Rating of the best RIB boats for 2022

Technological progress has replaced household, daily worries with light, unforced manipulations and freed up time for relaxation. Nature, fresh air, a pond are favorite places for family joint leisure.
It's nice to set up a tent, light a fire and play with a fishing rod.

Time has changed the requirements for a comfortable stay, now you can set up a cozy two-room car tent with a visor on the roof of a jeep, place a combined inflatable boat Rigid Inflatable Boats - RIB on a trailer.

What is a RIB boat

For those who want to go to any water surface, manufacturers have developed and implemented a special swimming facility that combines inflatable boards and a rigid base. Translated from English, Rigid is hard, hard.

At the first stage, RIB was intended only for military purposes, emergencies, and specialized tasks.
Today, such a boat is available to anyone who has the necessary financial capabilities.

RIBs can be used for sea, lake and river waters, for sporting events and in rescue operations, as well as for hunting and fishing.

• plastic, fiberglass or aluminum as bottom material;
• boards are made of inflatable PVC, have a multi-chamber system;
• high unsinkable characteristics;
• reliable and durable design;
• solves fishing, tourist problems;
• a wide range of products;
• the maximum length of the boat is 7 meters;
• durability;
• has no restrictions on mooring places;
• the height of the inflatable sides exceeds the standard inflatable dimensions, which significantly reduces the side roll;
• The V-shaped design of the model guarantees excellent speed capabilities;
• good load capacity;
• moderate weight folding models up to 95 kg.

How to choose the right RIB boat

Domestic and foreign representatives are represented on the market.

Price

The cost depends on:

1. manufacturer;
2. boat dimensions;
3. load capacity;
4. engine;
5. configuration.

The price varies from several tens of thousands to half a million rubles. Additional options, equivalent to comfortable driving and relaxation, together with design features, have a strong impact on the final cost.

Swimming aids made abroad are of high quality and do not need to be improved.

Folding design

Such models are of particular interest to fishermen and hunters who can place the bot in the trunk. In case of not exceeding the weight of 200 kg, the owner is exempted from registration. The folding model is purchased by Russian buyers in 60 cases out of 100.

Bottom

The plastic base is suitable for calm waters, and is very popular among users.

On rapids with rocky shores, the RIB should be selected with an aluminum bottom.

An additional advantage of the hard bottom is the ability to stand up, and this is very necessary for active fishing or hunting.

Motor

Powerful motors are recommended for installation on boats from 4 to 7 meters long, if the calculation is for a medium-power motor, then a boat can be taken of moderate length.

Transom

Inflatable boats have a mount for the motor. There are several types of transoms:

1. suspension;
2. built-in.

The transom may not be included in the model, and this fact will prove to be a problem later on, which needs to be considered. A transom attached to the stern acts as a tailgate on an inflatable boat.

Transom materials:

1. waterproof, high-strength plywood;
2. metal;
3. fiberglass.

Capacity

The length of the boat requires only a powerful engine, but also makes it possible to place a certain number of people on it. The cost depends on the size and quality, respectively. It is enough to look at the characteristics of the vessel for the level of carrying capacity to determine the possible number of people in the boat.

Assembly

The speed of bringing the bot to a working state is an important point.Transformer bots have an advantage, which, when inflated, automatically unfold into shape.

Pump

A quick and cost-effective way to prepare the craft for launching is provided by the selected pump.

There are several types of pumps:

1. mechanical;
2. electric;
3. rechargeable.

You should pay attention to the fact that the pump is included in the configuration.

Keel

The inflatable keel is easily fixed during transportation, has a lower mass compared to wooden counterparts and good elasticity. The inflatable keel contributes to the good running characteristics of the boat.

Passenger safety

RIB cylinders consist of several sealed compartments, so the risk of sinking from a breakdown of the chamber is inversely proportional to the number of bulkheads.

Inflatable RIB seats are not often supplied, however, having a structure to be moved in the cockpit, not only comfort is provided, but also protection from possible impacts.

seams

The traditional gluing of rubber inflatable boats with adhesives similar in characteristics to the material of the product does not have sufficient strength, is labor intensive and often needs to be repaired.
The hot method of joining seams, the so-called vulcanization, occurs without the use of additional means and is reliable.

Errors when choosing

An inflatable boat with a motor and oars radically differs from RIB in its design.

If the passenger is counting on speed, safety, durability of use, comfort, then they will have to spend an order of magnitude more.

