tube fitment diagrams and methods

examples of ways to bond the R.I.B tube to the hull

the under hull inside strip

this method we see mostly used by chinese and some eastern european manufacturers, in a ideal world this method.

in my experience this method usually results in the tube detaching from the hull, if the tube is deflated all the weight is then pulling down and off the hull.

manufacturers that you will find this method being used:

Ribeye c class
Valiant
Zodiac
Narwhal
Tiger marine

gusset/ hinge method

this method it the go to method it has several advantages

tube can deflate without gravity pulling the tube down and the attaching strips off the hull.
hull edge is protected
tube is protected from hull pinching

manufacturers known to use this method

ribcraft, coastline, ribtec,humber, ocean ribs and many more.

basic carrier flange

this method the hull has a radius curve in the flange that allows the tube to be held in place with less movement and tube wobble. while it is a pretty straight forward method many dislike the naked edge of the hull on the inside. this method is commonly seen on faster leisure style R.I.B's.

Carrier flange with internal strip

like the previous version this method too has the hull with a radius curve in the flange that allows the tube to be held in place with less movement and tube wobble however it also has strip that runs up the inside covering the little gap between hull and tube, this is potentially the strongest bond for this style of tube attachment

Carrier flange with edging rope

while not as strong and the internal strip version this typically caters towards high end R.I.B's that want the speed but also want it to look good, a edging rope is used to create a trim piece around the inside edge of the flange leaving a luxury finish.

D -tube bonding

the usual method for attaching D-tubes to hulls

slide on tubes

this is a mechanical method of fitting tubes is has many advantages and a few disadvantages so will depend on your use as to whether it would suit you.

this method is commonly used in police and safety and military applications. they tend to be a bit of a wet boat as there are usually gaps that water can come in to the boat from, however this is normally accounted for by large drainaway outlets and bilge pumps. some manufacturers like zodiac raised the height of the inner dead rise above water level to prevent letting water in

disadvantages:

wetter boats usually
may require more maintenance on wearing parts such as the luff rope and rubbing areas
depending on the material and adhesive used they can separate from the hull at an inconvenient time

advantages are

tube can be removed and stored
tube can be removed and repaired
tube can be easily replaced
your feet get a wash

D-tube on luff ropes

this would be a prefered choice for d tubes

bolt rope

this method is old school used by avon safety boats and the military mostly, it uses a bolt rope that is retained by a long length of stainless bar that is bolted into the hull ,holding the tube on like the slide on method this method can result in having water ingress.