Topic: Rebuilding a rib into an Atlantic 85 (Read 18926 times)

gribeauval · « **on:** May 09, 2015, 02:29:37 pm »

I was asked to fix a leaking lifeboat rib for Garreth, one of my build clients, this has turned into a full refit/rebuild. The original is a Models by Design 1/10th scale Atlantic 21 style rib ( why they moulded it at 1/10th and not 1/12th scale is beyond me!). The client wanted it to look more like an Atlantic 85 as well as the leaks fixing thus this rebuild.
The hull is a couple of inches too long for a true scale A85 so it will be a 'stand off scale' model.

State of the boat when it arrived.

The leaking problem was that the ply transom plate had a couple of cracks in the epoxy where it was attatched to the moulding.

The plate was removed and the inside of the moulding was sealed with epoxy to fill all the existing holes.

A pattern for a new birch ply transom was made and cut out.

This was fitted onto the moulding with epoxy and allowed to set for 48 hours before the clamps were removed.

The underside of the hull and transom were then rubbed down and given a coat of primer.

gribeauval · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:32:08 pm »

The majority of the grp deck, which was lumpy and uneven, was removed ready for a new styrene deck to be fitted in place.

The deck was fitted in sections to make things easier. The stern section was bonded in place first and the steering servo was fitted through this piece.

The centre section was then sprung into place and welded to the rear section with liquid styrene cement. The edges were fixed to the grp deck with stabillit express resin glue.

The front section was then glued/welded in place and the cutout for hull access marked up ready to remove. The edges of the new deck will be sealed with clear silicone sealer AFTER painting to ensure that there is no chance of leakage into the lower hull section.

Cutout made and the coaming added.

gribeauval · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:34:23 pm »

The rear mast structure was next on the agenda.

The basic support hoops were bent from mild steel welding rod and checked for fit in the hull.

These were brazed together and the curved air bag support frame fixed in place along with the rest of the support bars. This part of the build took several attempts to get the correct curvatures and fit!!

After cleaning up the structure it was checked for fit again in the hull.

The upper mast section, radar platform and the navigation light supports were made from styrene and fixed in place before the whole structure was painted satin black.

gribeauval · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:36:10 pm »

Now on with the console for the four man crew.

Using the pattern used for the deck cut-out the basic shape of the console was made frrom 2mm thick styrene sheet.

The helmsman, from DK figures, has been "adjusted" so that he sits astride the wide section of the console.

The distinctive front panel has been fabricated and the seat backs added.

Two crewmen have also been "adjusted" to sit on the central section of the console.

Looks reasonable in the hull.

The central control panel has also been fabricated and the rest of the sides added ready for painting and detailling.

gribeauval · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:39:32 pm »

The console has been painted and the detailling started. The seats are made from neoprene so if they get wet it doesn't matter too much. The locker doors are just added onto the outside.

The grab handles have been bent up and fixed onto the console.

The switch/instrument panels were constructed from styrene.

Full set of panels made and painted ready to fit.

All the panels have now been fitted onto the console.

gribeauval · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:41:32 pm »

The hull and deck have been painted and a stand built to protect the finish. This also allowed the clear silicone sealant to be done between the edge of the deck and the hull tubes. Now there should be no way that water can get inside the hull.

Close up of the joint.

The painted mast and the console have been slipped in place in the hull to check that it has the look of an Atlantic 85.

Whilst all this paint was drying I took the black Graupner outboards (see first picture in this build), removed all the labels, cleaned up and masked off the casing, sprayed two coats of grey primer, two coats of metallic gunmetal grey, made on the PC Yamaha 115 logos and added them to the casings.

The result is more RNLI looking outboards ready to hang on the transom of the boat.

gribeauval · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2015, 02:43:36 pm »

The engines have now been reassembled and fitted onto the new transon plate. The are a just a bit overscale but short of an expensive re-engine with brushless motors Garreth will have to live with them as they are. Very Happy

The bolts will be trimmed later and the wiring sealed into conduits through the deck to keep out the water.

The mast and console were slipped in place to get an overall view of the boat at the moment and check that it still looks something like an Atlantic 85.

gribeauval · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2015, 08:42:09 pm »

The access caps for the ballast tanks have been fitted into the floor, the non-slip areas on the hull tubes added, the enclosed radar on the mast and the navigation lights fitted.

All the wiring has now been done and passed through the conduits into the hull.

I have also started the painting of the crew ready to fit onto the console.

jarvo · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2015, 10:17:32 pm »

No wonder the guy in the middle has a startled look on his face.... They dont like it up them, Captain Mannering!!!!!!!

gribeauval · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2015, 08:30:41 pm »

he upper mast aerial has been made and fitted along with the curved, folded self righting air bag.

