Inflatable boats in the USA market.

Although inflatables are very popular outside of North America the market is very stable with no growth.  This is probably the reason why many more international companies are trying to open the door into the American market, consequentially; consumers will have more and more inflatable boats to choose from.

The RIB was born around 1964 since then its use has expanded. Today Rigid Inflatable Boats are the boat type of choice for many commercial, military operators and widely used in the leisure market. The inflatable is used as all weather lifeboats in some countries.

The development of the RIB has been the most significant in the past 50 years, they have change the way of thinking for many small boat users.

RIBs have grown in size from the early 10ft to 60ft in length. From an open little boat to a RIB with cabin.

The modern RIB can undertake the most arduous seagoing task as well as having the most seaworthy hull for its size.

 When you build a normal fiberglass boat the hull and the deck are the only major components. In a good inflatable boat, after you print (construct) the hull and the deck, you have to transform a flat rubber fabric material into a nice round, smooth Seaworthy collar (very intensive artisan work).

The fiberglass hull of an Aquascan inflatable

 It is actually much easier to build a decent inflatable, than try to cheat by building a cheap one, where you have to spend more time and effort figuring out where to cut corners and the only one losing is the customer. (The main goal of this publication is not to criticize or honor a certain brand, but to EDUCATE, you the consumer).

The hypalon tubes are made from a roll of fabric

The diameter of the tubes is really not so important, of course from 12 inches to 21 inches there is a big difference, but from 19 to 20 or 21 inches not so much. Probably the tubes that are 19 inches in diameter will give more inside space. If do not intend to overload your boat, it really don’ matter.

Unless the tube has a really small diameter, there’s no way you can put the tubes under water even if the boat is full of water up to the transom.

A good sea-going characteristic of a rigid inflatable boat  is found in the way the tube and the rigid hull interact. These are Stability, Variable geometry and Fendering.

Cobra Diesel 16

Sprinter F 16 Hooters Patrol