A bit of a revamp!

[Solitaire]

I have just had my rib re-tubed! What a great job and to all intents and purposes I have a new boat given the new outboard that was added at the end of 2013. Although the original tubes were still in reasonable condition they were not really up to the standard I wanted. Here are a few pix of the before and after.

Before:

From a distance they looked OK.

Even closer and they didn't look too bad.

But they really were beginning to show their age. There were two repairs that had been done before I got the boat, and although professionally done they did not do the appearance any favours.

The effects of the earlier storms had also taken their toll:

Odd to see a set of tubes without the rest of the boat! :ambivalence:

And now the after pix! And what a great job Ribeye in Dartmouth have done. :encouragement:

Roll on summer!

 

[Kawasaki]

Still looks ok from a distance
Well, I am a few hundred miles away!
Nice one Soli

 

[Elessar]

You're like the bloke that's only ever had 1 broom. Had 8 new handles and 6 new heads though.
Looks like new because it sort of is.

 

[Solitaire]

You're like the bloke that's only ever had 1 broom. Had 8 new handles and 6 new heads though.
Looks like new because it sort of is.

Well the bottom and the top are the same, just the sides and rear end that have changed. Bit like yours really!

 

[lisilou]

awww doesn't she look pretty all shiny and new

 

[Elessar]

Well the bottom and the top are the same, just the sides and rear end that have changed. Bit like yours really!

Your top got seats, covers and electronics and the bottom got coppercoat. Doesnt leave much!

 

[RogerRat]

Nice one David,

Really does look like a new Rib.
You must be pleased, fancy 5 Star engine cover too!

 

[rafiki_]

Looks really nice, so are we going to call you Trigger from now on?

While my ribeye is much smaller, I am really pleased with their aftersales support. A pleasure to deal with.

 

[Greg2]

looks great and no doubt more cost effective than a new RIB

 

[U4]

Wow, looks lovely!! Congratulations!:encouragement:

 

[Solitaire]

looks great and no doubt more cost effective than a new RIB

Yup! I have to say that having had this boat for nigh on 3 years now, I am actually very impressed with the it. It is dry, it is soft and when helmed properly will take on most things. The 650 S package is a great option. OK, there are some bits that could be better, but I'm sorting those.

 

[hullabaloo]

Everyone seems to be holding back with the question. so i will ask, how much is a re-tube?

 

[Mr Googler]

Yup! I have to say that having had this boat for nigh on 3 years now, I am actually very impressed with the it. It is dry, it is soft and when helmed properly will take on most things. The 650 S package is a great option. OK, there are some bits that could be better, but I'm sorting those.

Looks factory fresh!!! I completely agree on sea keeping. I did Solent to Scilly Isles and back in one and it was fantastic in some fairly interesting stuff. Seems a shame to let students lose on her for "Pontoon Bashing" practice Love the engine cover too

 

[Dill et Bound]

Everyone seems to be holding back with the question. so i will ask, how much is a re-tube?

Thats the thing with rib owners, They have to put loads of investment into the boats to keep them up to a good standard..
My next door neighbour was halfway back to Guernsey from Alderney when his tubes parted company from his fiberglass hull..
Solitaire I know has to be on top of his investment as the rib is tool of the trade, but there are many rib owners out there who don t make the investment and we see plenty of those deflated ribs in corners of boatyards everywhere..
I sort of see why ribs appeal, but my sensible head says.. Expensive.. Looks Great though... Just like new.. Again..

 

[Solitaire]

Everyone seems to be holding back with the question. so i will ask, how much is a re-tube?

It's not a case of what you know, but who you know! Let me put it this way, the new engine and retubing cost net less than £8k. The list price of the engine is over £15k and the tubes would make if up to around £21k. The outboard is the commercial model with uprated gearbox , coated pistons and stainless steel water pump. It is also detuned to max 5000 rpm . Down 500 revs on the leisure model. But saying that I have had 5,200 and 42 knots out the beast !