Refitting 4.1m RIB

[Tim M]

I installed this awful jockey console at the end of last year in my 4.1m RIB. For what ever reason I put it near the back, which I feel was a mistake, as I'm wasting quite a lot of deck space, and when I'm going very slowly I can't really see over the bow!

The other problem is that this console (wilst taking over most of the boat) only provides seating for one - it's not quite long enough for two to comfortably sit on, plus theres no back rest! It's also very wide, meaning that if I'm going at speed, I find it quite diffecult to grip onto with my legs.

At the moment people come out with me and sit on the tubes (holding on very tight) but this isn't ideal for when it's a little choppy; I risk loosing one over the side, plus they get quite wet, and sore from holding on.

So, my grand master plan is to take out the old console (over the winter this is) and stick a nice new, more compact, one man one in at the front. This will (in thoery) then leave me with a nice bit of deck space at the rear, hopefully enough to install two one one jockey seats.

I've searched on the forums for "consoles" and "jockey seats" but can't find anything suitable - I want a fairly compact little console, preferably made out of stainless steel.

Does anyone have any ideas as to where I can get one (plus some matching seats).

Also, any other comments on my amazing idea would be appreciated

PS. Do people think I would have trouble planning with more weight at the back with such a small boat? (40hp engine)

PPS. Here's so photos of my preposal:

[Scary Des]

Tim

I think you are going to struggle to make these changes and get more room, have you thought about a bigger boat?

Des

[Tim M]

I have thought about a bigger boat.....But a new boat is more expensive than new seating!

The aim of this wouldn't be to get more room, it would be to get some more seating in.

Having just measured the boat, and looked at some seating, I see there's no way I'm going to get two jockey seats in the back.

A bench seat on the other hand would fit nicely.....

Maybe I should just bite the bullet and buy a bigger boat!

[Jono]

Check out your internal beam if you're putting Jockeys side-by-side. Probably a bit tight....certainly for us of the "generously proportioned" frame persuasion

[Tim M]

Just did - I'd only have about 40cm for four legs!


Bench seat is the only way it could work.

[Daniel TD5]

ibs sell bench seat for the vanguard 450

like my one fitted with two 25L tanks
its made by vailant

dan

[Tim M]

Was just reading about your bench seat on another thread Dan!

I've got a copy of the Valiant price list here: £539 (inc. vat) for the S3, which I assume yours is. That compares to £540 an outhill one, which has nice stainless bits on it!!



That is of course the other advantage of a bench seat - loads of space for fuel.

[Tim M]

Also Dan, do you have trouble planning with two adults sat at the back? With four people in the boat (two near the back) I have had trouble in the past...

[ollyit]

I've thought about my seating on my boat - my passengers are just going to get wet sitting on the tubes with a healthy dose lactic acid holding I reckon, they wont mind! -
looks like bench seat it is then mate- at least then u got some storage space under the seat also - could be deafening for your passengers tho - I'd personally quite like it!

[Tim M]

Just seen this: I think it's tomboli's RIB (pic stolen from another tread).


That's pretty much what I want now - single jockey and a bench. (Without the extra jockey though).

I read that Outhill are quite expensive, any other good suppliers?

[ollyit]

Ocean Ribs in Porchester made mine up - can send pics and prices if you want - good quality

[Tim M]

That would be splendid

[Daniel TD5]

my one is the s4 but they do a smaller one

its just its very well build

i don,t have a problem getting up on the plane and can do over 30 knots

i have problems when its choppy if a flying bow with all the fuel and me at the
back but if you have a jockey and rear bench the wait will be more balanced
but don,t go to much and be to heavy

[Tim M]

s4 = £559.

I think I prefer the Outhill one though

[Jono]

How about a nice little "Shakey" boats, built bench with reversible back rest..?
Contact Jono G for price/delivery, but I hear that they're very reasonable

[Mike B]

I have a "home made" bench seat at the back of mine over the fuel tanks.

So far it has only ever been used for sunbathing at anchor - passengers much prefer to sit on the two man jockey, the tubes or the front anchor locker than slide around on the bench right at the back getting defend by the engine.

I have gone as far as attaching a cargo net to the seat as it is more regular that it has a bag or two thrown on it rather than a passenger.

The commercially made ones are probably secure the passenger better than mine but it is definatly something to think about.

Cheers

Mike

[slimtim]

Jono,

You have PM.

Tim, good luck with your project...unfortunately I can't offer any advice other than I reckon it'll be bloody tight fitting all that in there!

Cheers

Tim

[Tim M]

I marked it out with a pen a short while ago. It should fit nicely leaving a couple of feet for leg room in the back (depending on how close I put it to the engine - you either get DVT from squashed legs or go deaf from the engine noise).

[Mike B]

Tim,

Sure you've thought of it but remember to allow room for the engine to tilt into the boat. Would hate you to fit it an then not be able to lift the engine !

Mike

[Scary Des]

Tim
Have you thought about fitting a back rest to your existing console? With a bit of a bend in it (rearwards) you might seat two people especially if they are good friends. But even if this does not work it would make it more comfortable for you.
You should try a boat with a bench seat before splashing all this cash, in my experience they are uncomfortable, wet and although a good place to store things take up a lot of room. I am now going to hide for a bit because I know the med crowd won’t agree.

Des