IRB Hull

Cleaning and Inspection

IRBs operate in a highly volatile environment. IRB hulls should be fully stripped regularly to all for the removal of sand and grim depending on the environment they are used in and how much time the IRB is in operation and to inspect the buoyancy tubes, keelson, floor, transoms etc for wear.

Follow your club guidelines for the minimum cleaning schedule for your club.

1. Move the IRB to a suitable surface for dismantling i.e. grassed area or to an area that has a soft service i.e. placed on piece of carpet or similar to as to protect the hull.
2. Remove Auxiliary equipment from the IRB – Paddles, Tow Rope and rescue tube.
3. Inspect the auxiliary equipment for damage and wear and record in the IRB Log and repair as required. This should include the IRB Knife and scarab, tow rope securing lanyards and whistle.
4. Fully deflate the buoyancy tubes and keelson. Remove the floorboard.
5. Inspect the floor board for any damage and record as required, paying particular attention to the floor board hinge points, foot straps, edges, fuel tank clips and foam rubber matt area. Arrangements for repair made prior to reassembly. Any damage is to be recorded in the IRB Log and arrangements for repair made prior to reassembly.
6. Reinflate the buoyancy tubes and keelson without the floorboard. The buoyancy tubes and keelson should be reinflated just enough so that the IRB can hold its own shape.
7. Hose down with fresh water, completely removing all sand and debris from inside the IRB and from the floorboard. This should be done in a draining position. NOTE: Scrubbing may also be required in the case of significant build up. Care should be taken not to damage the IRB. Some cleaning detergents may be used in line with manufacturer’s recommendations.
8. The Hull is to be inspected for wear and tear post cleaning. Damage is to be recorded in the IRB Log, and arrangements for repair made prior to reassembly. The inspection includes: Reflective tape, Bow rope, fuel line loops, transom condition, bailers, the self bailers, lifting handles, buoyancy tubes, life line, re – righting rope and pouch, lifting handles, spray dodger, and Crew, Drivers and patient handles.
9. Deflate the buoyancy tubes and keelson and refit the floorboard. Ensure that all the loops, clips and straps used for ancillary equipment are not caught under the floorboard and that the keelson is lined up in the centre of the hull.
10. Reinflate the buoyancy tubes and keelson as per manufacturer’s recommendations.
11. Store the IRB in accordance with the Club SOPs

Lay-off period maintenance

At the conclusion of the season, the IRB Officer should implement a maintenance program to ensure that the IRB is in good condition and available for use during the off season for:

• emergency search and rescue
• the off-season training program

All components should be dismantled and the hull, buoyancy tubes, floorboards and auxiliary equipment should be given a good scrubbing with warm water and a grease- removing detergent, hosed down and dried. The buoyancy tubes and inflatable keelson should be carefully washed over with soapy water and checked for air bubbles that indicate the presence of air leaks. This is especially important if there is any history of slow deflation or leaking.
The IRB and all ancillary components should then be carefully examined and a list of items requiring maintenance work prepared.

*It is essential that any repairs are undertaken in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, and by suitably qualified and experienced persons.

All badly worn areas should be neatly patched using an approved adhesive for the type of IRB, e.g. fabric.

Check for cracks, chips and damage to fibreglass, deformities in the floorboard, bubbles in the foam rubber mat, cracks and damage to foot straps and securing screws and wear or excessive movement in the hinges.

If the floorboard fabric hinges become loose or damaged, they should be carefully pulled off and discarded. All remaining adhesive should be removed and any minor wear or damage to the floorboard repaired. If any major repairs are required, the floorboard may have to be returned to the manufacturer or an approved repairer. As per fabric patching methods, use approved adhesive to attach the new hinges to the floorboard. Ensure you use the old hinges as templates to mark where the new hinges need to be affixed. Hinges, adhesives and solvents are available from recognised manufacturers and service agents.

!Adhesive and solvent fumes can be toxic. Any repairs using adhesives must be carried out in a well-ventilated area. Suitable personal protective equipment should be worn, as recommended by the applicable Safety Data Sheet/s.

The following areas should be routinely inspected, and repairs or replacements carried out as indicated/ required.

• The transom and paddles should be lightly sanded and re-varnished.
• The transom bracket should be repaired or replaced.
• Loose foot strap screws should be re-tightened or replaced where appropriate and torn foot traps replaced.
• Broken paddle straps and pontoon handles should be repaired or replaced.
• The Crew’s bow rope should be checked for fraying at the D and at the handle.
• Rollover rope is operational.
• The foot pump may need new fabric wall panels.
  

*Repairs should occur as soon as practical after identifying the need for attention. Some of the work involved may be beyond the capabilities of the crew. Such work should be referred to an accredited inflatable boat service centre.

Clubs should obtain a quotation before any service work is commenced and the suggested work should be approved by the club to ensure that a mutual agreement is reached on the scope of repairs. Payment is generally required before taking delivery.

The motor should have been receiving preventative maintenance throughout the season – See Motor Layup Procedure section

Prior to recommencement of operations, a maintenance program should be carried out to ensure the IRB is rescue ready and will pass the annual gear inspection. If an IRB or motor has to be sent to an accredited outboard motor service centre, don’t leave it till the last moment as you may find that the work cannot be completed in time to suit your program.

*Repairs to IRB hulls should be undertaken by appropriately qualified and experienced members.

It is suggested that the services of a specialist in this area are used.

IRB fabric repairs

The fabric of IRBs varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. IRBs are generally made of a sandwich construction comprising a nylon mesh impregnated with a number of layers of Neoprene and Hypalon coatings. The external coating of most IRBs is Hypalon, which is very tough and is impervious to ultraviolet radiation, water, petrol and oil. The complete hull of an IRB should be periodically examined for undue wear and leaks.

*The manufacturer’s specifications for carrying out repairs, including the products and materials to be used, must be followed at all times.

Undue wear can result in the thickness of the coatings being reduced so the air under pressure, inside the buoyancy tubes and inflatable keel, leaks through the fabric and escapes to the atmosphere. An IRB taken to sea with a slow leak can place the crew in a difficult situation as the IRB will easily distort and can result in a roll-over. Incorrect inflation can cause the IRB to over- bend and ‘buck’ and throw the Crew overboard.

Leaks and punctures can be readily detected by coating the suspected area with soapy water. Bubbles will appear at the puncture. Before making a repair to the hull of an IRB the section should be deflated and the affected areas must be dry and clean.