Fiberglass vs New Gen Aluminum?

[Otis K.]

Here in the U.S, it seems that nearly all of the newer Generation Ribs are High Free-Board Aluminum with Narrow diameter Foam-Filled Collars? (Zodiac Milpro) for one example. I don't see how narrow Foam collars can provide nearly as much buoyancy as the classic air-filled tubes unless they are of equal or even thicker diameter. Heck, the Collar sits so high above the waterline that it is basically just a regular boat until you would be a rough water it seems. I will probably never have the privilege to try one out so this is all IMO.

Maybe you guys with noteworthy experience with both can chime in here. How they handle in rough-water or hold up to general punishment of Marine use?

Otis-

[jyasaki]

I think the foam sponsons like the SAFE boats run are geared more towards self-fendering than buoyancy. I don't know that for a fact, but have seen the 25's going fast in rough water, and the collar doesn't seem to come into play all that much.

jky