Looking for my first RIB - slide-on vs glued tubes

[Psittacus]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently searching for my first RIB and I'm having some troubles comparing between different boats/manufacturers. I'm looking for some used ones (10-15 years), however most of them are in a not-so-good condition and will probably need retubing in a few years.

Unfortunately it is not easy to find a service shop near me, and for that reason one of the things I'm considering when comparing different boats is how the tubes are attached to the hull. This is a major advantage to the Zodiac's because they have an easy slide-on system that could allow me to just buy some new tubes and replace them myself...

What do you think of this system?
Is there any disadvantage when compared to the traditional glued ones?
Do you know any other brands with systems/fixtures that would allow me to change the tubes myself?

Thank you!

[Jon Tallis]

Where are you?

[Psittacus]

Hello Jon. Currently in Greece.

[Psittacus]

The Zodiac system I was talking about:


http://inflatableboatworks.com/wp-co...340dl-slot.jpg

[spartacus]

The Zodiac Pro range (4.2 and 4.7 range) are strongan duotex (PVC), however its possible to get Neoprene and some of the larger boats. Zodiac made Open Pro range 5.5m.

On the smaller RIBs the hull angle is shallow, so expect it to slap in a rough sea. Depends what you're looking to do with it?

One thing to watch is that a new tube set from Zodiac isn't cheap, so get a quote first. There's probably long lead in times to ship to Greece too. Depends what's available.

One thing I'd be looking at is extremes of heat given your climate. On some RIBs, certainly then pressure release valves are fitted and helps alleviate a potential problem.

Also think about tube material as hypalon will outlive its PVC counterpart.

[Iankristy]

Where do you plan to purchase? Greece? Ship from uk? Budget?

[Psittacus]

@spartacus, I will keep that in consideration, thank you!

@Iankristy, most likely going to ship to from UK to Spain, budget around 25k GBP

If some of you know any other system of quickly attaching and replacing the tubes, please let me know I only found the slide-on system from Zodiac and Rendova

[Iankristy]

Originally Posted by Psittacus

@spartacus, I will keep that in consideration, thank you!

@Iankristy, most likely going to ship to from UK to Spain, budget around 25k GBP

If some of you know any other system of quickly attaching and replacing the tubes, please let me know I only found the slide-on system from Zodiac and Rendova

Halmatic ( ex Royal Navy rhibs) have a clip on system. No expert but my understanding is they are ‘clipped’ on with a rail that’s screwed down. There are inboard(artic) and outboard (pacific) variants and have a few distinguishing features.
- built to an incredible standard and almost indestructible(many hundreds of thousands of pounds when built)
- because do that they are heavy for their size and burn a lot of fuel, lower power inboards are slow.
- their all getting pretty old now but good/ refurbed ones still exist
- they are utilitarian to say the least but if you plan on storming a beach at 30knts I would pick this over most others [emoji23]

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Psittacus

@spartacus, I will keep that in consideration, thank you!

@Iankristy, most likely going to ship to from UK to Spain, budget around 25k GBP

If some of you know any other system of quickly attaching and replacing the tubes, please let me know I only found the slide-on system from Zodiac and Rendova

That's a decent budget. If you can, then opt for the Hypalon Neoprene tube-set, as will outlive Strongan Duotex (PVC).

Zodiac site now has a 'configure your boat' section which is great for trying out bolster seats, adding the console virtually, etc. The Pro 5.5 I think starts around £27k as a package, but I'm sure there are deals to be had.

The Open 5.5 - I assume is the same hull but deck layout is different, integrated rear rear bench seat, etc.

YamPower are dealer in Scotland - worth giving them a call as they should be able to take you through the differences between the Pro and Open Pro, get up-to-date prices, etc. Pretty decent website too.

[Psittacus]

Perfect, thank you. Hope to have some news to share soon