Rafnar RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are high-quality boats, developed in Iceland that have gained a reputation for their superior behaviour in rough seas.
These RIBs are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough seas, making them ideal for professional and tactical use.
Karatea based Rafnar Hellas has built a leisure version, seen in this video as the white model. Want to know more about that model, just click here.
One of the key features of Rafnar RIBs is their innovative hull design (Ök hull), which incorporates a unique wave-canceling system that minimizes shock and vibration.
This results in a smoother ride, improved stability, and greater fuel efficiency, so they claim.
The unique Ultimate Boats’ deep V hull design by John Moxham promises the complete solution in demanding conditions.
Deep V Hull Design
Those who typically venture out in stormy waters should opt for a Rigid Inflatable Boat with a deep V hull design as it is essential for them to being able to do their job properly and safely.
Deep V hulls offer smooth sailing in rough seas, as they can easily cut through waves and offer a stable ride.
Deadrise
Rigid Inflatable Boats with a deep V-shaped hull create less friction, meaning it can move through water faster and smoother.
The amount of deep V is measured in degrees as you can see in the photo below. The yellow line is the maximum to measure.
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? 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.
CEO Carl Magnus Ullman from Ullman Dynamics gave an impressive scientifically based presentation on the HSBO 2018 about the importance of mitigation seats in combination with consoles.
Preventing injuries is the ultimate goal.
The outcome of their thorough research applies to us all, whether you are a pro or a pleasure boater, tall or small.
I’m nearly 2 m and weigh about 96 kg and I must say that during all my testing of motorboats I never encountered a “body safe” place behind the console. Mass production has the upper hand.
Ullman Dynamics range 2022
No wonder why their product stands out of the competition and I’m not just saying that because they’re a Friend of RIBs ONLY.
They are scientifically proven to provide better shock mitigation than any other seats. That’s why their product sets the ultimate benchmark and the standard.
I know for certain that some of you here know how important serious seats are for the health on short but especially on long term and being able to perform the job in rough seas, day after day. Sometimes at high speeds…
During many years I’ve been shooting RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) during many races. This series of photos I shot during the Belgian Offshore Challenge (BOC). It was true racing in a great spirit that is hard to find today.
The Yellow Osprey Lynx
One day a passionate RIB fanatic asked me for pictures of a certain RIB. It was the yellow Osprey Lynx with inboard engine.
Anyone familiar with the RIB world knows that Osprey RIBs feel at their best in rough seas.
Below you will find the shots I took during that RIB race on the North Sea.
