and would welcome visitors who wish to take a look

We are planning to start a build thread if people would like to see the build of the plug, mould and first hull?

Below is the press release regarding these new boats, its a long read but hopefully of interest and we welcome questions:

CARSON INTERCEPTOR CLASS RIBS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL OPERATOR

The CARSON Interceptor Class is the new generation fast RIB range designed by Barry Carson for Probond Marine Ltd. At the time of writing the moulds and tooling are under construction at Probond's new workshops in Buckie, Moray. The lineup comprises three models, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5 metres, designated the Interceptor 750, 850 and 950 respectively. Probond already have other Carson RIBs from 4.2 - 9 metres.

Specialising in fast military and professional craft for well over three decades Barry Carson has brought together all the traditional qualities of his long established range of professional RIBs together with the latest thinking to produce the new Interceptor Class. With their unique and innovative features born with military and law enforcement use foremost they will also make a great choice for expeditions, the serious enthusiast or as a superyacht tender.

Notable features are the iconic CARSON deep V gull wing hull design with stabilising and wave deflecting chines that run full length from the stem to the stern. There are additional spray rails at the after end of the hull to provide good lift and further stability. The iconic Carson squared bow at deck level further deflects spray and provides massive reserve buoyancy as well as useful additional forward working space and enables over the bow boarding of personnel.

The vertical stem forms a semi wave piercing bow and a longer waterline for more speed for a given horsepower and a smoother ride. The bow is designed to slice through chop and moderate waves yet has the reserve buoyancy to lift in more extreme conditions then acting like a conventional bow.

The multiple hull steps further enhance performance and are of a unique configuration. Unlike normal steps these are tapered delta like with the outer part at the chines most pronounced then tapering to zero at the keel line. This is to provide a smooth straight keel to enhance handling, particularly in turns. They also reduce interference of waterflow at the keel to provide extra directional grip and even the use of a waterjet, something not normally possible with stepped hulls. Being swept back aft at the centreline they will also improve reverse handling in tight manoeuvring. Combined, all these features will give a smoother more stable ride in all conditions with improved fuel economy. Further benefits of this configuration mean easier launching from trailers and beaching operations.

Various deck layout options and roomy consoles enable each boat to be to customised as required for various professional operations. The standard console is of generous proportions to allow plenty of room for instruments, etc. and good crew and cockpit protection. Positioned offset allows spacious and easier transitting to the foredeck. It may also be positioned centrally for those who prefer a more traditional layout. Within it there is room to fit up to three sleeping berths, toilet and even basic cooking facilities. The standard crew bolster with aft facing passenger seating has locker stowage below it. Other consoles and seating arrangements are also offered. Long range fuel tanks may be built in below decks to give a cruising range of over 1,000 miles. With added bimini tops, side screens and cockpit covers these new Carson Interceptors can stay on patrol for several days at a time if required. This makes them a very viable and cost effective solution to the increasing need for border control, security and other operations.

Power for all models may be either outboards, inboards either diesel and petrol, singles or twins and for the 9.5m triple engines are an option. Various drives are possible. Depending on power speeds of 65 + knots are available.

Probond Marine are building these new designs to heavy-duty commercial and military specifications as per usual CARSON build quality and all boats come with CE Certification and or MCA Coding as well as a 5 year manufacurer's warranty.

Carsons have a long established and enviable reputation for their safety, stability, dry riding ability and excellent all round performance coupled with great handling characteristics and longevity. Many Carsons are still in everyday professional operations including with police, etc. over thirty years after first being delivered. These new designs will take these benefits further.
August 2016


Thanks Colin

[Searider]

Let's have some photos of the boats as production commences please.

[macandrc]

Evening Searider,

We will upload progress pics as the project moves forwards through the various stages over the coming weeks.

I also forgot to upload the spec table for the hulls so please find it attached.


Colin

[macandrc]

Evening everyone,

We have been busy, having moved into our new workshops in Buckie (Moray Coast) we have made good progress on the plug for the new Carson Interceptor RIBs. Attached are a selection of photos of the process so far, we have had fun and games getting the timber to contort to the unusual shape of the hull but as of Friday we had completed the sheeting of the hull and are now fairing the plug ready ready paint and building of the mould.

The plug is turning out great, if anyone is passing by our neck of the woods please feel free to call past and take a look.

Barry Carson has been up working with us watching his latest baby come to life and is watching the thread should people wish to ask any questions about the unusual design and its capabilities.

The attached pics are as follows:

Latest 3d image of hull
Initial setting up of bulkheads and keel
View down the keel with stringers starting to appear
Working on the delta steps
Shot showing the semi wave piercing bow

Colin

[macandrc]

some more pics:

Planking continuing forward
Structure being installed for the moulding of the steps
Templates being made for the bow planking
Second skin installed at the bow
Steps cold moulded ready for fairing

[macandrc]

More pics:

Hull planking complete ready for filling and fairing
Start of a long process getting the hull perfect before paint
More filling
A proud man before he heads for a deserved break!

