Why RIB

[bella]

While the extreme buoyancy and inherent fendering are obvious benefits of RIBs in applications where these are issues, I am unable to identify any others. Why would one buy a RIB for general purpose boating, when conventional boats meet all needs other than these?

Am I missing something? I get the feeling that the attraction is the action based applications that generate the appeal.

[chewy]

Lighter than most hard boats, granted some hard boats do have cuddys fitted.
Cheaper too!

[watersidemat]

We sold our hard boat for a RIB because:

easier to launch/recover
Handles choppy conditions better
Lighter so manhandling it is simpler
still stable at rest for fishing
more wakeboarder friendly, lower freeboard so easy to get in and out.
alot faster XD

[Polwart]

Those benefits combined with a v-hull which gives good handling and improved comfort in rougher conditions; Sharp turning which will is helped when the tubes touch the water and dig in, as well as a nice stable platform for bobbing about (diving, fishing, anchor etc). As well as easy/comfortable entry/exit from the water for skiers, swimmers or dingy sailors.

Many of those features can be realised in hardboat designs too - but are almost always intrinsic to rib design.

[gotchiguy]

Originally Posted by bella

I get the feeling that the attraction is the action based applications that generate the appeal.

Think Chelsea tractor

[Brian]

Bella,

I wonder why all the worlds Special Forces and all the worlds life saving institutions use them (to some extent)........?

Some of the advantages are:
non-displacement i.e. planing hulls tend give faster speeds at less fuel consumption
better stability both at rest and when moving tend to give better all-weather performance and safety
displacement boats (with the notable exception of performance boats) tend to run across the wave tops instead of wallowing within them

These advantages are in addition to the ones already mentioned and are a general tendancy rather than a absolute. No doubt anyone can quote exceptions to them. Some people like ribs because they are light, simple, easy to tow and launch and are the sort of boat you can take your friends or family with you, launch and "go anywhere". What more can you ask for?

[gotchiguy]

£3,500 buys you this: http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/i...uiser-PAA23693

Or this: http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/s...54mtr-PAA24227

I know which one I would rather have.

[wavelength]

cos I wouldnt want to go where I go, in the same sea conditions, in a hard boat of a similar size.

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by bella

Why would one buy a RIB for general purpose boating, when conventional boats meet all needs other than these?

It's a good question. Ribs are not cheap and are Spartan when it comes to facilities; i.e., they're not Sheila compliant. They do, however, handle the rough stuff well and are virtually unsinkable; they're also low on maintenance compared to, say, a yacht. I doubt if my next boat will be a rib though; I may buy a jet ski or a Seadoo sport boat. Both are ghey as the ace of spades but have one huge advantage over any rib - draught.

[Cookee]

Not sure how a RIB with tubes and especially the heavy fender strip can come out cheaper and lighter than a hard boat? Has anyone actually priced up a set of tubes?

Seakeeping is down to hull design - RIBs have great stability at rest and give a great deal of confidence for their length compared to a hard boat - if you're going to stuff a boat properly make it a RIB without a doubt.

Lower freeboard is an advantage although climbing in over tubes isn't as easy as it sounds which is why many RIBs have boarding ladders.

We build similar sized hard boats and RIBs, and it seems from this thread many of the advatages on here are more percieved advantages than real ones! (IMHO)