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11-15-2014, 04:55 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 647
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RIB gun rack
Project: Speargun rack for my RIB
My RIB is a great little boat for a diving platform. It is only 4.2m long with a centre console so there is very little deck space. By the time I add my esky the area was reduced further. Having all my gear on the deck was never the plan but funding held me back. A mate who is a fabricator wanted a new speargun and a deal was struck. I designed this the day I got the boat and it has taken me 6 months to achieve it. Features of this 316 stainless steel gun rack include: - gun holders for up to 8 guns (handy what I am testing and ballasting them). - fin holder for 3 pairs. - float & rope storage. - nav lights, deck light, squid light. - raised esky platform for storage under (mask, weight belts & prangers etc). - dive flag holder. - 2 rod holders. Fitting the plates, first bar and the esky supports: Fitting the second roll bar. This adds rigidity and strength. Fitting of the fin holders. A bungee with a clip is used to secure the fins so they shouldn't come out. First test run will be with some one elses fins and not my Penetrators. :P Testing the tuna deck. Spearguns in position Finished fabrication and ready to rig: |
11-15-2014, 07:23 PM | #2 |
Snorkel Master
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Lower Keys
Posts: 5,588
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Re: RIB gun rack
Bad ass!!!
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11-15-2014, 09:06 PM | #3 |
Big Time Bug Hunter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Orlando
Posts: 3,097
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Re: RIB gun rack
Very cool and great fabrication job !!
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11-16-2014, 12:02 AM | #4 |
Waterman
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: La Paz, Baja, Mexico
Age: 43
Posts: 318
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Re: RIB gun rack
I had a 12 caribe and now an 18 novurania. The thing that has saved me more space is an insulated fishbag hanging from the back of the seat (in your case could be betwen the posts of the arch (actually the arch is my next project and i want to put some canopy/bimini of off that) and the other thing that also helped was a tall but thin garbage bin where i put everything else. 3 divers have a lot of gear.
For the fins. I saw on the web a guy wh made something like a grill so that the blades could slide but not the footpockets. Maybe putting some bars on what you already have. Awesome idea an execution thx for sharing and inspiring |
11-16-2014, 02:47 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 647
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Re: RIB gun rack
Thanks guys.
Polespearo I have raise the esky off the deck but 150mm or 6". This has allowed tubs to be slid under taking the weight belts & masks. The fin holder seems to lock the fins in position but I have an addition bungee to tie them down. Will still exercise with extreme caution as I do not want to lose one. I will be fabricating a new fuel tank, 45lt with 1/3 split for a reserve. On top of the tank will be a dry box for epirb & fire extinguisher etc |
11-19-2014, 05:43 PM | #6 |
Puerto Rico
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: worcester mass.
Posts: 583
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Re: RIB gun rack
that's sick awesome job
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11-27-2014, 07:58 PM | #7 |
Firmly imbeded member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sarasota, FL
Age: 68
Posts: 3,486
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Re: RIB gun rack
I was going to suggest the plastic kitchen garbage can, but polespearo beat me to it. You can have 3-4 guys fins and masks in it. You could bungee that onto the arch. I have used the bar that he spoke of that you slide your fins in but foot pockets stop. Works and keeps them from flying out and off the floor. That also could be on the arch. Make the slot about 1 1/2 inches wide.
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11-28-2014, 11:57 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: lower keys
Posts: 461
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Re: RIB gun rack
Wow you do really nice work. Nice job
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Freediver, DIY gear and guns! |
11-28-2014, 05:02 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 647
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Re: RIB gun rack
An update photo of the last time I went out:
The fin holder worked perfectly. The bungee that wraps over the toe area of the pocket locks them into place and they did not move at all. Care must be taken when loading and unloading though as you could drop one. When I installed the rack and drilled through the transom I found wet timber. As I have a hull and deck refurbishment planned I decided to replace the transom now. That way I can refinish the deck and hull after I foam fill the hull and not have to address the same points twice. I don't want to be patching it up at a later date, do it once, do it right. It was not too bad, a few soft spots. Timber is mostly removed with a section under the floor to go. Access is difficult down there. I am also going to make a new well at the back for a bilge pump. I will run a conduit from the anchor well (that is currently not drained) to the new bilge well. Thinking the well should be something small like 6 inches square. Only small but it is only to drain the deck. |
02-23-2016, 12:57 PM | #10 |
Anything is possible...
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Galveston, Tx
Age: 36
Posts: 1,046
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Re: RIB gun rack
I know this is an older thread, but how do you like the tower? is there anything you have/ would change? im looking at doing something very similar on a 530 Pro.
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02-23-2016, 03:42 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 647
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Re: RIB gun rack
This rack is awesome. It has been in some very rough seas and everything has remained very secure.
I have added nav lights and a light bar too. If you would like some dimensions I would be happy to provide them. I have one length of mono running top to bottom on the starboard side so the guns attach via their shark clip as additional security. The bungees will not last forever and having a secondary fixing system is a fail safe. I also have a 10 litre jerry behind the esky and the floats are on the other side. The plastic tub under the esky holds the weight belts but I am still looking for a solution for mask storage. Bad photo but gives youthe idea. The light bar swivels front to back so I can use it as a squid light.: |
02-23-2016, 05:56 PM | #12 |
Anything is possible...
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Galveston, Tx
Age: 36
Posts: 1,046
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Re: RIB gun rack
very nice rig! how do you keep from poking holes in the boat with fish spines?
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02-23-2016, 06:43 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 647
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Re: RIB gun rack
Like all inflatables it does get some punctures. Not too many from fish spines. Debris in the water has got me a few times. Spears by some uncareful divers a few more times. But the benefits as a diving rig for me out weighs the maintenance.
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02-23-2016, 06:45 PM | #14 |
Anything is possible...
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Galveston, Tx
Age: 36
Posts: 1,046
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Re: RIB gun rack
Do you do your own repairs ?
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02-23-2016, 07:08 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 647
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Re: RIB gun rack
Inflatable Systems Australia do mine. Fast and good.
I have found the adhesive does not store well. I often buy new adhesive prior to big trips and in 6 months time throw them out as they expire. |
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