replacing the deck on a rib

Magnet6x6

Cadet
Joined
Apr 28, 2003
Messages
19
Guys I'm new to working with fiberglass and know little about it other than it makes you itch.<br /><br />I suspect the hull or deck on my Osprey Eagle 5.6m RIB is letting water in as it drains for hours after being used.<br /><br />I need to inspect under the deck to see where the water's coming, (nothing obvious is visible from the outside), in and to check for rot but don't know where to start.<br /><br />I'm particularly concerned about knowing where and how to cut as I don't want to cut through any stringers.<br /><br />I'm anticipating having to replace the deck and whilst doing so I want to install under deck fuel tanks.<br /><br />With all this in mind can you offer me any advice or possibly point me to a project that has been through this sort of thing.<br /><br />All help gratefully received
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: replacing the deck on a rib

magnet - There is a ton of info it the Project Boats section of this webs site.
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: replacing the deck on a rib

do a 'search' on both 'BOAT' an 'project '<br />forums.. sit back an read for weeks.. <br /><br />take out the floor the best way possiable..<br /><br />don't worry much about cuttin' into a stringer.. just make a hole off center of keel so you know it's not hittin' anytihing.. measure the thickness of floor wood.. set a circular saw to that depth plus a few mm. an have at it...
 

Magnet6x6

Cadet
Joined
Apr 28, 2003
Messages
19
Re: replacing the deck on a rib

Thanks guys I'll do the search and then as you say dust off the saw and "have at it" <br /><br />The problem is that the prospect sounds like so much fun that it must be wrong :)<br /><br />Thanks again
 

Magnet6x6

Cadet
Joined
Apr 28, 2003
Messages
19
Re: replacing the deck on a rib

Solittle & Crab bait, many thanks for the advice. I've ordered a copy of "Runabout Renovations" I'll start the job after I've read it. Thanks again
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: replacing the deck on a rib

cool... come back often ... keep us updated.. <br /><br />when you're all said & done,, tell us if it was as much 'fun' as you thought when started... ;)
 
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