A commercial operator brought a [CONFIRM: length] metre rescue craft into our Yeovil workshop with [CONFIRM: what failed, for example a failed underside seam and abrasion damage at the transom end]. We repaired it in Orca Hypalon, pressure tested it and had it back in service within [CONFIRM: number] working days.
Rescue craft work hard, and the tubes take the worst of it. Here is what came in, what we did, and what it means for anyone running a working RIB.
What came in
[CONFIRM: two or three sentences. The type of operator without naming them, how the boat is used, what failed and how the crew noticed it.]
What we did
- Assessed the whole tube, not only the damaged area, to confirm the surrounding fabric was sound enough to repair
- [CONFIRM: the main repair, for example cut back and re-bonded the failed seam]
- [CONFIRM: any further work, for example new wear patches at the boarding points]
- Bonded in Orca Hypalon from Pennel and Flipo using Bostik NE486
- Left to cure fully, then pressure tested before handover
Back in service
The boat went back to the operator within [CONFIRM: number] working days. For a rescue craft, time out of service is the cost that matters, so we planned the work around the operator’s cover and gave them a return date at the start.
Repair or retube
We assess every tube before we quote. Where the fabric around the damage is sound, a repair is the right answer and it will last as long as the tube around it. Where the coating has worn through or seams are failing in more than one place, a RIB retube is the better purchase, and we will say so. Our RIB repair guide explains how to tell the difference.
RIB repairs at Ribcollar
- Hypalon tube repair and replacement
- RIB collar repair and replacement
- Sponson repair
- Self-righting bag installation and servicing
See our full range of RIB repair services and self-righting systems.
Get your boat assessed
Send the boat make, length and clear photographs of the damage, the valve and where the tube meets the hull. We will come back with a free quote and a straight answer on whether it needs a repair or a retube.
Call 01935 722988, email sales@ribcollar.com or use our contact page.