[sailrib]

Very interesting hull shape, that's for sure. Be sure to keep posting with frequent updates & pics.

[gtflash]

Love it. Love the bow

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by sailrib

Very interesting hull shape, that's for sure. Be sure to keep posting with frequent updates & pics.

X2
Inovative and pushing the Boundries!
... Always good to see New British design and Builds getting off the the Ground!
All the very Best with the project!

[Barry Carson]

Write-up just published on the Carson Interceptor RIB written by Dag Pike for Maritime Journal (a publication for the commercial maritime world):

Maritime Journal | Carson Interceptor RIBs

[Barry Carson]

Of possibly more interest to most readers here are the leisure versions we are offering based on the same rugged construction specs as those already described. While emphasis of these designs is on the professional market Probond Marine are offering a more glammed up version for the serious leisure user. Built to the same heavy-duty specs they are being offered in various colours for the hulls and collars, optional teak decks and other luxuries can also be supplied.

In addition various deck and cabin options are available including a fully enclosed wheelhouse and thanks to the longer than usual waterline of these designs roomier cabins. This is further enhanced when the raised topsides and D section collars are chosen which provide substantially increased internal beam and deck space.

As with previous Carsons variety and flexibility are also the key words when it comes to powering these hulls. Customers can choose between outboards or inboards driving through Z (stern) drives, surface drives and unusually for a stepped hull, a single jet unit. This is possible due to the unique forward positioned and tapered delta step design. Three basic models are available, a 7.5, 8.5 and a 9.5 metre. With these versions the new Carson Interceptors would be great for cruising, expedition, diving and superyacht tenders.

[sailrib]

Originally Posted by Barry Carson

Of possibly more interest to most readers here are the leisure versions we are offering based on the same rugged construction specs as those already described. While emphasis of these designs is on the professional market Probond Marine are offering a more glammed up version for the serious leisure user. Built to the same heavy-duty specs they are being offered in various colours for the hulls and collars, optional teak decks and other luxuries can also be supplied.

In addition various deck and cabin options are available including a fully enclosed wheelhouse and thanks to the longer than usual waterline of these designs roomier cabins. This is further enhanced when the raised topsides and D section collars are chosen which provide substantially increased internal beam and deck space.

Well now you've done it, you just opened the genie's bottle. You better start getting those models drawn up pretty quickly so you can post them.

Having said and don't let this comment slow you down on getting those cruisy schematics going but I think most here are not the norm and are probably interested equally in the industrial versions if not more than the typical yacht med type models but it would be really good to also see your interpretation of a med. & cabin versions. I could imagine a cabin version would be fantastic for cruising the Lochs.

The lines are very interesting and while different, one of my 5.8C VSR rib with a plomb bow has some similarities but still different and quite older and needs a little tweaking in the design. I love using it.

VSR is coming with a 8.8m PRO (not mine) that looks even more similar and does take care some of the negative aspects of the 5.8C (on the beam in a sea state) but still not nearly as advanced in hull shape that yours appear to have. Yours looks very impressive and will be very interested in hearing about the sea trials.

I'm glad to see that this concept is starting to gain traction and getting validation.

I love having the long waterlines with the shorter LOA. While it may not be traditional looking, it sure does have a lot of positives that can not be overlooked.

Cheers

[Barry Carson]

Thanks Sailrib for your interest and comment. While vertical stems are relatively new in ribs they have been around for a very long time indeed although some of my rib designs from the early 80's also had semi wave-piercing bows. Just look back at the old sailing craft and even early powerboats.

Through long experience those designers and builders knew a thing or two from years of experience in working craft in real conditions. Same may be said about stepped hulls on early powerboats such as MTBs, etc. More speed, more internal volume and easier motion in a seaway are just some of the potential benefits of this concept. I've simply taken these proven features and put them together with my own experience in designing and building boats for over 40 years (particularly ribs for the professional market) into one package with these new designs.

While design work is ongoing with the other versions based on these hulls I do now have a few 3D images to give some idea of what one leisure version may look like when simply a lighter shade of hull and teak decks are used. While a fully fledged cruising version may have a larger cabin than shown here and a fully enclosed helm station also if required this model still has what may be described as reasonable weekend accommodation within the console. Up to 3 berths, standing headroom (just!) and even room for a loo and basic cooking facilities are possible with the standard console set up. With a Bimini T top and removable side screens this version would still make a nice cruiser or expedition boat while still retaining a big deck area, even on the 750 and 850 models. More so when outboards are fitted.

When we have more images available I will get them posted. In the meanwhile we'll be posting more on the mould build and 1st hull fit out.

