Comparison Shopping: Rigid Inflatable Boats
The Technohull GTX is a little bit of everything with a whole lotta power.
We’re Sizing up the Market so you don’t have to.
Read on to learn what a RIB is, why you’d want one and what to look out for before making a purchase.
Much like catamarans, cruisers and center consoles, the RIB market is a complex maze of information. While the name is objectively descriptive (Rigid Inflatable Boat), the “secret sauce” to each brand — and why you’d pull the trigger — is much more nuanced.
Part 1: What is a RIB?
It’s easier to explain what a RIB isn’t. Imagine boats in a spectrum, starting with fully inflatable on one end and fully rigid on the other.
“Fully rigid” is when a vessel is exclusively made from fiberglass, aluminum, steel, etc. Likely what you think about when you think “boat”.
A Seangles “inflatable”, with no rigid components.
A Skipper 32 “RIB”, with rigid hull and inflatable tubes.
On the other end, fully inflatable is the blow up raft you toyed around with as a kid. You connected an air compressor and it went from a wrinkly bundle to an 8’ raft. You enjoyed it for a bit, but your ass sunk uncomfortably under the waterline because the floor was too soft. A few steps above your childhood raft is a $3,000 Seangles inflatable. Much nicer than your pool float and the floor won’t dip… as much.
Nestled between both sides of the spectrum is the RIB category. RIBs are a hybrid, using inflatable tubes and a rigid (usually fiberglass) hull. For a hefty price increase from the inflatable, you’ll get a lot more boat. Lets dive into why it might be worth it.
Part 2: Why would I want a RIB?
From my humble perspective, RIBs are the golf carts of the sea. Great for getting around, whether for fun or function. Yea, you’ve got a car too, but it’s not as fun. Welcome to RIB life. Just like golf carts, there’s a massive range of options, from 2-seater Williams tenders all the way to million dollar 50+ footers with seating for your crew, racing engines, full cabin, a badass sound system and multiple fridges for your choice beverage. Whatever you might want, there’s likely a RIB for it, and it comes with an inflatable exterior that can take a punch, at a smaller price point than its rigid comparable.
The Williams TurboJet 285 is a popular tender for mid-sized yachts (60-90’).
The Revolt 47 sits in the premium RIB category, with all the features of a conventional boat.
Part 3: How Would I Use It?
I’ve deliberated over lengthy algorithms to deduce three simple types of RIB users, each finishing this simple statement differently. See if you match up with one or more.
“I need a boat that’s convenient, durable, and I want to…”
…Go Fast”
The Roughneck 1010 can do speeds of 90+ mph.
Do you love to wake up at 5am and rip it on glassy water? RIBs can be engineered to hit shocking speeds with extreme maneuverability due to their lightweight composition, stepped hulls, and outboard engines. You don’t have to look far for builders eclipsing top speeds of 70, 80, and even 90 mph. The “RIB” designation doesn’t equate to less quality either, with the top brands you’ll still get shock absorbing seats, innovative tachometry, premium electronics, and a carbon-laid hull like your Midnight Express or MTI.
…Have Fun”
The Chaser 500R is a center console with tubes.
Inflatable tubes do not prohibit a good time. Brands like Skipper and Technohull include badass sound systems, teak tables, and a few fridges for cold ones. Stand-up bathroom? No problem. Most of yachting’s creature comforts have found their way into the RIB market, including the full cabin, dining area and bow lounge of the Chaser 500R.
…Maximize Functionality”
The Goldfish 46 Open is as sleek as it is functional.
For the yachtsman getting from A to B, RIBs solve an important challenge: transporting goods and people efficiently. Their inflatable tubes allow for quick maneuvers and acceptable contact with docks and rocks without the anxiety attack that follows on a conventional fiberglass hull. Fore and aft decks are built with open floor plans for storage of goods and transportation of people. For a mix of form and function look no further than Goldfish.
Part 4: Things to Consider
Its easy to get wrapped up in optics. Consider these quiet considerations before making a move.
Interior Beam vs. Exterior Beam
If you’re new to the RIB game, know this: All tubes are not created equal. A wider tube will take away from deck space, just as a thinner tube will unlock a little more. When looking at beam, its just as important to focus on internal beam to understand what space you’re left with once the tubes inflate.
Overpowering
As we touched on before, RIBs are already prone to rocketship speeds. Just make sure you are powering your RIB according to use. A set of 300s on a mid sized RIB is more than enough to fulfill your need for speed. On the flip side, RIBs are planing hulls, so if you plan to bring your extended family on board you may need to bump up your horsepower. An additional 1,000 pounds on a 3,500 pound boat makes a huge difference.
Grab Points
The RIB ride can be choppier than expected. Once you get over 15 knots, your anxiety-ridden friends will look for somewhere to grab. For their safety and your sanity, make sure you’ve got a few places to seek stability refuge.
Bathroom
Don’t overestimate your need for a proper bathroom. Most RIBs with bathroom entry at the front of the console won’t have headroom to stand inside. Manage your expectations. Its good to give the bathroom a dry run prior to purchase. You may be riddled with regret if the door cracks you in the head during your first post-purchase experience.
Warranty
All builder warranties are different, and the inflatable components add another layer of complexity. I’m not saying builders are out to get you, but knowing your warranty - and its exclusions - is priority before you agree to race your friend from Miami to the Bahamas. Exclusions aside, keep a lookout for the ‘transferrable warranty’ to give your resale value a boost.
Where to next?
Congratulations, you’ve graduated an unofficial crash course in RIB’ing. Now the decision is yours. If you’d like my help finding your perfect RIB, send me an email or schedule a call.
Buy it now
2023 ROUGHNECK 1010 (35’) [DEMO]
2 x Mercury 450R racing engines (70hrs)
After reveal at the Cannes Yachting Festival, Roughneck is offering its high-performance demo at a deal. MSRP $460,000.
*Demo Deal - Price On Request*
2022 Technohull T9 w/ Hard Top
2 x Mercury 225 hp outboards (62 hrs)
Fantastic condition. Fresh water vessel. 100 hour service complete. Premium electronics, sound and soft goods.
Listed at $248,000 View on RNMarine.com
2022 Skipper 38
2 x Mercury 450R racing engines (50 hrs)
Available now. Fully loaded plus ski pole kit. On display during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in South Florida.
*Price On Request*
