( 
)If you are thinking of buying a RIB consider these points.
AGE - RIBs are made of extremely durable material and can last for many years. Properly cared for these boats can last a VERY long time. I am currently using a 1996 Nautica 16 Deluxe RIB. It is on a trailer and is covered with a UV resistant cover when not in use.
Some boats are made of Hypalon, some a PVC material. Both have their pluses and minuses. I have 2 Hypalon boats so that's what I'm familiar with. I have found them sturdy and durable. My Avon Rover 340 is a 1993 and is still like new. In winter it is rolled and stored. From June to October its on a trailer with a sunbrella cover on at all times.
On average I use it 6 - 8 times a year. The floors have been re-varnished twice. Never a puncture, crack or leak. The valves are original. Holds air no problem.
RIB boats that are "unloved" are like any other piece of gear. They turn to junk. Take care of them and they will last a long, long time. Buying a six or more year old RIB would not scare me at all if close inspection showed proper care and maintenance. There are many fine older RIBs for sale.
SIZE AND WEIGHT - Small RIBS that are easy to tow go from 300 to 800 pounds depending on the length and engine size. Ask about the weight you'll need to tow before buying. Make sure your tow vehicle is capable. Big RIBs easily go 1800 pounds and up.
Weight is also important when launching and retrieving. I find my 800 pound Nautica easy to tow as well as launch and retrieve. Since I boat alone many times, this is very important to me. Bigger than that could be a real challenge, especially for 1 person. The weight seems to increase quickly once you get into 19 foot and larger sizes. Especially the big RIBS with inboard engines.
COLOR - These boats are somewhat temperature sensitive. Light boats reflect the sun better. Dark colors absorb the suns heat and increase pressure rapidly. To preserve the life of your RIB, reduce the pressure when parked for an extended length of time. Especially in hot sun.
If I go out on a hot day and the tubes are firm and then it turns cloudy / rainy the tubes will soften some so carry a portable inflater. If the weather turns to bad, make sure your tubes are full and very firm and run for home! Soft tubes make the material and seams flex more and could loosen seams and attachment prematurely. Tubes should be firm..not rock hard!
I usually tow my inflatables with the pressure "relaxed" somewhat. In the event something should fly up and hit it, I would prefer it absorb the blow than puncture the hull. My Nautica, which is dark navy blue, absorbs a lot of heat on a sunny day and without the water to help cool it, it could easily become overstressed. At 12 years old, that I don't want to do.
MAINTENANCE - RIBs don't require a whole lot. Rinse off the salt and flush with clean water. Clean with mild detergents or de-greaser if towed a lot. Coat the tubes with a high quality, UV resistant coating (Formula 303 Protectant) at least twice a year.
Pay particular attention to the possibility of mildew formation. Especially under leaky covers. Mildew shows itself as ugly black dots or spots and is difficult to get rid of once started. Especially if it gets deep into the rubber. It makes black stains and will really spoil the looks of the nicest light colored RIB.
Clorox is a good way to battle mildew. I have also used some anti-mildew products designed for use on house siding with good success. I use a heavy rubber glove and apply the solution full strength.Let it sit for 10- 15 minutes and scrub and rinse. For really stubborn areas expect to apply numerous times.
The fiberglass parts are maintained as any other fiberglass boat. A good quality ventilated, UV blocking cover is your best all-round protection (short of a garage).
Small Tenders and sport boats that have hung on a sailboat transom for several summers with no cover or protection is a different animal altogether. Most of these sufferer from oxidation and stressed seams from extended over inflation. As as a result these boats tend to have short lives and aren't worth a whole lot on the used market. Boats used as "dive" boats usually suffer a lot of abuse too. They are fine to play with but don't pay a lot for them. Professional repair facilities are few, tend to be expensive and may require taking your boat a long distance or shipping it to get fixed.
