In the realm between inflatable crafts and rigid-hulled boats, there exists an intermediary innovation that combines the most favorable attributes of both. These vessels are known as rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs), also often referred to as RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats). In this article, we will delve into their origins, what sets them apart from other boat types, and where you can acquire your own RIB.

The Birth of RIBs:

The genesis of RIBs can be traced back to the late 1960s in the United Kingdom. These exceptional vessels were developed by experts at Atlantic College, initially commissioned by the British Navy and subsequently adopted by the Royal National Lifeboat Society.

Though unofficially credited as the progenitor of RIBs, Tony Lee-Elliott, the founder of the Flatacraft shipyard, embarked on conceptualizing these craft earlier, in 1965. However, he was not the first to secure a patent for his groundbreaking invention.

Initially «RIBs» were either conventional rigid-hulled boats with inflatable cylinders attached to their sides, or inflatable boats with a reinforced bottom.

One of the first companies to commercially manufacture RIBs was Avon Inflatables.

What Are RIBs Today?

Today, the world of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) offers a diverse array of models that cater to various tastes and budgets. Whether you’re a military operator, a member of a special service, or simply a water enthusiast, there’s a RIB for you. In the modern RIB, a combination of vulcanization, gluing, and ultrasonic welding is used to connect the rigid bottom, typically made of plastic or aluminum, with the inflatable cylinders. The space between these layers is filled with water-resistant, dense foam, enhancing the boat’s buoyancy.

The benefits of RIBs can be classified into two categories: those associated with the rigid bottom and those with the inflatable sides.

Benefits of the Rigid Bottom:

1. Low Draft: RIBs have a shallow draft, allowing them to approach shores without concerns about shallow waters. Additionally, they can be keeled when necessary, improving their sailing performance.
2. Protection: These boats offer superior protection against punctures on rocks or ice, a feature conventional inflatable boats lack.
3. Speed: Thanks to their V-shaped bottoms, RIBs can achieve speeds of up to 50+ knots. This design enables faster acceleration, leading to better fuel efficiency.
4. Enclosed Superstructure: If desired, RIBs can be equipped with an enclosed superstructure similar to that of rigid-hulled boats.

Benefits of the Inflatable Sides:

1. Wave Cushioning: Inflatable sides serve as effective wave cushions, providing a smoother ride in rough waters.
2. Crane-Like Functionality: These sides allow the boat to act like a crane, eliminating concerns about striking the hull of another vessel, which is particularly important during water rescues.
3. Reduced Roll: The height of inflatable sides compared to standard inflatable boats minimizes rolling, enhancing stability.
4. Increased Width: Inflatable sides add 20-30% to the boat’s width, further improving stability.
5. Multiple Compartments: RIBs are composed of several insulated compartments, enhancing safety. Even if one compartment is compromised, the others continue to function.
6. Lightweight: Inflatable sides reduce the boat’s weight, enabling the use of less powerful and cost-effective motors. Launching and lifting the boat, especially when used as a tender, is easier due to its reduced weight.
7. High Load Capacity: RIBs offer a higher load capacity compared to similarly-sized boats with rigid bodies.
8. Folding Capability: Some RIBs are foldable and can be transported in a vehicle’s trunk, just like inflatable boats.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge the drawbacks of RIBs in comparison to their traditional counterparts. Some models can be quite heavy, necessitating transportation via a trailer. Additionally, collapsible RIBs may require substantial time and effort for assembly and disassembly. On compact models, the inflatable cylinders can occupy a significant portion of the limited internal space, limiting storage capacity.

Who Are the Leading RIB Manufacturers?

