GALA A360Q with Electrical Tohatsu Alaris 6

The Practical Tender GALA A360Q

The video showcases a short test ride of the GALA Atlantis A360Q RIB. The video as such shows mainly the boat’s manoeuvrability.

The GALA Atlantis A360Q is a 12-foot (3.6-meter) Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) featuring an aluminum hull and Aquahelm steering console, designed for lightweight agility.

It is powered by a Tohatsu Alaris 6.electrical outboard motor.

This combination is interesting for recreational and practical use like a tender.

This video was published on the GALA INFLATABLE BOATS YouTube channel.

If you’re intetested in this brand, check out these videos as well.

Specs

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BSC 85 RIB Test

This video showcases Giovanni Grasso, accompanied by his team, tests the BSC 85, propelled by twin 150-horsepower Honda engines, off Porto Riposto, close to the Etna vulcano.

BSC 85 RIB Test on Flat Waters

Sea conditions are flat. There are 3 persons on board during the test and the drone view shows 2 and they switched places. Later there’s only 1 person.

The consumption test holds particular significance for me. During test drives, RPM typically evolves per 500.

A small detail, the anchor locker is open.

As you can see in the test results below, the Honda engines seem to have a interesting fuel efficiency.

This video was published on the BSC COLZANI YouTube channel.

I’ve posted more videos of this Italian brand here on RIBsONLY.com.

BSC 85 RIB Test Results and Specs

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Sharrow Propeller True Results Comparison

Costly Sharrow Propeller

It is not the first time I bring this new type of propeller to attention.

There are beautiful marketing videos, but this one comes from a real user with twin Yamahas 300.

Granted, they are not installed on a RIB, but it’s all about a test in real conditions now.

And that was my intention to publish this blog post: the true results.

In the video, the performance of the same boat is compared between the standard and the Sharrow.

At the end, there is a nice summary and conclusion.

This video was published on the World Travel Wonderful YouTube channel.

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Sea Trials Well Explained Williams Jet Tenders

More on Sea Trials

Discover the meticulous process of sea trials at UK based Williams Jet Tenders in the first installment of their “By Design” series.

Join the Development Director, Dan Bloice-Smith, as he shares insights into this crucial step that guarantees the excellence of their boats in real-world conditions.

With an unwavering attention to detail, the team thoroughly evaluates how their boats perform across different sea and loading conditions, ensuring they deliver optimal safety and smooth operation.

Williams Jet Tenders Sea Trials Explained @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Home
Williams Jet Tenders Sea Trials Explained

From gentle harbor cruises to thrilling full-throttle runs, they subject their boats to various speeds and scenarios, allowing them to uncover the subtle nuances that can make a significant difference in a product’s success.

Check out the impressive factory tour where yearly 1,200 units are being built.

This video was published on the Williams Jet Tenders YouTube channel

Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe?

A question that pops up regularly is: are Rigid Inflatable Boats safe? I did some research on this topic incorporating my own expreiences.

You can mitigate the potential for rough conditions and ensure that your crew will be safe by choosing a Rigid Inflatable Boat. These are built to handle everything from heavy seas to massive waves, and they won’t compromise safety or mobility in any way.

1. Rough Weather

If you’re looking for a vessel that can handle it all, remember that Rigid Inflatable Boats are hands-down the safest option for any boating adventure.

Trusted by law enforcement and other professionals of all marine sectors, they’re unparalleled in performance and hardiness. They’ll hold up against any weather condition you throw at them even in heavy winds or rough seas.

RIBs are also ideal if you need to transport large loads of people or equipment over long distances without compromising on speed or stability and because they don’t require ballast tanks like traditional boats do (which means no extra weight), they tend to be lighter than most other types of vessels as well.

2. Prolonged Work on Water, Search and Rescue

RIBs are the best option for search and rescue as well. They’re stable, fast and can easily onboard people to go out on the sea. Most importantly, they can be used in rough weather and help with rescue operations.

Rigid inflatable boats are safe and reliable because they don’t have a keel or rudder that can be damaged by rocks or ice. A RIB’s hull is made of fiberglass or aluminum. Carbon and or kevlar are a possibility as well: lightweight, strong but expensive.

3. RIBs Are as Safe as the Skipper Is

Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe - Arjen Maan - novi marine
Are Rigid Inflatable Boats Safe? Photo courtesy of novi marine
Arjen Maan (owner of novi marine) in the middle has an impressive palmares of captain licenses

If you’re looking for a vessel that can handle it all, go for a Rigid Inflatable Boat. The boat may be safe, but as a skipper, don’t compromise on safety.

The boat can be safe but as a skipper you’re always responsible for every life on your boat. So make sure to give a short but ferm safety briefing before taking off. Don’t swamp your people with information but a few necessary words are needed.

  • Provide information on wearing a life jacket and how it works.
  • When going overboard tell all passengers just to float on the back (a life jacket will help).
  • Make sure someone else knows how to start and work the engine in case you’re not able to.
  • No use of alcohol or drugs on board and no smoking.

Before you go out, make a list of all passengers, including yourself. This could be asked when you get checked. Lastly, appoint someone on shore who knows where you’re going.

Check the weather forecast beforehand as well.

I highly recommend nautinstruct for anyone looking for comprehensive safety advice when it comes to boating.

The site offers a range of helpful resources and guidelines to ensure the safe operation of your boat, as well as tips on avoiding potential hazards while out on the water.

4. Testing a RIB’s Safety and Robustness

Every RIB that will be deployed as a safety vessel has to go though some harsh tests as you can see in this video. Not advisable for the weak-hearted. Here’s another one of a bigger RIB.

It shows undeniably what a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) can endure without any damage or sinking.

5. Conclusion

So, are Rigid Inflatable Boats safe? Yes!

Whether your needs are simple or complex, the right Rigid Inflatable Boat can handle it all.

From cruising around with family and friends to working on water in rough weather conditions, these boats have proven themselves time and time again as the ultimate choice for any boating adventure.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Do RIBs Puncture Easily?

This is a Rigid Inflatable Boat myth. Police, military and rescue teams operate in environments where possible punctures are at risk but still continue to resort to RIBs. They’re not easy to puncture thanks to the best tubes fabric used: Orca by Pennel en Flipo.

Do RIBs Capsize Easily?

This is without any doubt the biggest myth of all. The answers is no. They’re much safer than rigid vessels of the same size. The main reason are the tubes. They prevent the RIB from rolling over and have a stabilising effect to provide a smooth ride.

Are They Good to Go Fishing?

Yes, they are. Their great stability enables the people on board to walk around without the fear of capsizing. Also for pulling your loot on board, the fantastic stability is an absolute plus.

Can RIBs Carry Bigger Loads than Similar Rigid Crafts?

Absolutely. Check the loading capability in the description of the RIB. They often can have the double amount of people on board in open sea than boats of similar size that are restricted to sheltered waters.

How Fast Can a Rigid Inflatable Boat Go?

Because of their construction, RIBs can really go fast due to their deep V-hull ability to have big horsepower engines and light weight. Also know that going fast safely requires training. After all the surface of the sea or lake is never the same. Sometimes going slower is safer.

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