RIB Opinions and Comments

[Wimperdink]

What is the fascination with these boats? I've always imagined that they would leak their air out being a soft air cell. Are the tubes strong enough to withstand things like a moron leaning on it with a screwdriver in his pocket... or perhaps fish hooks? If they are as delicate as they look, what is the fascination? Are they fast? safe? Anyone use them on inland lakes? I've never ridden in one so forgive my ignorance.

 

[Holdimhook]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

I've never ridden in one, either, but they sure look cool, don't they?

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

I'd take a short ride in one but i think i'm scared of the delicate looking tubes. Wouldnt want to get too far from shore yet Well now... If I had to get upset in a boat meaning turned over... I guess i'd perfer it be a RIB. I would guess it to be as buoyant upside down as right side up providing whatever upset it didnt poke a hole in it

 

[Terry H]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

The tubes are not delicate at all. Chief

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

Originally posted by Wimperdink:<br /> I'd take a short ride in one but i think i'm scared of the delicate looking tubes. Wouldnt want to get too far from shore.....

Am I dreaming? Didn't you just cut your canoe in half, planning to mount an outboard motor on it. lol <br /><br />The inflated portion of a RIB is quite tough and able to withstand a phenominal amount of abuse. One clear advantage is that thier power to weight ratio allows them quick acceleration and excellent manouverability.

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

hehe... uhhhhh red faced ok yes canoe is in half... or in two, (cup half empty or half full comment) I'll eat my words on the Short Ride bit.. <br />p.s. AMD Rules you crack me up every time you post in one of my topics... I had the full picture in my head of the look on your face as you were replying here. I'm guessing it was the look of someone popping a balloon behind ya completely unexpected. Same look would double for watching a jar of pickles screaming towards your foot as you open the refridgerator door.

 

[bayman]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

As others have said, the tubes are really quite strong. The special forces and river rescue teams use them, for example. They usually have multiple air pockets too. Even if you did manage to puncture one or two pockets you can usually float just fine.<br /><br />Keep in mind that we are not talking about pool toys here. The Zodiac and Avon brands are quite durable. Powerboaters often prefer the Zodiacs while sailboaters usually prefer the Avon style.

 

[boatster]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

Inflatables made out of Hypalon are extremely durable to abrasion, chemicals, UV, etc. PVC inflatables are durable to abrasion but not to chemical or uv exposure. RIBs are one of the safest boats to use imho. I have a 13' ex Coastguard rib that I go up to 26 miles offshore in. I have a dry ride out and back in conditions alot of 20' hardboats wouldn't be able to handle.<br /><br />Most of the consumer Zodiacs are made out of pvc because they can be manufactured by machines (thermal welding) whereas all Avon brand inflatables are made out of hypalon which must be glued together by hand, the old fashioned way. Hypalon is much more expensive but that would make sense since pvc boats fall apart within a few years while Avon hypalon boats from the 70's are still being used.

 

[thicklin]

Re: RIB Opinions and Comments

I live in Jersey in the Channel Islands, just south of the UK, can get pretty bad sea conditions in the winter, all the emergency services (fire brigade, RNLI, etc.) use RIBs, they are renowned for their sea keeping abilities in rough conditions, I trained on one in fairly rough conditions and felt fully confident in the boat, it handled everything with ease.