1. Zodiac: Zodiac is not only a leader in the RIB market but also one of its oldest players, with a history dating back to 1896. Despite originally focusing on aeronautical vehicles, the company introduced an innovative prototype for boats in the 1930s. Notably, Jacques-Yves Cousteau preferred Zodiac boats in the 1970s. Zodiac boasts automated thermo-welding processes and patented Strongan Duotex material, which is more robust than PVC. They offer a range of models, including the eJET 450 with a top speed of 30 knots and a base price of €125,000 (including VAT).
2. Brig: The Ukrainian shipyard Brig has a history intertwined with aviation, akin to Zodiac. After the USSR’s dissolution, founder Vyacheslav Rodionov gathered aviation engineers in Kharkov to produce inflatable boats and RIBs. Today, Brig stands as a major global RIB producer, offering 22 models ranging from 2.9 meters (the 4-seater Falcon Tender 300) to 9.95 meters (the Eagle 10 designed for 12 passengers). Their boats are divided into four lines, each catering to specific needs, such as quick maneuverability, wave stability, energy efficiency, and more. Depending on the model, base prices range from €10,000 to €200,000.
3. Williams: Williams is a prominent player in the tender market, specializing in the production of RIBs since 2002. Their impressive portfolio comprises 14 distinct models, ranging from the compact 2.79-meter Minijet 280 to the spacious 7-meter Evojet 70, with capacities accommodating from 3 to 13 individuals. The pricing varies depending on the model, with base costs spanning from €21,000 to €208,000 (inclusive of VAT). Williams’ RIBs fall into five different lines, some primarily intended for tender use, while others prioritize power and maneuverability, albeit sacrificing a bit of comfort. Prospective customers can make informed choices using the yard’s online configurator before placing an order.
4. AB Inflatables: AB Inflatables, hailing from Colombia, is a shipyard that manufactures RIBs tailored for both recreational and professional purposes. An interesting feature of AB Inflatables is its production of not only fiberglass boats but also aluminum RIBs. Among its offerings, seven models are equipped with water-jet engines rather than traditional outboard engines. In total, the shipyard boasts 16 product lines housing 85 models, varying in length from the compact 2.39-meter Lammina 7.5 UL to the spacious 8.33-meter Oceanus 28 VST, accommodating from 3 to 25 passengers. Depending on the model, the base price of the boats reaches up to €117,000. Approximately a quarter of AB Inflatables’ RIBs serve in rescue and specialized service roles. Among the remaining models, one can find simple boats without control consoles, suitable for casual day trips on the water, where some passengers swim while others bask on the bow sunbed. The newest addition to AB Inflatables’ lineup is a three-seater model with 40cm diameter cylinders, weighing only 30kg. Notably, the flagship of the shipyard, despite its substantial weight of nearly 1.3 tons, features a draft of only 70 cm, even less than the 7-meter flagship from Williams.
5. Castoldi: Established in 1930, the Italian shipyard Castoldi boasts 11 models, varying in luxury levels and equipped with proprietary propulsion systems. These boats span from the compact 4.28-meter 7-seater Jet Tender 14 to the extensive 8.34-meter Jet Tender 27, capable of hosting 16 passengers. Thanks to water jets, even the smaller 4-meter model can achieve speeds of up to 32 knots when fully loaded. Castoldi’s boats are used both as tenders and for towing water skis and wakeboards. Their walkaround layout ensures comfort, even when wearing formal attire. Beyond classic RIBs, Castoldi also offers rigid-hulled boats with minimal inflatable components, mainly serving as stationary cranes on the boat’s perimeter. Unlike most of the company’s models, these boats are suitable for operations beyond the coastal zone. A noteworthy feature is the production of SOLAS-compliant models, officially approved for use as lifeboats.
6. Technohull: Technohull distinguishes itself by focusing on larger boats, with a minimum length of 7.2 meters. The company offers only seven models, but they cater to a different market segment, ranging from the 7.2-meter 6-passenger T688 to the expansive 13.8-meter 20-passenger Omega 45. These boats are not strictly “reinforced inflatable boats” but rather “cabin boats with a life ring on the edge of the board,” appealing to those seeking roominess and speed. Remarkably, these boats boast fuel consumption not exceeding 0.8 liters per nautical mile. The base prices for Technohull models can reach up to €480,000. As with Williams, the Technohull website features an online configurator for potential customers to explore options before making a purchase.
7. Tecnorib: Tecnorib, an Italian shipyard, is a subsidiary of Pirelli, renowned for its tire manufacturing. Tecnorib adheres to Pirelli’s high-quality standards, ensuring that its boats uphold the reputation of both brands. Today, the shipyard offers 18 RIB models across four ranges, catering to diverse preferences. These boats span from the compact 2.8-meter Pirelli S28, accommodating four people, to the substantial 18.5-meter Speedboat Pirelli 1900, hosting up to 20 passengers and reaching speeds of up to 45 knots. Notably, Tecnorib’s J-Line range aligns with a special design collaboration with the Italian Azimut shipyard, tailored specifically for Azimut yachts. The most luxurious models, suitable for independent yachting, can exceed a base price of €1 million.
8. SACS: SACS, an Italian shipyard founded in 1989, stands as one of the seasoned players in the modern RIB market. The company manufactures 11 models, categorized into two lines. SACS offers a wide range of customization options, including hull extensions, often in collaboration with automotive brands like Ferrari, Jaguar, Abarth, and Lancia. In the basic SACS lineup, the most compact boat is the 6.96-meter Strider 700, capable of accommodating up to 16 passengers, despite its relatively short length and sub-3-meter width.
9. Novamarine: Novamarine, another esteemed Italian RIB shipyard, has been active since the 1980s, significantly contributing to the advancement of these boats. Interestingly, the shipyard classifies 90% of its production not as RIBs but as a distinct class of vessels on its official website. This is because Novamarine employs foam blocks instead of inflatable cylinders, though they remain visually similar to conventional RIBs. The yard offers three series comprising 11 boats, ranging from 8 meters (12-cabin RH800, capable of reaching 50 knots) to 22 meters (Black Shiver 220, accommodating up to 30 people). These boats cater to both recreational and semi-professional uses.
10. Russian RIB Shipyards: Mobile Group, based in the Leningrad region since 2001, is Russia’s primary RIB manufacturer. They produce 14 models, including both inflatable-sided and foam-sided options, with lengths ranging from 3.8 to 7.3 meters. Prices for these RIBs start at 135,700 rubles. Forza Marine, situated near the Mobile Group in St. Petersburg, has a 20-year history of manufacturing RIBs and inflatable PVC boats. Their modest selection comprises four models, ranging from 3.7 to 4.65 meters, tailored for fishing, transportation, and recreation.

In conclusion, the world of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) is a diverse and dynamic one, offering a wide range of options to cater to various preferences and needs. The featured shipyards, such as Williams, AB Inflatables, Castoldi, Technohull, Tecnorib, SACS, and Novamarine, each bring their unique qualities to the market, from compact tenders to luxurious high-speed vessels. These RIBs are designed for both recreational and professional use, delivering performance, versatility, and style.

Furthermore, the presence of Russian shipyards like Mobile Group and Forza Marine demonstrates the global reach of the RIB industry, with offerings that cater to the specific requirements of their respective markets.

Whether it’s the lightweight efficiency of Williams, the innovative use of materials by AB Inflatables, the luxury and customization options provided by Castoldi, or the speed-focused approach of Technohull and Tecnorib, there’s a RIB to suit every taste and purpose.

Moreover, the emergence of foam-based RIBs, as exemplified by Novamarine, showcases the ongoing evolution and adaptation of RIB technology, which continues to push boundaries and redefine expectations.

In the end, whether you’re a recreational boater seeking leisurely adventures or a professional in need of a dependable workhorse, the diverse world of RIBs offers a vessel perfectly suited to your aspirations and requirements.