Rigid inflatable boats are defined by their unique V-shaped hull and tubes running down the sides. This combination allows RIBs to be stable, versatile, and long-lasting on the water. Many people are starting to look beyond their reputation as boats only suitable for kids and novices. Seasoned sailors and owners of high-end yachts have taken an interest in what people are calling “the rise of RIBS”.
How RIBs Came into Being
Rigid inflatable boats were first developed in the UK in the 1960s. Experts at Atlantic College, working with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the British Navy, developed the first RIBs to provide more secure and risk-free maritime operations.
Tony Lee-Elliott, founder of Flatacraft shipyard, began working on the concept earlier, in 1965. Although he was not the first to secure a patent for this idea, he is unofficially regarded as the father of rigid inflatable boats
In the earliest form, a rigid inflatable boat was a simple inflatable boat with a reinforced bottom or a traditional boat with a solid hull and inflatable cylinders fastened to the sides — simple in design, but revolutionary in function.
RIBs Today: Customisation, Comfort, and Cutting-Edge Tech
The rigid inflatable boats market has evolved significantly, with modern boats now available in a wide range of sizes and styles. Some boats even go over 20 meters in length, known as "super RIBs," which are essentially luxury cabin boats. The rise of "super RIBs," which combine luxury with performance, has attracted a new demographic of high-end yacht owners and thrill-seekers.
Nowadays, rigid inflatable boats are made with methods like ultrasonic welding, bonding, and vulcanisation to attach the base, either plastic or aluminium, to the inflated cylinders. In the void between the bottom layers is dense water-resistant foam filling the void and making the boat more buoyant.
RIBs as Tenders for Yachts
Rigid inflatable boats are by far the most popular dinghy or tender, being a reliable and speedy ride from water-to-dock, just as well as from dock-to-water. Their widespread appeal stems from the fact that they blend longevity with usefulness and practicality. When mooring alongside a mothership or docking at a jetty, the inflatable tubes provide remarkable stability while stationary and also serve as fenders, protecting both the RIB and the yacht from impact.
This type of boat can easily be built in a modular style, provides them with RIBs above 5 metres with deck layouts and seating arrangements to suit their need, then combine both speed and reliability all at the same time. The RIB is also used as swim and diving platforms as a result of the access it can provide from/to the water.
Jet rigid inflatable boats are becoming more common, although outboard engines are still the norm for smaller types (less than 7 m, or 23 ft.). Typically, RIBs that are longer than 7 meters have inboard engines that are propelled by stern drives.
Conclusion
Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) have become popular with families, recreational boaters, and owners of luxury yachts seeking a versatile, comfortable, and highly performing vehicle. They combine modern technology with classic good looks, making them ideal for various uses, including yacht tenders, leisure boating, and exciting water sports.
