Cylinder / Bottle Rack for RIB (purchase in US)?

[macado]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a cylinder / bottle rack in the US? These are very popular in the UK for RIBs but I have not really seen them readily for sale in the US. I reached out to a couple vendors in the US but as with most things in the diving and boat industry I did not get any replies back.

I am sure I can have someone help me build one but I am trying to see if I can find something pre-made / pre-fabricated that will hold ~8 cylinders. Maybe someone's google-fu is better than mine.

Here are a couple examples below of what I am looking for. I have 22ft (6.8m) RIB that I want to add a bottle rack to that can hold 8 tanks (4 sets of doubles). Right now we're just laying everything on the floor which works but it's a bit messy.

 

[rhwestfall]

Start with these guys?

Action Welding's Galleries of Custom Built Post with Dive Tank Holders

Action Welding's Custom Built Post with Dive Tank Holders Photo Galleries. View the work of Action Welding and Marine Fabrication of Cape Coral Florida.

actionweld.com

 

[Johnoly]

... if I can find something pre-made / pre-fabricated that will hold ~8 cylinders.

Cost on custom rack is $$$ and I understand you want to save some money.

I saw one guy who ordered a " Boat Leaning Post " seat. He then took the seat off the top and re-welded a center pipe that he could attach tanks to,, similar to your picture. Instead of a $3000 custom rack, his catalog item was $650. You can search for boat leaning post and get tons of ebay ones for even cheaper because people hate them for long boat rides.

I don't know how your boat's helm/steering is setup (forward/back/middle) but you are talking about almost 1700 pounds of gear & 4 divers. You are really going to effect the bow rise of the boat and it's ability to get on plane and ride smooth without pounding everyone. If it's really bad, you'll cut your boat's speed in half. I'd split all that weight both forwards and backwards if you can.

 

[macado]

Thanks. Not a bad idea. I assume anything custom is going to be lots of money but that might be the route I have to take. I thought about trying to build something myself out of 1.5" Schedule 40 PVC but I feel like it wouldn't really be strong enough for my needs but maybe I'm wrong.

It's a shame because these bottle racks seem to come up used for pretty cheap in UK on Facebook marketplace and seems to be a really good solution for RIBs. I'd like to the gunnels clear and have doubles/rebreathers sitting upright on the floor in the middle to maximum space and efficiency.

I've got a 22' (~6.7m) RIB with twin 90s. My center console / helm is a bit further back so this tank rack would go just forward of the center console but not directly at the bow if that makes sense?

We've just putting places doubles/rebreathers on the floor but it's messy and stuff slides around. We've done 4 divers (2 x sets of doubles / 2 rebreathers). Stage bottles go behind transom. We've had no issues getting on plane but honestly I'm still learning the boat.

I just want to get things a bit more organized and reclaim some deck space. Everything is at premium on a 22' inflatable boat but we've been comfortable with 4 tech divers but I think with a bit more organization things will be better.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

If it was me, I would go with aluminum rather than stainless or powdercoated.

Another tip is to consider contacting your local community college or trade school to see if they have a welding program. For example, up here I contacted Peninsula Community College to inquire about a student project to build an aluminum roof-rack for my boat in exchange for a donation to their welding program. I provided the design and specs and they fabbed the rack under the tutelage of their instructor. All in it was $600 total and a fun day going to pick up the rack and meet the students.

 

[rhwestfall]

Boy does Google turn up a bunch of options from a place in Europe...

 

[macado]

Boy does Google turn up a bunch of options from a place in Europe...

I know :-( The issue is shipping to the US. I feel like that would be cost prohibitive but maybe I'm wrong.

I did email a few places but I doubt I'll get a response back..

 

[Johnoly]

I've got a 22' (~6.7m) RIB with twin 90s. My center console / helm is a bit further back so this tank rack would go just forward of the center console

Nice boat with the twin 90's. I'd keep an eye out for a used leaning post cause no one wants them. They are cheap, really strong, and pretty easy to bolt into the floor.

 

[Still Kicking]

Nice RIB. Yeah, diving on a small boat always turns into a yard sale in a tornado. Good luck with keeping things somewhat organized.

I perused CL and found a boat being parted out in New Hampshire that might offer some potential if it's close enough to you.

Parting Out 2001 Wellcraft Excalibur Platinum - boat parts - by owner - marine sale - craigslist

Parts available: Finally found video of engine running on my YouTube channel....! https://youtu.be/wRWa-47i2bY?si=hJbYo4XvT6zDVJhG 6.2 Mercruiser approx 700 hours... Bravo Gimbal mount and trim...

boston.craigslist.org