[gtflash]

I have had slim bow designs on my laptop since 2007. Inspired by Mary slim initially. Unfortunately I am not a boat designer and I could never agree with myself on step placement for pitch control and bow steer stability. It's a simple concept, longer waterline and less up and down. I'll be watching this thread with renewed inspiration. Best of luck with the project.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Barry Carson

Thanks Sailrib for your interest and comment. While vertical stems are relatively new in ribs they have been around for a very long time indeed although some of my rib designs from the early 80's also had semi wave-piercing bows.

That's a very aggressive looking hull design, and definitely something a bit different from the run of the mill. How do you stop it bow steering in a following sea though?

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

How do you stop it bow steering in a following sea though?

You've taken the words out of my mouth JK. It'll be interesting to find out how it performs!

I was in Buckie harbour with a few hours to spare a few weeks ago - pity I hadn't known of the project being there, it would have been an interesting visit!

[BigMacBushcraft]

Looking great so far, look forward to watching this develop

[Barry Carson]

Thanks guys for your comments and question raised on the issue of possible bow steering. I accept that aggressive is a fair term to describe the appearance of this hull design. When I set out to create the next generation Carson as my usual I paid little to no heed of fashion and or looks. I wanted a serious working tool to do a job and do it well. Consequently every line, every feature, was drawn for a specific purpose.

Without going into too many tedious and technical design details none of my or indeed many other similar stems have this issue. So to answer your question I will do my best in terms that hopefully may help other readers also who may not be familiar with this term 'bow steering' or its action, causes and prevention.

If we accept bow steering to be a generated force caused by wave or sea action lifting the stern while at the same time 'sinking' of the bow we can have the bow taking over control from the after end of the hull, i.e. the hull, rudders and or drives losing relative grip and therefore directional control. In more severe conditions this can lead to broaching (uncontrolled slewing to one side and potentially rolling over into a capsize) or even pitch poling (stern tripping over bow). Either of these could ruin your day!

Now while this may be a possibility in any any boat in difficult conditions and if handled poorly it is something that may be mitigated through good design (and good seamanship) and is arguably more of an issue with a vertical stemmed boat in more severe conditions, particularly when travelling fast down the face of a big sea. This is because the fine lined vertical stem of many wave-piercing boats acts like a knife edge with little or no reserve bouyancy to generate sufficient lift before disaster strikes. In larger vessels this is less of an issue as relatively speaking waves are generally not so formidable as the same wave would be to a substantially smaller vessel. Also, while a fully fledged wave piercer is designed to penetrate through a wave and come out the other side, rather than ride hobby horse like over it, this is only acceptable in fully decked and enclosed boats. But not good in an open small boat such as a rib. Hence I describe my hull as a semi wave-piercing design and not to be confused with other types.

My hulls are designed to slice through moderate seas and chop with minimal hobby horsing and therefore more comfort and potentially more speed yet when faced with steeper and bigger seas still has sufficient reserve bouyancy to lift over them keeping the wet stuff out and the crew and deck relatively dry. Unlike some other wave piercing designs the hull rocker forward (the curve upward of the keel line) rises to the static waterline thus reducing any tendency to be overly grippy reducing any bow steering tendency. In addition, as with all Carson RIBs, I have incorporated extra large spray rails and chines right to the stem and well above the waterline that will act like the leading ends of a ski generating massive lift and further reserves of bouyancy. This is further enhanced with the square bow and tube as with all Carsons.

All this is also counterbalanced by having an exceptional grip of the water in the after ends of the hull. This is achieved by way of a deep V of 24 degrees in these designs, a flatter V would be less grippy and more inclined to slide off track. In addition a very pronounced spray chine and 4 additional spray rails in the after sections act like rails (please see the attached image). Combined, these features act like arrow flights assisting in keeping a good grip of the water aft and allowing the helm, whether outboards, rudders or stern drives, do the job that the helmsman feeds in.

All Carsons are known for above average 'grippy' hulls developed mainly for the military user where precise and accurate high speed turns and manoeuvres are a requirement. These Interceptor hulls will build on that advantage and at the same time remaining safe, seakindly and relatively comfortable dry boats.

I hope this explanation goes some way to answering your question and although is not everything has hopefully been helpful.

And finally, I would add, that whatever type of hull design, the safest and best results are achieved when the helmsman knows what he's got, knows it's traits, practices good seamanship and uses a good dollop of common sense!

[Pikey Dave]

Barry, if you have a demo boat, it has to be called "Dreadnought" it'd be worth buying one just in order to use the name😄 All the best with the project.


Lions led by donkeys

[John Kennett]

Barry, thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed reply. I can see that your T-shaped bow has loads more recovery than other vertical stem designs, and what you say about keeping the back end grippy makes lots of sense too.

Originally Posted by Barry Carson

Unlike some other wave piercing designs the hull rocker forward (the curve upward of the keel line) rises to the static waterline thus reducing any tendency to be overly grippy reducing any bow steering tendency.

That's interesting, because it's not how it looks from the pictures at first glance. I'm guessing the boat won't actually sit horizontally as in the drawing though, so the waterline is going to be more like the green line than the red?