For long term storage...DO NOT DEFLATE. Just lower the pressure to where the boat retains its proper shape on an average cool day. The idea is not to strain the glued seams. Don't let the tubes "hang" on the fiberglass hull.
COST - New RIBS can be VERY expensive. Especially when they get into the 16 foot and greater sizes. New RIBs can run from $7,000 to $45,000 and more. Used boats are more reasonable but much harder to find in the 16 plus length. Small boats are more plentiful because of their cheaper initial price or their uses as a "tender". To my mind, 14 to 17 footers are just about right for "fun" boating.
Look for brands like AVON, Zodiac, Novurania, Caribe, AB Inflatables and Nautica. These are all top line boats and will serve you well if in good condition and maintained properly.
POWER - Depending on how you intend to use your RIB will determine just how much power you need. My Nautica 16 has a 45 HP Honda (4 Stroke) on it. It tops out at about 34 MPH with a variable pitch ComProp on it. A nice flat water cruise speed is about 28MPH. Plenty fast for me. I do not tow a skier or a tube. Mainly I ride around and go sightseeing and pleasure cruising. If I were towing a skier on that boat, I'd say a 75 to 90 would be great. However the 45 HP is just fine for my type of use. ( Not to mention that the Honda 45 gets me about 14 MPG at 28 MPH cruise, loaded lightly.)
Aword about ComProp. This variable pitch propeller is a great option for RIBs. My original Honda prop was just not quite the right pitch to get the most from my boat. I tried others but still wasn't happy so I thought I'd give one a try and its been great. It has a relatively fine adjustment system and you should be able to find a good setting for your application. Available at West Marine and others.
My Avon Rover 340 (Wood floors) with 9.9 Honda (4 Stroke) tops out about 15 MPH (one person) and gets about 12 - 14 MPG.
If you boat on salt and fresh water as I do...don't forget to rinse your engines' cooling system after salt water use. Dried salt turns to crystals inside your cooling system and can damage your engine / thermostat or block your pump indicator discharge tube. Rinse with thoroughly with fresh water and for maximum protection use a commercial "Salt Eliminator" solution. Especially if storing for a long period.
RIDE, HANDLING & SAFETY - These boats are usually smooth riders. My Nautica delivers a far more comfortable ride than did my Boston Whaler 17 Dauntless. Its weight was about 1700 pounds. It was a struggle to tow and was nearly impossible to launch and retrieve for me alone alone. The Nautica is on an off the trailer in minutes. More time boating, less time screwing around. That's for me!
With the Nautica, I often go on "big water" off Great Kills Park on Staten Island NY with complete confidence. I have have never felt unsafe on my RIB. There are 4 large air chambers in the Nautica and it is nearly 84" wide. It is extremely stable sitting on the water. I've gone all the way around Manhattan Island on several occasions...up the Hudson and down the East River. (60 odd miles round trip) Other long trips too. Never a worry. RIBs are easy for those not really into boating to handle too (read wife & kids).
Because these boats are light and shallow, be sure to anchor when stopped for any length of time. Their side profile has a lot of windage and will easily blow you around. Use common sense as with any other boat.
Try to get a ride with an owner before buying. At least an hour or two. Make sure "rubber boating" is for you! The idea of a rubber boat takes some getting used to for some people. My wife was pretty apprehensive at first!
As a fishing boat I'm much less enthusiastic. Fishing generally involves way too many "pointy" things for me to be real comfortable about it. (Pointy things are the enemy of inflatables ...fish hooks, gaffs, knives, pliers, poorly constructed or maintained docks, dive gear ...you get the idea.)
Don't forget.. the boat is just the start. You'll need life vests for all passengers, a good VHF radio, a whistle or horn, charts of your intended boating area ...I recommend having a depth sounder, and whatever else the Coast Guard and common sense dictates.
In short ...I love my RIB. It's the simplest and handiest boat I've ever owned. Would I buy another? You bet! I'd love a 19 footer with more seating and storage! And a bimini top! More time to use it would be great too!
