The Hull

To gain the optimum efficiency from a rigid inflatable a Hull must be designed to get the operator quickly onto the plane. The craft handling must be very responsive and the boat must be sea-worthy enough and constructed to face the most inhospitable sea conditions encounted world-wide.

Hull Design
Ribcraft's hulls are based on a deep 'V' format with full length spray rails and outer gunwale chines with convex hull forms coupled to a generous sheer line towards the bow.

The high sheer bow helps avoid stuffing in large seas; multiple chines improve handling by eliminating skidding that often occurs during sharp manoeuvres at high speeds. Additionally, the combination of the concave sheer shape and spray rails deflect the water down and away from the cockpit.

Hull Construction
Ribcraft's Hulls can be constructed in Aluminium, G.R.P. or composite materials, into highly polished tooling moulds Lloyds approved Chop Strand Mat and roving clothes are placed and laminated into position by Ribcraft's highly skilled laminators. All stages of construction are closely monitored by computer to ensure correct humidity and temperature resulting in even curing and an immensely strong blister free hull.

The critical hull shape is just as important as the way the hull and deck structures are brought together. To insure overall structural integrity, Ribcraft has designed a complex stringer system of longitudinal and transverse stringers to eliminate hull flexing.

This system contributes greatly to the boats overall strength and rigidity without needlessly increasing the weight, thereby increasing performance while lowering power options. Once the stringers are laminated into position the hull interior is gel washed to prevent delaminating in later years. The hull is then de-moulded and stainless steel fuel tanks installed, the deck and internal mouldings are bonded into place and final deck finishing completed.