Flipping a RIB over

Jizm · 09 December 2006, 20:20

Has any one on here flipped their RIB over to get access to the hull but left the tubes on? I want to do a good job on mine and want clear access to the hull. Seen a couple done without the tubes but obviously they add quite a bit of bulk. Are the tubes ok to use to lift the boat with? I was planning on getting about 6 blokes round, lifting it off the trailer and gently rolling it over on the tubes. It weighs about 1/4 ton I think and will need to be manhandled using the tubes but when it's flipped over I was planning on making a cradle to sit inside the tubes on the deck around the console to hold the whole thing off the ground.
Your thougts please
Jiz

Powerboats · 09 December 2006, 21:09

I did this several years ago with a 4 metre Searider. I just put support under the transom and then several across the length of the boat under the tubes. Didn't do any harm.

To be honest I think you are less likely to do any damage this way than potentially putting any unsuitable point loads on inappropriate areas of the deck.

Jizm · 10 December 2006, 04:57

I see what you are saying but I need to hold the console off the ground as that probably wont take the weight. I thought making a timber cradle almost the length of the deck to spread the load?

bedajim · 10 December 2006, 06:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jizm

I see what you are saying but I need to hold the console off the ground as that probably wont take the weight. I thought making a timber cradle almost the length of the deck to spread the load?

Hi

I turned my searider over on to a pallet so it sat on the tubes with some sheets to protect the tubes. Repainted the hull and left it to harden for two weeks before turning it back no problems.
You can get large pallets from steel fabricators and just cut a hole out for the console

James

PeterR · 10 December 2006, 13:56

If the rib is resting on the tubes it wouldnt come to any harm.If your working on a hard floor area hardboard is cheap to buy to lay down or find old peice carpet.Once upturned you could always mask off everything except the hull thus keeping the tubes clean

Jizm · 10 December 2006, 17:40

Cheers for your responses!