AGE - RIBs are made of extremely durable material and can last for many years. Properly cared for these boats can last a VERY long time. I am currently using a 1996 Nautica 16 Deluxe RIB. It is on a trailer and is covered with a UV resistant cover when not in use.
Some boats are made of Hypalon, some a PVC material. Both have their pluses and minuses. I have 2 Hypalon boats so that's what I'm familiar with. I have found them sturdy and durable. My Avon Rover 340 is a 1993 and is still like new. In winter it is rolled and stored. From June to October its on a trailer with a sunbrella cover on at all times.
On average I use it 6 - 8 times a year. The floors have been re-varnished twice. Never a puncture, crack or leak. The valves are original. Holds air no problem.
RIB boats that are "unloved" are like any other piece of gear. They turn to junk. Take care of them and they will last a long, long time. Buying a six or more year old RIB would not scare me at all if close inspection showed proper care and maintenance. There are many fine older RIBs for sale.
SIZE AND WEIGHT - Small RIBS that are easy to tow go from 300 to 800 pounds depending on the length and engine size. Ask about the weight you'll need to tow before buying. Make sure your tow vehicle is capable. Big RIBs easily go 1800 pounds and up.
Weight is also important when launching and retrieving. I find my 800 pound Nautica easy to tow as well as launch and retrieve. Since I boat alone many times, this is very important to me. Bigger than that could be a real challenge, especially for 1 person. The weight seems to increase quickly once you get into 19 foot and larger sizes. Especially the big RIBS with inboard engines.
COLOR - These boats are somewhat temperature sensitive. Light boats reflect the sun better. Dark colors absorb the suns heat and increase pressure rapidly. To preserve the life of your RIB, reduce the pressure when parked for an extended length of time. Especially in hot sun.
If I go out on a hot day and the tubes are firm and then it turns cloudy / rainy the tubes will soften some so carry a portable inflater. If the weather turns to bad, make sure your tubes are full and very firm and run for home! Soft tubes make the material and seams flex more and could loosen seams and attachment prematurely. Tubes should be firm..not rock hard!
I usually tow my inflatables with the pressure "relaxed" somewhat. In the event something should fly up and hit it, I would prefer it absorb the blow than puncture the hull. My Nautica, which is dark navy blue, absorbs a lot of heat on a sunny day and without the water to help cool it, it could easily become overstressed. At 12 years old, that I don't want to do.
MAINTENANCE - RIBs don't require a whole lot. Rinse off the salt and flush with clean water. Clean with mild detergents or de-greaser if towed a lot. Coat the tubes with a high quality, UV resistant coating (Formula 303 Protectant) at least twice a year.
Pay particular attention to the possibility of mildew formation. Especially under leaky covers. Mildew shows itself as ugly black dots or spots and is difficult to get rid of once started. Especially if it gets deep into the rubber. It makes black stains and will really spoil the looks of the nicest light colored RIB.
Clorox is a good way to battle mildew. I have also used some anti-mildew products designed for use on house siding with good success. I use a heavy rubber glove and apply the solution full strength.Let it sit for 10- 15 minutes and scrub and rinse. For really stubborn areas expect to apply numerous times.
The fiberglass parts are maintained as any other fiberglass boat. A good quality ventilated, UV blocking cover is your best all-round protection (short of a garage).
Small Tenders and sport boats that have hung on a sailboat transom for several summers with no cover or protection is a different animal altogether. Most of these sufferer from oxidation and stressed seams from extended over inflation. As as a result these boats tend to have short lives and aren't worth a whole lot on the used market. Boats used as "dive" boats usually suffer a lot of abuse too. They are fine to play with but don't pay a lot for them. Professional repair facilities are few, tend to be expensive and may require taking your boat a long distance or shipping it to get fixed.
For long term storage...DO NOT DEFLATE. Just lower the pressure to where the boat retains its proper shape on an average cool day. The idea is not to strain the glued seams. Don't let the tubes "hang" on the fiberglass hull.
