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 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 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.

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.

Famous RIB Boat Show @ BMC 4 – 12 maart 2023

Famous RIB Boat Show @ BMC 4 - 12 maart 2023
@ Brugge Marine Center

Experience the world of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) at Brugge Marine Center’s RIB boat show from 4 to 12 March. Led by Kris Deraedt, explore their state-of-the-art selection of RIBs and discover why this type of boat has been growing in popularity.

2023

As every year, they have an extensive range of stock models available in our showroom, where you can choose both recent used RIBs and beautiful demo models.

The Boat Show’s collection

This winter’s selection of offers is extensive and varied, featuring a great range of second-hand RIBs from popular brands like Technohull, additional new stock models from Salpa and more famous brands like Highfield amongst others.

You can choose between no less than 4 different engines as well: Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki and Honda.

Their team is as always ready for you at any time.

RIBs ONLY will be at this boat show.

Proud to share that Brugge Marine Center (BMC) is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

RIB Boat show @ BMC 4 - 12 maart 2023
@ Brugge Marine Center

About BMC

On May 1st 1987 the Deraedt family, were able to take over the Brugge Marine Centre. The years that followed were not only dedicated to reorganisation but also to the development of a robust marketing plan and the search for new market segments.

For several years now, Brugge Marine Centre is also one of the most flexible, fastest growing companies of its kind.

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Why a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is Quite Expensive: 15 Essential Thoughts

Why a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is Quite Expensive @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
“Owning a RIB is investing in quality time I so long for.”- Karel Overlaet – Photo Pixabay

You may ask yourself: How much does a rigid inflatable boat cost? Well it all depends on what your purpose is.

Introduction

Rigid inflatable boats have become, over the last couple of years, the preferred choice not only for marine professionals but also for those that take boating as a leisure activity. There are a plethora of reasons for this; the boat comes with a myriad of benefits.

For many years now I own a single outboard RIB. As a journalist I sailed many motor boats and RIBs. I aways had the most fun in RIBs. The feeling of “flying” over the waves is really extraordinary! It’s a kick I can’t get enough of.

That being said, one cannot help but inquire why these Rigid Inflatable boats, ostensibly referred to by their abbreviation “RIBs” or “RHIBs”, as expensive. They cost more than the “ordinary” boat, but why exactly is that. The answer to this question can be found in the nuances of the RIBs, from the construction to their operations.

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The Fun of Owning a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB): 8 Thoughts

The Fun of Owning a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
Dokos island – Photo © Panos Lazanas

Introduction

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are very popular amongst families and individuals.

They are versatile and can be used for various leisure activities such as fishing, speed boating, taking day trips or weekends and even wakeboarding or water skiing.

The fun of owning a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is truly fantastic!

I had splendid times with my wife and kids in our family RIB for many years, powered by a Suzuki 140 hp. We took our Labrador along as well. The funny thing is that he wanted to jump overboard every time he saw a buoy, barking and swaying his tail.

Owning a RIB is fun and rewarding because they’re entertaining boats and you have a lot of satisfaction.

These boats are sometimes high-speed and can cope with challenging sea conditions which is why they are often used to rescue people from the water.

Recreational RIBs come in a variety of sizes and are trailerable up to 3.5 tons (in my country, Belgium) or 7,716 lb. Others weigh much more than that, are too wide and thus are no longer trailerable.

If you’re into buying a RIB, I have good news for you: out there is one especially for you. Find it! Pop your questions in our Facebook group. Get some idea of what used RIBs cost in RIBs ONLY Sales.

Let’s look at why owning a RIB is fun for the whole family.

1. Why Owning a RIB is Fun

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Welcome to RIBs ONLY – The Exciting Number 1 Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat

Welcome to RIBs ONLY – Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
This blog is devoted to the Rigid Inflatable Boat.

My Passion for the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)

I’ve always been fascinated by the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Their form, style, lay-out, toughness, seaworthiness, safety and sportive way of navigating are the unquestionable advantages you’ll rarely find combined in any other type of boat.

What is a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)

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