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