Subject: baidarka rib placement
From: Peter A. Chopelas (pac@premier1.net)
Date: Wed Nov 01 2000 - 11:45:29 EST
While we are on the subject of rib placement there is something I have been
thinking about for some time, it is the number ribs:
ISTM that a typical baidarka could probably get by with about half the
number of ribs than what is traditionally installed. I think this because
the stringers and gunwales appear strong enough to distribute the load over
say 10 inches instead of the normal 4 to 5. This of course would put more
load on each of the ribs but a rectangular cross section rib cut just a
little bit thicker should be plenty strong as well. There are some models
of Greenland style kayaks that have increased rib spacing and of course
most of the wood framed factory folding kayaks have ribs place 20 inches or
more apart. Factory folders of course have a very different frame design
but the idea of placing frames further apart would have the same affect I
would think since the frames function, besides give the hull its cross
sectional shape, is to distribute the loads of the longitudinal members to
the rest of the frame.
Increasing the rib spacing would cut your lashing time by about a third,
cut the number of ribs you have to make and install by half, and perhaps
make the frame a bit lighter. All of this benefit without sacrificing
strength or function.
Does anyone have any opinion about this? Does anyone see any possible
problems that might occur if this was done?
Peter
Arlington, WA
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