All about Rigid-Inflatable Boats: Our Mega-FAQ!

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on purchasing, maintaining, and daily use of a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)!

Whether you are a boating enthusiast or a newcomer seeking essential information, you will find answers to all your questions in this FAQ, divided into 3 chapters: 

1) Getting informed before buying

2) Using your RIB daily

3) Maintaining your boat 

From differences between types of boats to best maintenance practices, and activities to engage in at sea, Orca Retail has gathered its best guides and articles to help you fully enjoy your experience with your RIB.

Getting informed before buying

Dinghy, RIB, inflatable boat, what are the differences?

Understanding the distinctions between a dinghy, a RIB, and an inflatable boat is essential to choose the right type of boat for your needs.

The dinghy, inflatable and lightweight, is ideal for short trips from a larger boat. The inflatable boat, fully inflatable, is easy to transport and store, but less stable for occasional use over short distances. Finally, the RIB, combining a rigid hull and inflatable tubes, offers stability and performance for coastal navigation and leisure activities.

For a detailed comparison between these different options, check out this article on the differences between dinghy, RIB, and inflatable boat and this one on the differences between inflatable boat and RIB.

PVC floats, Hypalon floats, what are the differences?

PVC and Hypalon floats have distinct characteristics in terms of durability, UV resistance, and cost.

To understand these differences and choose the material that best suits your needs, check out this article on Hypalon, a versatile and durable synthetic material, this one on the latest trends and innovations in RIBs , this guide on the manufacturing of semi-rigid boats, and this article to choose between PVC and Hypalon for your tubes inflatables.

What is the price of a semi-rigid boat?

The price of a semi-rigid boat varies depending on several factors, including its size, brand, features, and condition.

Examples:

• Semi-rigid 5m, 40 HP engine: New starting from €9,000 - Used starting from €6,000
• Family semi-rigid 6m, 115 HP engine: New between €25,000 and €40,000 - Used between €18,000 and €30,000
• High-end semi-rigid 7m+, 200 HP+ engine: Over €50,000 new and €30,000 used

For advice on selecting the ideal size of your semi-rigid boat based on your needs and budget, check out this article on choosing the ideal size.

What is the lifespan of a semi-rigid?

What are the best models or brands of semi-rigid?

In the world of RIBs, several brands stand out for their quality and performance. Among the best inflatable boat brands on the market, you will find names such as Zodiac, Avon, Bombard, and Highfield, known for their innovation, durability, and reliability, offering a wide range of models adapted to different needs and budgets.

To discover the best inflatable boat brands on the market, check out this article on the best RIB brands.

What are the administrative procedures? Is insurance mandatory?

Buying a RIB requires complying with certain administrative procedures, including registering the boat with the competent maritime authorities.

Additionally, taking out liability insurance is mandatory for any motorboat, including RIBs, to ensure coverage in case of accidents or material or bodily damage.

For a complete guide on the administrative procedures to follow and the necessary insurance for your boat, check out this complete article on administrative procedures and insurance as well as this one on buying a RIB and the associated administrative procedures.

Do you need a boating license? If so, which one?

The need to obtain a boating license to pilot a RIB depends on the engine power and the intended navigation area.

In France, for RIBs equipped with an engine of more than 6 horsepower (4.5 kW), a boating license is mandatory. The coastal license is generally sufficient for sea navigation up to 6 nautical miles from the coast.

To know which boating license is required to pilot a RIB, check out this article on boating licenses for RIBs.

Where to buy a used RIB?

To find out where to get the best deals and advice on renovating a used RIB, check out these articles on buying used inflatable boats and on renovating a used inflatable boat.

Using Your Rigid Inflatable Boat Daily

How Much Does an Outing in a Rigid Inflatable Boat Cost?

The cost of an outing in a rigid inflatable boat depends on various factors, such as fuel, maintenance, and potentially the launching fees.

For an afternoon coastal navigation outing in a 6-meter model equipped with a medium power engine, carrying a family of 4, the estimated fuel cost (2 € per liter) would be about 100 to 150 euros in total, considering average consumption in usual navigation conditions.

To better understand your boat outings, check out this article on preparing for a rigid inflatable boat outing.

What Activities Can You Do on a Rigid Inflatable Boat?

Rigid inflatable boats offer numerous activity possibilities, from fishing to cruising and water sports.

To discover the possible activities on a rigid inflatable boat, check out our article on activities to do with an inflatable tender.

Where to Navigate in France with a Rigid Inflatable Boat?

France offers a variety of navigation destinations for rigid inflatable boats, ranging from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, including lakes and rivers.

To know the best places to navigate, check out these guides on the Mediterranean coast, the North Sea and the English Channel, the Atlantic coast, the marine parks, the best deep-sea fishing destinations, the diving spots and outings on lakes and rivers.

What accessories to use with your RIB?

To personalize and optimize your experience with a RIB, there is a range of accessories available, from safety equipment to comfort elements.

To discover trends in customization and the best accessories, check out these articles on customizing RIB boats and essential accessories.

How to ensure your safety?

Ensuring your safety at sea is essential.

To know the necessary safety equipment for your RIB, refer to this article on safety equipment for RIB boats.

Maintaining your RIB

How to inflate your RIB? At what pressure (psi)?

To inflate your RIB, you can use a suitable electric pump. The inflation pressure depends on your boat model, but generally, it is between 0.2 and 0.3 bars for inflatable floors and between 0.3 and 0.4 bars for the tubes. For more details, refer to this electric pump buying guide, as well as this inflation guide.

How to maintain your RIB? With which products?

Regular maintenance of your RIB is crucial to prolong its lifespan. Use suitable and quality maintenance products to clean the surfaces, protect the tubes, and ensure the proper functioning of the components.

For advice on the best inflatable boat brands, recommended maintenance products, seam separation, trailer maintenance, protective covers, emergency repair in case of a puncture at sea, repairing a tube Zodiac puncture, and general maintenance of the semi-rigid boat.

When and how to manage the winterization of your boat?

To preserve your semi-rigid during the winter, it is essential to prepare it well. This includes a complete cleaning, draining fluids, storing it in a dry place, and protecting it from the weather. For more information, check out our detailed guide on preparing your boat for winter.

Where to have your float repaired?

If you need repairs for the floats of your semi-rigid, you can contact specialists in inflatable boats. Check out this list of semi-rigid repairers in France to find a professional near you.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary information to help you navigate confidently in the world of semi-rigids.

Whether you are about to buy your first boat or looking for maintenance advice, remember that safety and enjoyment are the key words for any sea adventure.

Feel free to explore all our blog articles to deepen your knowledge and fully enjoy your RIB. Happy sailing!