Newbe here...advice needed

[Katch]

Hi everyone!
I just picked up an RIB that needs some TLC. I bought a used 2001 AB Navigo (10.5 ft). It is in a little rough shape with at least two pin hole leaks. They seem small but are in odd places. I got a good deal on it (with a trailer) and it looks repairable - $440. I searched some sites and found a couple brands of tube sealers that should seal up any other possible leaks. Has anyone tried the Tube Seal or the one from Inland Marine?

Here's a couple pics:



Here's a close up of the leaks. The bigger one is on top at the edge of the "AB" lable. The other is around a patch that I later pulled off. It wasn't on very strong. In any case, how should I tackle these? I would like to buy some hypalon paint that also seems to seal small leaks. Like I said, the boat is a little rough looking.



Anyway, I'm glad I found this forum and hope to be an active poster. I intend to play around in the Potomic River and the shores of VA, MD, and NC. I hope to do some scuba diving too. I haven't picked up a motor yet either, but I'm looking for a 20-25hp.

Thanks everyone,
Steve

 

[theteacher]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

I'd say you got a great buy on that with a trailer. I'm new to ribbing also, but I love it. I have a little 2009 Avon Rover 310 Lite with a 2009 9.9 Merc, but I'm planning on selling my 22' Stingray with 300 hp and buying a bigger RIB. Probably next year.
I like ribbing because you can go in such shallow water, unlike my 22' Stingray, and "explore" remote places. We're heading to the coast Saturday and hitting the ICW, exploring islands and such, picnic on a secluded beach, fish a little, just have fun !!! And the little thing will only cost me about $6.00 in gas, if we ride around alot, compared to $75.00 gas in the big boat. I can hit 22.6 mph GPS solo on mine, 20 with the wife. A 20-25 hp on yours will scoot !!!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

I haven't picked up a motor yet either, but I'm looking for a 20-25hp.

Too small rib to handle a 25 HP, min 15 max 20 for that size lenght. Try to get a 2 strokes 15-18 HP, weights much less than same 4 strokes.

Happy Boating

 

[Katch]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

Too small rib to handle a 25 HP, min 15 max 20 for that size lenght. Try to get a 2 strokes 15-18 HP, weights much less than same 4 strokes.

Happy Boating

really???
The specs on AB's website recommends a 15 HP, but states it can take up to a 25 HP motor. The one I'm looking at is an Evinrude 2 stroke 20 that weighs 115lbs. I did see a 15 HP for sale, but it is twice the price and almost twice as old. I'm surprised how expensive used outboards are costing around here (East Coast USA). I'm sure they're cheaper in Florida, but the shipping is way up there.

http://www.abinflatables.com/i_producto.asp

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

really???
The specs on AB's website recommends a 15 HP, but states it can take up to a 25 HP motor.

Every manufacturer has it's own tech specs, but most other manufacturers states max 15-20 HP for that size model, bear in mind that max engine is for transporting max passengers stated at transom plate at speed, if you will be using rib solo or with less passengers than stated don't need a 25, the weight difference between a 15 and a 25 is nearly 12 KG if 2 strokes and double if 4 strokes. I would like seeing you carrying a 70 Kg for the 4 St. 25HP all by yourself, a rib needs less HP to perform same than a sib does in that same lenght.

Happy Boating

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

On the original question, that top one can be fixed one of two ways. Best way is to remove that logo patch and then apply your new patch over the hole. You can also just carefully put a new patch over the seam if you don't want to remove the logo. It will hold if it's glued properly although it won't last as long. On a boat that old though it might be an easier option. You don't want to know what's involved with a "correct" repair on that bottom hole. Definitely not worth the effort. I would put a quality patch over the seam with a good glue from a sealed can. Is that boat painted, it looks like it. You'll need to get all that off or your patch will fail rapidly.

Go here>> www.nrsweb.com for supplies and very good instructions on the patch process. Good luck..

 

[Katch]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

What would be the best way to remove the logo?

 

[isaksp00]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

I bought a used Mercury and discovered later I sorta got ripped off, as the owner swore it held air fine, but I discovered later it did leak. He had Gooped the valves enough to have it hold for an hour or so. This boat is PVC; if yours is Hypalon, you'd need the right materials.

I ended up buying 3 new Leafield valves and cutting out the old Boston style valves, leaving a hole of about 3 in diam each. I got these, and some PVC patch "cloth" from NRS, and bought the Stabond 2 part glue from a Mercury dealer. I used roughly 7 in diam round patches, and mounted the new valves in these. After I cut the old ones out, I could see the prev owner had used the stuff you pour in, and I ended up pulling a bunch of hardened whatever-it-is out the cut holes. It obviously didn't work, at least, after I bought it.

Now that it is patched, it is much better, but not like new. It holds air and stays hard for maybe 4 hrs, and after say 8 it is somewhat soft, but would still be usable. I only need to get out to a mooring, and have it usable for the 4 or 5 hrs until I return, and can use the foot pump to harden it up on return. So it is probably OK for me, since I have to deflate it after each use and put in the SUV - can't leave it at the marina where our sailboat moors.

In your case, the seams will be tough to deal with. You may want to try a thinner fabric first, to bend into the seam, with a thicker layer on top. If you can spend maybe $20 on glue and say $10 on the patch, can't hurt to try, since you own it already. From my experience and also other posts, don't expect it to hold air for days.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

How much air are both leaks losing ? Just small tiny or larger bubbles ? Apply soapy water and check condition ? If tiny could place 3 layers of hypalon glue and hardener on top leaks using a small painting brush, let each coat dry completely before applying next. If larger will need to peel logo patch and lateral rubstrake a bit to place a proper flat patch.

Happy Boating

 

[Katch]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

What would be the best way to peel that logo patch? It was put on when the boat was made 10 years ago. Should I just pick and pull at it, or maybe use a heat gun? The other hole is very tiny, and I'll use the 3 layer hypalon glue method you mentioned.

I may just use that "Tear Aid A", then follow up with the interior sealant. I ordered a repair kit that comes with the sealant, a rubber coating outer paint, and a top coat/sealant.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Newbe here...advice needed

If bubbles exits adjacent to tube's fabric, side to logo patch, try same as with lower hole, if you are pouring in a internal sealent and externar coating should work fine sealing inner & outter tubes properly. The easy or hard way to remove logo would be related to how well it's still holding well glued to tube ? If you don't know how to use a heat gun properly, better stay way from it or could damage fabric skin forever.

Happy Boating