Not always an expensive inflatable boat with a transom and a powerful engine is adequate for a RIB boat at approximately the same price.
Assembling a foldable RIB boat has a number of features that you need to be prepared for. Often, the user learns about the labor costs of the "transformation" only by joining the process.

The best RIB boats

Stormline Ocean Drive Extra 500

The Stormline Ocean Drive Extra 500 has 3 life support nodes, each with an emergency valve. Transport handles give the owner the ability to grip the boat from any direction. The bottom of the sections and the keel are reinforced with Keel Shield Length tape, so it is possible to go aground or a pebbly shore without fear.

The kit includes a repair kit, a 6-liter foot pump, a leather cape for the bow locker, an integrated 60-liter fuel tank, a bilge drain pump. The boat has handles for transportation, integrated steps located on the cones of the cylinders, a console with a front seat and a pleasant leather cape, a fuel sensor. The stern is one-piece, a locker is integrated into it. Anchor bollard, there is a roller.

Stormline Ocean Drive Extra 500
Load capacity, kg	1300
Maximum engine power, l. With.	110
Recommended engine power, l. With.	40
Vessel dimensions, cm	198:500
Cockpit, cm	106:262
Number of air chambers	4
Cyxoy weight, kg	195
Console availability	+
Passenger capacity, persons	9

• Rich equipment.
• High load capacity.
• Roomy.
• Reinforced bottom.

• There are no paddles included.

River Boats RB 280 Light+

The boat from a domestic manufacturer, inflatable, motorized with a high density of PVC, is designed for two people. The model is an economy version of the 300 model.

River Boats RB 280 Light+
Load capacity, kg	300
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	6
Vessel dimensions, cm	135:280
cockpit, see	60:200
Number of air chambers	3
Cylinders, diameter, cm	39
Length cm	280
Set, weight, kg	26

• with inflatable keel;
• hard removable floor with moisture resistant characteristics;
• the presence of hard seats;
• ideal for medium-sized ponds;
• five-layer bot fabric, made in Germany with a density of 900 grams per meter, with increased cut resistance;
• maneuverable and mobile model;
• the presence of a side halt provides protection from waves with a wind force of 9 meters per second;
• the presence of a safety rail, in the form of a harness, throughout the coverage of the vessel for an emergency situation with the help of a man overboard;
• a reliable transom allows you to mount a 6 hp motor;
• to carry the bot, the cone and nose are equipped with special handles;
• the availability of a planing mode with maximum cost savings, a sharp increase in speed due to sliding;
• easily picks up speed and maintains speed when rowing;
• the ability to move with the fastening of the seats throughout the body;
• the possibility of tugboat and anchoring is provided due to the bow eye-ring;
• distinguished by high build quality, cold welding, sizing seams;
• protection against single punctures through a multi-section balloon system;
• when installing an engine of less than 10 “horses”, it does not require registration by the GIMS, exempts from the need to own the rights to manage a floating craft;
• anti-corrosion treatment of metal parts.

• low maximum capacity.

RIB Mustang 390

A motor boat of the classic RIB type is suitable for use in water bodies of any complexity.Rapids zones, shallow areas are not difficult for a boat.

RIB Mustang 390
Load capacity, kg	600
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	30
Vessel dimensions, cm	180:390
Fabric, density, g/m²	850
Transom, height, cm	38.1
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Number of air chambers	3
Set, weight, kg	106

• high speed parameters;
• permissible load 600 kg;
• for operation with a motor of 30 "horses";
• with a comfortable cockpit measuring 260:90 cm;
• the presence of a pump, steering wheel, repair kit, steering gear in the kit;
• with a rigid keel;
• the presence of portable handles.

• without inflatable seats;
• no anchor eye;
• equipment without oars;
• lack of oarlocks.

RIB BRIG Falcon F 500

The RIB vessel on tiller control has a bow locker and two seats, the deck has a special “anti-slip” coating.

BRIG Falcon F 500
Load capacity, kg	1100
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	75
Vessel dimensions, cm	215:500
repair kit	+
Estimated number of seats	9
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Number of air chambers	5
Set, weight, kg	185

• large diameter cylinders;
• the presence of feed plugs;
• the hard case is equipped with a built-in towing unit;
• portable handles of one-piece production;
• the transom is equipped with a water sump and a drain valve;
• fiberglass containers reinforced with marine plywood are designed for auxiliary equipment and are attached to seats;
• built-in suspension units in the amount of 4 pieces;
• the presence of oars in the kit.