The decals for the RNLI branding have been made on the PC and added to the dry suits of the crew. Just need to find some curved, clear packaging to make the visors now.

The crew have now been fitted onto the console.

Console fitted into the hull.

TugCowboy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2015, 10:21:28 am »

Really enjoying this build. He's going to be a very happy boy.

gribeauval · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2015, 09:06:13 pm »

Spent today making and fitting the grab handles, from soft copper wire and gaffer tape, that are along the inside of the hull tubes. Also made and fitted the D shackles on the top of the tubes and the foot loops on the floor.

The r/c twin latching switch that will operate the lights was checked over as it had been inside the flooded hull, and, as it works it was added to the lighting circuits wiring.

Last thing today was the fitting of the 'D' section fendering along the outside of the hull tubes. Now it's looking better than before.

mersey dave · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2015, 11:21:45 am »

Well done mate .....it looks brilliant.

Regards Dave.

Rottweiler · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2015, 11:53:33 am »

Mike makes it all look so easy,and gets brilliant results!
Mick F

gribeauval · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2015, 06:41:11 pm »

The large 'lump' at the bow, which contains the bull ring, has been made and fitted in place.

The decals for the corporate branding have been made on the pc and added to the tubes along with the grab line around the hull. The helmet visors, hard to see, have also been fitted in place.

Finally for now the name boards have been made and fitted onto the mast as well as the fleet number.

Just a few more small parts to make and fit then it's wire up the esc, plug in a battery and give it a test on the lake. Thumbup

derekwarner · « **Reply #15 on:** May 15, 2015, 02:47:03 am »

In OZ be it the Surf Life Saving Club or our RAN........we probably have differing names or functions for the crew of a RIB.......

Coxswain steers the RIB?........navigator in the next seat behind?.......not sure what his mate next to him does...is he the skipper?

...and who is the last bloke on the single seat?

Derek

Rottweiler · « **Reply #16 on:** May 15, 2015, 10:58:50 am »

Quote ".and who is the last bloke on the single seat? "
[/size]
[/size]Billy No Mates of course!
[/size]Mick F

For the hard of seeing

and who is the last bloke on the single seat?

Billy No Mates of course!

Mick F

gribeauval · « **Reply #17 on:** June 09, 2015, 01:44:07 am »

Here is the complete build in 6 mins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fTa97kNXeY

enjoy, Mike

jarvo · « **Reply #18 on:** June 09, 2015, 10:23:31 am »

Brilliant posts, will we be seeing a launch and trial sailing???

Mark

Kevin Sage · « **Reply #19 on:** June 12, 2015, 02:48:20 pm »

Great build. I'm inspired will now crack on with my Atlantic 21

kinmel · « **Reply #20 on:** June 12, 2015, 06:56:58 pm »

Quote from: jarvo on June 09, 2015, 10:23:31 am

Brilliant posts, will we be seeing a launch and trial sailing???
Mark

I will make sure photos etc are taken as soon as Garreth brings it to our lake.

gribeauval · « **Reply #21 on:** June 12, 2015, 07:46:17 pm »

Quote from: kinmel on June 12, 2015, 06:56:58 pm

I will make sure photos etc are taken as soon as Garreth brings it to our lake.

It won't be there this weekend as the motors in the outboards are going to be replaced with brushless to improve its drivability and reduce the stern weight. Sorry guys.

Mike

kinmel · « **Reply #22 on:** June 12, 2015, 08:37:25 pm »

Quote from: gribeauval on June 12, 2015, 07:46:17 pm

It won't be there this weekend as the motors in the outboards are going to be replaced with brushless to improve its drivability and reduce the stern weight. Sorry guys.

Mike

Not too fast please Mike, it's scary enough withhis Tamar

gribeauval · « **Reply #23 on:** June 12, 2015, 09:18:03 pm »

Quote from: kinmel on June 12, 2015, 08:37:25 pm

Not too fast please Mike, it's scary enough withhis Tamar

He needs a restrictor on his throttle thumb!!

The motor change is more to reduce the weight of the outboards as they are a pair of heavy 540's and are still causing swamping problems as when the revs come off they still sink down too far and allow the wash to overtop top the transom.

Mike

gribeauval · « **Reply #24 on:** June 13, 2015, 04:12:45 pm »

The 85 is now going on a crash diet!!

This consists of re-motoring the outboards with brushless motors. The two large 540 style motors, weighing 260gms each, will be replaced with 2 Logic 2829/13 outrunners, weighing 57gms each. A saving of 406gms or just over 14oz in old money!!!!!

The smaller motor will also allow the oversize casing to be reduced to a more scale like size.

Onwards and upwards !!!

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Author Topic: Rebuilding a rib into an Atlantic 85 (Read 18926 times)