COST - New RIBS can be VERY expensive. Especially when they get into the 16 foot and greater sizes. New RIBs can run from $7,000 to $45,000 and more. Used boats are more reasonable but much harder to find in the 16 plus length. Small boats are more plentiful because of their cheaper initial price or their uses as a "tender". To my mind, 14 to 17 footers are just about right for "fun" boating.
Look for brands like AVON, Zodiac, Novurania, Caribe, AB Inflatables and Nautica. These are all top line boats and will serve you well if in good condition and maintained properly.
POWER - Depending on how you intend to use your RIB will determine just how much power you need. My Nautica 16 has a 45 HP Honda (4 Stroke) on it. It tops out at about 34 MPH with a variable pitch ComProp on it. A nice flat water cruise speed is about 28MPH. Plenty fast for me. I do not tow a skier or a tube. Mainly I ride around and go sightseeing and pleasure cruising. If I were towing a skier on that boat, I'd say a 75 to 90 would be great. However the 45 HP is just fine for my type of use. ( Not to mention that the Honda 45 gets me about 14 MPG at 28 MPH cruise, loaded lightly.)
Aword about ComProp. This variable pitch propeller is a great option for RIBs. My original Honda prop was just not quite the right pitch to get the most from my boat. I tried others but still wasn't happy so I thought I'd give one a try and its been great. It has a relatively fine adjustment system and you should be able to find a good setting for your application. Available at West Marine and others.
My Avon Rover 340 (Wood floors) with 9.9 Honda (4 Stroke) tops out about 15 MPH (one person) and gets about 12 - 14 MPG.
If you boat on salt and fresh water as I do...don't forget to rinse your engines' cooling system after salt water use. Dried salt turns to crystals inside your cooling system and can damage your engine / thermostat or block your pump indicator discharge tube. Rinse with thoroughly with fresh water and for maximum protection use a commercial "Salt Eliminator" solution. Especially if storing for a long period.
RIDE, HANDLING & SAFETY - These boats are usually smooth riders. My Nautica delivers a far more comfortable ride than did my Boston Whaler 17 Dauntless. Its weight was about 1700 pounds. It was a struggle to tow and was nearly impossible to launch and retrieve for me alone alone. The Nautica is on an off the trailer in minutes. More time boating, less time screwing around. That's for me!
With the Nautica, I often go on "big water" off Great Kills Park on Staten Island NY with complete confidence. I have have never felt unsafe on my RIB. There are 4 large air chambers in the Nautica and it is nearly 84" wide. It is extremely stable sitting on the water. I've gone all the way around Manhattan Island on several occasions...up the Hudson and down the East River. (60 odd miles round trip) Other long trips too. Never a worry. RIBs are easy for those not really into boating to handle too (read wife & kids).
Because these boats are light and shallow, be sure to anchor when stopped for any length of time. Their side profile has a lot of windage and will easily blow you around. Use common sense as with any other boat.
Try to get a ride with an owner before buying. At least an hour or two. Make sure "rubber boating" is for you! The idea of a rubber boat takes some getting used to for some people. My wife was pretty apprehensive at first!
As a fishing boat I'm much less enthusiastic. Fishing generally involves way too many "pointy" things for me to be real comfortable about it. (Pointy things are the enemy of inflatables ...fish hooks, gaffs, knives, pliers, poorly constructed or maintained docks, dive gear ...you get the idea.)
Don't forget.. the boat is just the start. You'll need life vests for all passengers, a good VHF radio, a whistle or horn, charts of your intended boating area ...I recommend having a depth sounder, and whatever else the Coast Guard and common sense dictates.
In short ...I love my RIB. It's the simplest and handiest boat I've ever owned. Would I buy another? You bet! I'd love a 19 footer with more seating and storage! And a bimini top! More time to use it would be great too!
Guide created: 05/15/08 (updated 09/05/08)
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