• without oarlocks;
• no anchor eye.

STORM RIB AMIGO 315

Compact design for easy transport and storage.The boat has exceptional driving characteristics, resistance to pitching.

STORM RIB AMIGO 315
Estimated load on the ship, kg	420
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	25
Cylinders, diameter, cm	43
Fabric, density, g/m²	1100
Vessel dimensions, cm	157:315
repair kit	+
Cockpit size. Cm	73:215
Transom, height, cm	38.1
Estimated number of seats	2
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Number of air chambers	3
Set, weight, kg	60

• the material of manufacture consists of reinforced PVC;
• transom type - built-in;
• the presence of a rigid keel;
• three sealed compartments;
• equipment with handrail cable;
• oars and a pump are included in the package;
• the body is equipped with oarlocks;
• conveniently located portable handles.

• no anchor eye;
• there is no device for attaching a fishing rod.

Flink FORTIS 390

The vessel with a fiberglass floor and two laminated plywood seats is distinguished by high controllability, speed and reliability.

Flink FORTIS 390
Estimated load on the ship, kg	550
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	20
Cylinders, diameter, cm	45
Fabric, density, g/m²	850
Cockpit, dimensions, cm	300:94
Vessel dimensions, cm	390:184
repair kit	+
Keel type	hard
Transom, height, cm	41
Estimated number of seats	2
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Number of air chambers	3
Set, weight, kg	95

• reinforced PVC material is protected from the effects of an aggressive environment - salty sea water, ultraviolet rays, fuels and lubricants;
• soldering of seams is made "butt" and has additional protective lining;
• the fender protects the outer side of the balloon sides;
• free movement of seats is allowed;
• the three-layer fiberglass bottom has a "stuffing" of polyurethane foam;
• handrail cable and safety handles guarantee the safety of passengers;
• the presence of oar holders;
• Available in two colors - gray and green.

• there is no device for fixing the fishing rod.

RIB Condor CR 480

The pointed bow of the vessel made it the fastest in the RIB class. The bot can take on board up to 8 people, and the length of the vehicle, at the same time, is 5 meters.

Condor CR 480
Estimated load on the ship, kg	850
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	40
Vessel dimensions, cm	480:215
repair kit	+
Line cable	+
Transom, height, cm	50.8
Estimated number of seats	5
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Number of air chambers	5

• high speed swimming means;
• rigid construction;
• easy transition to planing mode;
• convenient handles for transportation;
• the boat is equipped with kit.

• without oarlocks;
• no anchor eye.

Gladiator RIB 380AL

Bot from a domestic manufacturer with the best price / quality ratio.

Gladiator RIB 380AL
Estimated load on the ship, kg	690
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	30
Vessel dimensions, cm	162:380
Cylinders, diameter, cm	41
Line cable	+
Estimated number of seats	6
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Weight of the set, kg	82

• moderate dimensions with good capacity;
• the presence of oarlocks and fenders;
• the boat is equipped with a lifting eye required for a total weight of 82 kg;
• fiberglass is used instead of aluminum to reduce overall weight;
• the presence of a nasal locker;
• large selection of colors.

• short period of presence in the RIB market.

Catmarine RIB R 520

Motor RIB boat with the possibility of free movement on a hard bottom.

Catmarine RIB R 520
Estimated load on the ship, kg	900
Estimated motor power, in horsepower	50
Vessel dimensions, cm	210:520
Balloon. Diameter cm	47
Keel type	hard
Bottom, material of manufacture	fiberglass
Estimated number of seats	7
Draining	valve
Pump	+
Weight of the set, kg	125

• high design carrying capacity allows you to provide yourself with everything you need in swimming;
• the presence of luggage sectors;
• a strong engine allows you to develop a good speed with optimal load;
• excellent driving performance;
• a strict style is maintained;
• maximum comfort is provided;
• almost 75% of the structure is made of fiberglass, which indicates its reliability.

• three sealed sections located along the lines of the sides and the rear link, which can affect the stability of the bot if one of the sections is damaged.

Conclusion

A new design with high reliability, moderate weight and new technologies used in the manufacture are gaining popularity among lovers of sea and river walks, leisure on the water.

The choice is great, and with the right approach to the required characteristics, you can find a reliable swimming facility to the delight of yourself and the whole family. A new opportunity to get unforgettable impressions and gain new experience lies in the acquisition of a RIB bot.