Rigid-hulled inflatable boats and history

Originally, inflatable boats were created for the navy to transport torpedoes, troops,
and supplies.

Rigid-hulled inflatable boats or RIBs are lightweight, high performance and high
capacity inflatable vessels. They are built with a solid, V-shape hull at the bow,
and flexible tubes at their gunwale.
Construction:

The RIB hull is shaped to increase the vessel's performance and allow hydroplaning
in water. The hull are commonly constructed of a combination of wood and fiberglass,
but may be made of steel, wood, or aluminum.

The inflatable tubes are constructed of rubberized, synthetic sheet, which provide
lightweight, and secure buoyancy. Constructed in separate sections, each tube has
a valve to add or remove air, this reduces the effect of a puncture.

Uses of RIBs:

Originally, inflatable boats were created for the navy to transport torpedoes, troops,
and supplies. Recreational use such as fishing progressed over the years especially
for the smaller boats. It wasn't until after the stability, and seaworthiness became
well known that RIBs were used by lifesaving and rescue agencies around the world.
Today, RIBs are used for inshore and offshore applications including, but not limited
to: Tenders, Pleasure boating, diving, hunting and fishing, water sports, search
and rescuer, army/navy transport, special military operations and drug enforcement.

History:

World Book Encyclopedia states that in 880 BC, Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II ordered
his troops to cross a river using inflated greased animal skins, thus inventing
the first inflatable boat. However, the encyclopedia doesn?t mention if the troops
made it safely to the other side. The Duke of Wellington in 1839 tested the first
inflatable pontoons. It wasn?t until 1919 on Lake Wisely in England when Reginald
Foster Dagnall founder of RFD, tested an inflatable. Reginald Foster Dagnall improved
his inflatable?s design, and this boat became the ancestor for the one-person inflatable
life raft. After the Second World War, the military sold off their surplus inflatable
survival rafts and their popularity grew with the American public. The first RIB
was introduced in 1967 by Tony Lee-Elliott and in 1969 patented by Admiral.

Today, RIBs can range up to 45 ft in length or longer, and the fabric floors have
been replace with hulls constructed of fiberglass or aluminum. Many ?luxury? RIBs
even have cabins. The inflatable boat continues to become more popular each year.

 Contacting us and disclaimers | Car and auto | Outdoors | Recreation

About our resources guide