January 26, 2007
I know this isn't a RIBCRAFT but I thought you all just had to see this RIB. It does raise the question - how much power is too much? The RIBCRAFT 7.8 with twin 150HP engines moves at 50+ MPH; that's plenty fast for me!... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 09:56 AM | Comments (3)
January 24, 2007
Leaky Tubes?
Are My Tubes Leaking? For departments using RIBs in colder climates during the winter, this is a common question and concern. The answer nearly every time is NO. Because the tubes are air filled, they are susceptible to temperature change. Changing temperatures cause the air pressure inside the tube to fluctuate. The tubes become harder as the air expands on hot days and on colder days the air contracts making the tubes softer. This is extremely evident during the winter for fire departments who store their boats inside the station until needed. Many first time RIB users panic when they move the boat from the 68 degree station to the outside where it’s 35 degrees. Within minutes the air inside the tube contracts and the tubes soften. To minimize this effect, I recommend putting the boat outside in the cold for a half hour and then pump the tube up as much as you can with the foot pump. Then... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:54 PM | Comments (3)
January 17, 2007
Aluminum or Stainless? (Props 103)
What prop material is best – Aluminum or Stainless? Aluminum props: The most common and deliver good overall performance. Stainless Steel props: Used as an upgrade and deliver better top end performance The economical choice, aluminum props provide more than adequate strength and are easily repaired. The downside is that it’s fairly easy to bend or nick the blades should you hit something. Comparably, stainless steel props are stronger and generally more durable; that being their greatest advantage. The strength of a stainless steel prop will help maintain engine performance because they are resilient to the small nicks and bends that can occur with aluminum props. Additionally, because of this strength, stainless steel blades are thinner which results in better efficiency and performance. A thinner leading edge will create less air bubbles on impact, resulting in less cavitation thereby delivering better performance. Stainless steel props generally offer improved performance, better acceleration and higher top end speeds within the same pitch... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 04:39 PM | Comments (3)
January 09, 2007
On the Water with the USCG Auxiliary
I was catching up on some reading the other day and was flipping through the November issue of PropTalk, a great publication that focuses on power boating in the Chesapeake, and came across a nice little article on a Coast Guard Auxiliarist using his RIBCRAFT 5.85 for patrols, A Day On Patrol With the USCG Auxiliary, by Art Pine. Jim Welday (a RIBCRAFT owner since 2003) has been a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for over 14 years. Welday uses his RIBCRAFT 5.85 for patrols. In the past year alone, he has logged more than 300 hours on the boat patrolling the waters of the Chesapeake. Before purchasing the RIBCRAFT, Welday used a hardsided 21’ bowrider for his patrol duties. As the article mentioned: “This one [RIBCRAFT 5.85] is the ultimate in search and rescue craft. Besides the usual array of safety gear, it’s rigged with Auxiliary patrol signs, red-and-amber flashing strobe lights, a Sampson post for towing, and... read morePosted by ribcraftusa at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)
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