The Next Step in Inflatable Boats

A hard hulled boat that has air inflatable collars is called a rigid inflatable boat (RIB).

Different materials can be used for the hull of these boats including, aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials. The sponsons (soft bumpers or fenders) can be either foam systems or air tubes. Usually a manufacturer will sell the boat with tube, motor and trailer as a complete package. There are several different types of motors available.

Since the hulls are constructed from a rigid material RIBs are more like traditional boats. Easy assembly and improved performance are two of the main benefits of these boats. The only thing required for assembly is to inflate the tubes. The rigid of portion of the boat does not collapse as it would with a true inflatable, making storage more of an issue. A davit, or crane like device, is usually needed to bring the boat back on the trailer.

Rigid inflatable boats perform about as well as other rigid boats and can accommodate larger outboard motors than other inflatable boats. Since they are lighter than other rigid boats they can sometimes actually perform better on tight turns. You will have a comfortable and stable platform for skiing, fishing, or diving thanks to the one-piece hull and deck. Many RIBs are kept on trailers, davits, or swim steps as they do not collapse and compact like traditional inflatable boats.

Rigid inflatable boats tend to be more expensive since they perform so well. With RIBs you get the best of both worlds, the speed, maneuverability, stability and fuel efficiency of a rigid boat and the lightweight stability and buoyancy of an inflatable.

One of the advantages of a RIB is that the hull will not get scratched because of the tube/collar which provides both stability and self fendering. This gives the rigid inflatable boat better performance in a variety of applications, including enhanced sea keeping, better shock absorption upon impact of waves, high visibility, easier boarding of other vessels, increased stability, and improved swamp buoyancy.

These deep V hard hulled boats have evolved from an all-inflatable dinghy. There are a lot of great used for rigid inflatable boats including tourist shuttle boats, tenders for ships and yachts, boarding operations, and rescue operations.
 

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