All you need to know about RIBs: Our Mega-FAQ!
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to buying, maintaining and daily use of a RIB!"
Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or a neophyte looking for essential information, you'll find answers to all your questions in this FAQ, divided into 3 chapters:
1) Get the facts before you buy
2) Using your RIB on a daily basis
3) Maintaining your boat
From the differences between boat types to best maintenance practices and what to do at sea, Orca Retail has put together its best guides and articles to help you make the most of your experience with your RIB.
Find out before you buy
Annexe, RIB, inflatable boat, what are the differences?
Understanding the distinctions between a tender, RIB and inflatable boat is essential to choosing the right type of boat for your needs.
The dinghy, inflatable and lightweight, is ideal for short trips from a larger boat. Le inflatable boat, fully inflatable, is easy to transport and store, but less stable for occasional use over short distances. Finally, the RIB, combining rigid hull and inflatable bladders, offers stability and performance for coastal cruising and leisure.
For a detailed comparison between these different options, see this article on the differences between dinghy, RIB and inflatable boat and this one on the differences between inflatable and RIB.
PVC tubes, Hypalon tubes, what are the differences?
PVC and Hypalon tubes 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 to making RIB boats, and this article on choosing between PVC and Hypalon for your inflatable bladders.
What is the price of a RIB boat?
The price of a RIB boat varies according to several factors, including its size, make, features and condition.
Exemples :
- RIB 5m, 40 HP engine: New from €9,000 - Used from €6,000
- Family RIB 6m, 115 HP engine: New from €25,000 to €40,000 - Used from €18,000 to €30,000
- High-end RIB 7m+, 200 HP+ engine: Over €50,000 new and €30,000 used
For advice on selecting the ideal size for your RIB boat to suit your needs and budget, check out this article on choosing the right size.
How long does a RIB last?
The lifespan of a RIB varies according to several factors, including build quality, maintenance and use.
On average, tube tubes, usually made of Hypalon (CSM) or PVC, have a service life of 10 to 20 years. As Hypalon is more resistant to UV and chemical aggression, it offers increased longevity (up to 20 years) compared with PVC (10 to 15 years).
For its part, the rigid hull, made of composite materials for top-of-the-range models, can last from 30 to 40 years.
What are the best RIB models or brands?
In the world of RIBs, several brands stand out for their quality and performance. Among the top inflatable boat brands on the market are names like Zodiac, Avon, Bombard, and Highfield, renowned for their innovation, durability and reliability, offering a diverse range of models to suit 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 steps? Is insurance compulsory?
Purchasing a RIB requires compliance with certain administrative procedures, including registering the boat with the relevant maritime authorities.
In addition, taking out third-party liability insurance is compulsory for all motorboats, including RIBs, to guarantee coverage in the event of an accident or damage to property or personal injury.
For a complete guide to the administrative procedures to follow and the insurance required for your boat, check out this complete article on administrative procedures and insurance as well as this one on purchasing a RIB boat and the associated administrative procedures.
Do you need a boating license? If so, which one?
The need for a boating license to pilot a RIB depends on the power of the onboard engine and the intended cruising area.
In France, for RIBs with a motor of more than 6 hp (4.5 kW), a boating license is mandatory. The coastal license is generally sufficient to navigate at sea up to 6 nautical miles from the coast.
To find out 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 RIB on a daily basis
How much does a RIB outing cost?
The cost of a RIB outing depends on various factors, such as fuel, maintenance, and possibly launch fees.
For an afternoon coastal trip on a RIB, with a 6-meter model equipped with a medium-power engine, carrying a family of 4, the estimated fuel cost (€2 per liter) would be around 100 to 150 euros in total, considering average consumption of usual sailing conditions.
For a better understanding of your boat trips, check out this article on preparing for a RIB trip.
What activities can you enjoy on a RIB?
RIBs offer a wide range of activities, from fishing to cruising to water sports.
To discover the activities possible on a RIB, see our article on activities to enjoy with an inflatable dinghy.
Where to sail in France on a RIB
France offers a variety of RIB sailing destinations, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, via lakes and rivers.
For the best places to sail, check out these guides to the Mediterranean coast, the North Sea and English Channel, the Atlantic coast, marine parks, best deep-sea fishing destinations, diving spots and lake and river trips.
What accessories to use with your RIB
To personalize and optimize your RIB experience, there's a range of accessories available, from safety equipment to comfort features.
To discover customization trends 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 paramount.
To find out what safety equipment you need for your RIB, check out 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 inflator. Inflating pressure depends on your boat model, but generally ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 bar for inflatable floors and 0.3 to 0.4 bar for tubes. For more details, check out this electric inflator buying guide, as well as this inflator guide.
How to maintain your RIB? With which products?
Regular maintenance of your RIB is crucial to prolonging its life. Use suitable, high-quality maintenance products to clean surfaces, protect tubes and keep components in good working order.
For advice on the best brands of inflatable boats, recommended maintenance products, seam peeling, trailer maintenance, protective tarpaulins, emergency sea puncture repair, Zodiac bladder puncture repair, and general RIB boat maintenance.
When and how to manage winterizing your boat
To preserve your RIB over winter, it's essential to prepare it well. This includes thorough cleaning, draining of fluids, dry storage and protection from the elements. To find out more, see our detailed guide to preparing to winterize your boat.
Where to have your tube repaired
If you need to repair the tubes on your RIB, you can call on specialist inflatable boat repairers. Consult this list of RIB repairers in France to find a professional near you.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided you with the information you need to help you navigate the world of RIBs with confidence.
Whether you're about to buy your first boat or looking for maintenance tips, don't forget that safety and fun are the watchwords of any adventure at sea.
Feel free to explore all our blog posts to deepen your knowledge and get the most out of your RIB. Happy surfing!