Rigid Inflatable Boats
A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat with air inflatable
collars. RIB hulls are made of fiberglass, aluminum or composite materials. The
soft bumpers or fenders, called ""sponsons,"" can be air tubes, or all foam
systems. These boats are powered by a variety of motors and usually come from
the manufacturer as a package - boat with tube, motor and trailer.
Rigid
inflatable boats are more like traditional boats, with hulls supported by a
rigid material. The main benefits of these boats are superior performance and
easy assembly. To assemble, one simply has to inflate the tubes. However,
storage can be a problem because they can't be made smaller than the rigid
portion of the boat. Since an RIB is heavier, a davit system (crane like device)
is usually required to bring it back onto the boat.
Rigid inflatable
boats can accommodate larger outboard motors than other boats of comparable
size, and perform almost as well as rigid boats, especially in tight turns, but
without the bulk and weight. A one-piece hull and deck provides comfortable,
non-skid footing and a stable platform for skiing, diving or fishing. Although
the tubes deflate for storage, RIB's are not compact, and hence, many boaters
keep them on trailers, on deck, on their swim step, or on davits.
Rigid
inflatable boats are the best performers, and hence, the most expensive. Their
rigid fiberglass hulls attached to inflated tubes combine the lightweight
stability and buoyancy of inflatable boats with the speed, maneuverability,
directional stability, and fuel efficiency of rigid boats.
The beauty of
these hard bottom hulled and collared boats is that the tube/collar has
flotation, adds stability, and self fendering - meaning that the RIB won't
scratch other hulls. These features of the sponson provide enhanced sea keeping
ability, better absorption of shock from waves on impact, easier boarding of
other vessels, high visibility, increased swamp buoyancy, and increased
stability while stationary and under way.
Rigid inflatable boats have
evolved from an all-inflatable dinghy to a deep V hard-hulled boat. RIBs are
ideal for use in rescue operations, boarding operations, tenders for ships and
yachts, and shuttle vehicles for tourist industries.