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