Welded Aluminum versus Fiberglass RHIB - Page 2

BRUTUS · 26 July 2014, 02:53

last before I try to edit some video.

By the way, the Cunucks fabricate some of the meanest and toughest RHIBs I have ever seen. Many of which, I was told, are custom designs; welded aluminum, Huge tubes in terms of diameter, windshield wipers, holy hell, they’ll give our Navy’s Willard’s and Ocean Technologies a run for there money. I was seriously impressed.

Pikey Dave · 26 July 2014, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRUTUS

....By the way, the Cunucks fabricate some of the meanest and toughest RHIBs I have ever seen.....

There's probably a very good reason

Al Baker · 27 July 2014, 08:27

Aluminium would be my choice.
You can bang it about.
Don't store your loose change or electric wire trimmings in the bilge.

BRUTUS · 08 September 2014, 06:49

RHIB 2014 on Vimeo

Gily · 16 February 2017, 00:41

I realize this is a very old thread, but for context I'll offer a reference to what might truly be your minimum spec for a boat for this trip: North to Alaska by Oar. It's a great story about a beautiful part of the world I grew up in - if you haven't made your trip yet, this may put you over the hump. Sure it's wet and perhaps remote by Seattle or L.A. standards, but people have been travelling this region on the water for generations with some pretty minimalist powerboats (centuries if you include dug-out canoes). Not sure whether aluminum or F/G would be superior, but a nicely spec'd RIB would sure beat my 6th hand 17' Double Eagle that made a good chunk of that trip 25 years ago. Sorry for the nostalgia, envious of your trip!

BRUTUS · 13 May 2017, 16:07

Gily, thanks man!

I look forward to reading it.

I recently purchased a bran new Zodiac, specifically for this trip. I am very aware of the limitations of my boat, but I am committed to carrying it out as minimalistic as possible, without being negligent of the associated risk. It’s difficult, given that I am drawn to opposite sides of the world, trying to explore SE Alaska and Patagonia with two different RHIBS. Neither place is easy, but it’s worth it for me.

A few pics.

BRUTUS · 13 May 2017, 16:08

photograph

BRUTUS · 13 May 2017, 16:46

photograph

BRUTUS · 13 May 2017, 16:50

1st sea trials

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 18:42

Hi , I have little to add as I have no Alaskan experience But I love your plans and sense of adventure.
Chapeau ( as they say in France )
Only thing I can contribute of any worth for open boat adventures ... get a good drysuit and thermals and a good helmet with a visor ,it's a godsend in rain and waves !! In the Uk a Geko helmet is a good option. Have a look at them and see what is similar or better where you are. Also a good plb/epirb

BRUTUS · 13 May 2017, 20:04

Thanks H5’er. Always nice to hear some motivating words, I appreciate it. As for your recommendation, I couldn’t agree more!

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 20:21

Hand on heart ... an offshore drysuit , as opposed to a dive one is better but use what you have got. Hood and goggles still not as good as a helmet. I would guess $100 get a thermal skull cap like cyclists use if needs be but trust me on the helmet if it's an open rib. I've tried everything from what you are wearing to vented neoprene masks to full face helmets. Will look for a link

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 20:22

http://www.geckoheadgear.com/
Find a US equivalent

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 20:25

Wish it was me going

BRUTUS · 13 May 2017, 21:17

I will very likely follow your advice, given that you’ve taken a moment to reiterate it.

In particular I am drawn to the cut-away Gecko helmet which is capable of accommodating a hands-free communication system (water proof earphones + click on mic).
Thanks!

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 21:23

It is good , with the visor.
I have used the coms which work well but , in my experience , the mic needs to touch your face. On long passages the salt from waves makes it burn the skin so shouting works better and is cheaper than a comms system. Anti fog ( or thin smear of washing up liquid ) inside visor works. Get full length visor every time

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 21:29

Petroleum jelly ( Vaseline) helps on face if you are out in big seas. Don't know how the sun affects it ( never had that problem )

Hf500 · 13 May 2017, 21:37

Sorry to hog the replies over such a small issue. The helmet I have found best on open ribs is the simple open face ( covers ears but has a pop out cap at ears ) with a clear full face visor. Sunglasses below if required. It has an air bladder inside that allows it to adjust to fit. You can fit comms or not to that one but I wouldn't bother.
Others may have better advice. Good luck. I look forward to reading of your adventures