Deck boards on a high pressure V hull???

[Andy B]

As above.
Has anyone ever made/fitted a set of deck boards to a Sib with a high pressure V hull?

Just wondered if it would be a boat with the best of both worlds?
The performance of a boat with the hull profile of the high pressure V hull, and the stability and practicality of the flat deck.
Or the worst of both?
A boat that takes longer to set up and is slower???

The main issue that would concern me would be how it would affect the center of gravity of the craft?
Might be a handy addition that could be used only on occasions when a flat deck is a bonus like fishing....

[Jakeyboy]

Like the sound of that idea Andy ,are you going to try it ?

[Paul]

Haven't heard or read of anyone doing such a thing but I'd imagine it's quite do-able as long as the boards have nice 'roundy' edges to prevent chaffing on the PVC tubes.
Routed board edges to get them to inter-lock and you're away I reckon ....... interesting idea and as you say, maybe best of both worlds

[mattswan2512]

Will you have central support for the boards andy? If so how will you tackle that?

[Andy B]

Good point Matt.

[Jimthehook]

I was toying with this myself a few weeks ago for my t32ie, was going to just ply the rear half using 1 piece with that grey pipe lagging on the edges to protect the tubes, and one length of the same pipe lagging for the spine underneath down the middle for support. Its on my to do list!!!

[Andy B]

I think the best idea would be to find an old SIB that's no longer serviceable and then use the deck hardware (joiners and longitudinals) maybe even cut out the keel? they are only held in place with a couple of tapes.
Cutting the deck boards would just be a case of templating.

I like the practicality of the flat deck in my boat, but would love the performance of a decent V shaped hull.
And on the plus side, if i was to take it away in the tin tent then just leave the deck boards behind and just use it as an air bag...

[Paul]

Is being over thought
A high pressure 'V' hull holds it's keel shape IF the pressure is correct anyhow, unlike a 'sausage' keel which relies on being anchored and the deck holding it in place.
I personally can't see a ply deck addition to a high pressure "V' hull of 12mm or more requiring any central support over this short midships distance in normal use
That's my thoughts ......... alternatively I can ask the wife and kids as they've ALL the answers to everything

[Si Crowe]

like all these things, its a compromise...

air deck, v-floor, wood/ally floor, F-Rib...

all have advantages and flaws... imho, if you need a hard flat floor then get an ally deck sib. there wont be a weight penalty over a v-floor with a plank of ply. plus will handle a bigger outboard, be more rigid.

[Andy B]

Si,
This is just a thought experiment mate.
Just wondering if there's a way of getting a flat deck without the carrier bag bottom?

Is being over thought

Wow!
That's something I've never been accused of before.....
Although I think you are right about not needing to support the deck boards.

Begs the question.
Are the deck boards keeping the keel down or is the keel supporting the deck boards.

I suspect it's the first?