Re-tubing a RIB

[Strake]

Apologies if the answer is lurking in an old thread somewhere but has any had experience of re-tubing a PVC RIB or can recommend a company that will do this? Mine has given eight years of good service but will need replacing for next season.

 

[Ferris]

What type of RIB? Some tubesets can be bought from the manufacturer and fitted. I got a Zodiac 3mtr RIB retubed with a Zodiac tubeset years ago due to a manufacturing fault.

incidentally PVC is inferior to Hypalon which lasts much longer, it has better abrasion and UV resistance. Retubing in hypalon generally costs £1k per metre depending on level of add ins like handles, wear patches etc?

 

[Strake]

It's a Valiant 550 - yes, I agree with the PVC Hypalon argument but as always, an extra 5K is a chunk of change when making the decision. Valiant now seem to be based in Belgium, possibly part of Brunswick but tracking them down is proving difficult.

 

[Dino]

A quick google shows these guys doing Valiant rib tube replacements
Replacement Rib Tubes – IBS Boat Supplies

 

[Ferris]

It's a Valiant 550 - yes, I agree with the PVC Hypalon argument but as always, an extra 5K is a chunk of change when making the decision. Valiant now seem to be based in Belgium, possibly part of Brunswick but tracking them down is proving difficult.

Yep, that’d be 6k in Hypalon, debatable if it’s worth it? A new set of PVC tubes is probably the order of the day if you can get them. You would need to budget for the cost of fitting also, not insignificant if I recall.

 

[Strake]

Yep, that’d be 6k in Hypalon, debatable if it’s worth it? A new set of PVC tubes is probably the order of the day if you can get them. You would need to budget for the cost of fitting also, not insignificant if I recall.

I live in France but if the pricing was right, hopping over to the UK wouldn't be a problem. Since my first post, I've managed to find a place in La Rochelle. Roughly, a basic PVC replacement with four handle/cleats is about (with current exchange rates) £5900 installed. That is an eye-watering amount but....the engine is a rock-solid Mercury 80hp, the hull is fine so you could almost see it as a 'new' boat.

Thanks Dino - I also found them shortly after posting so will see what their quote is. Looking at the site, they don't have the exact size advertised but I'm guessing about £2800 for the part plus fitting. I have no idea how much work is involved but that looks quite a hefty margin on the quote I received over here.

 

[Ocean Star]

I just had a price (North West) for replacing the tubes on a 6m Humber, £4750 plus vat for Hypalon.

 

[Strake]

I just had a price (North West) for replacing the tubes on a 6m Humber, £4750 plus vat for Hypalon.

That would appear to be worth a drive!

 

[Ocean Star]

They've also got a set of orange tubes for Humber that was a cancelled order - didn't ask the size but he said he'd do a deal on them. I thought the price was reasonable for the 6m. It included standard Hypalon, D strake and lifelines.

 

[Strake]

They've also got a set of orange tubes for Humber that was a cancelled order - didn't ask the size but he said he'd do a deal on them. I thought the price was reasonable for the 6m. It included standard Hypalon, D strake and lifelines.

It's very reasonable.... I've dropped them a line. Many thanks.