Explore This Year’s Rigid Inflatable Boats for Recreational Fun
Ten rigid inflatable boats (RIB) have earned their floats as a stand-alone recreational boat.
A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is a versatile and user-friendly vessel. Designed to cater to the various needs of boaters, RIBs are durable and easy to handle, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of on-the-water activities.
While the sleek profile of a RIB is eye-catching, its sturdy hull promises stability even in choppy waters. What truly sets RIBs apart, however, is the integration of inflatable tubes along the sides, adding an extra layer of buoyancy and shock absorption. This innovative design not only enhances safety but also ensures a smoother ride. Features such as spacious decks, ample storage, and intuitive controls provide an enjoyable and hassle-free boating experience for novices and professionals alike.
Used as a tender for a large yacht to get you from the boat to the shore, or for a leisurely cruise or fishing expedition, RIBs seamlessly balance performance, safety, and comfort.
Ocean Craft
Ocean Craft Marine is known for its RIBs in the military and in government agencies that require amphibious service. Taking it a step further is the amphibious RIB recreational line. From the AMP 230 Cabo at 24 feet LOA to the AMP 320 Chesapeake (33′ 10″ LOA, 10′ 5″ beam), these rigid inflatable boats run on Ocean Craft’s AAS-100 Amphibious system, comprising four independently motorized, retractable, and steerable wheels to drive from the water to the shore and back again. In the water, max power is twin 400-hp outboards with speeds reaching 53 mph. For the angler, the AMP 320 comes equipped with an underwater camera, rod holders, livewell, tube set ladders, and a fridge. It also has a full-size grill for those who want to enjoy their catch right away. ocmamp.com
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Highfield
Available with up to twin 150-hp outboard power for breathtaking performance, the stylish Highfield Sport 800 (26′ 7″ LOA, 9′ 6″ beam) is equally suited to serving as a primary boat and a tender to a large luxury yacht. Highfield Boats’ rugged aluminum hull with a 26-degree deadrise provides a safe and stable ride in rough water. The Sport 800 can hold up to 15 passengers, and its multiple seating configurations offer comfort and space for the entire family. The aft cockpit has plenty of space and features a large removable table and handy refrigerator under the aft-facing seat, enough for six to dine comfortably. The rear seat folds over to form an aft sunpad, complementing the large sundeck in the bow. A standard hardtop provides both shade and sleek styling. highfieldnorthamerica.com
Technohull
Technohull introduces a fresh and modern design philosophy with the new Alpha 50 (49′ LOA, 15′ 5″ beam). The philosophy encapsulates a contemporary approach to comfort, style, and luxury, all while staying faithful to the brand’s high-performance heritage, beginning with an emphasis on the ample exterior space and expansive lounging areas. The performance comes from the Alpha 50’s patented Dynastream semi-straight, wave-piercing bow hull design that delivers high speeds, exceptional seakeeping, and excellent handling in rough weather conditions. Configured with quad 500-hp Mercury engines, speed can exceed 90 mph. Engine options range from two to five outboards, and inboard options include twin inboard diesels. The helm features a brand-new aerodynamic hardtop with a full glass windshield and boasts a wide, fully equipped console with state-of-the-art digital management systems to enhance the driving experience. Seating setups include double rows of triple shock-absorbing seats at the helm, an island sunbed on the aft deck, and an expansive sunbed and a console seat on the bow. A side console entrance reveals a luxurious and comfortable cabin with an oversized double berth, ample storage space, and a separate head with a shower. technohull.com
RIBCRAFT
RIBCRAFT’s rigid inflatable boats are built tough for use with law enforcement agencies, which also make them good for recreational use—stable, dry, fast, and safe in all conditions. To top it off, the RIBCRAFT 7.8 (25′ 7″ LOA, 8′ 9″ beam) model is now designed to use the latest in outboard technology and is available with the 300-hp Cox Diesel outboard. That will give it a range of 400 nautical miles cruising at 31 mph on the 100-gallon fuel tank and reach speeds of 50 mph. The RIB comes standard with a 250-hp Yamaha and power upgrades include a 300-hp Yamaha outboard or twin 150-hp Yamaha outboards. An updated layout includes plush aft seating, a forward sun platform or wraparound seating, a comfortable helm seat or leaning post, folding cocktail table, and synthetic teak decks. Each RIB is built to customer’s specifications in the U.S. ribcraftusa.com
Walker Bay
Designed using the latest boatbuilding technologies, the Generation 12 (12′ LOA, 6′ 4″ beam) has a modified deep V-hull for a smooth ride and weighs a svelte 750 pounds, making the luxury tender easy to transport and store. The tender can accommodate up to six people and offers L-shaped bow seating and a two-person helm. The console dash has room for a nine-inch chartplotter, gauges, VHF radio, and a stereo. Walker Bay includes a built-in insulated cooler and six stainless steel cupholders as standard equipment, while buyers can add a bimini top, stainless steel rod holders, or a shower with a five-gallon freshwater tank. With max power set at 50-hp, the new console tender has performance, comfort, and versatility. walkerbay.com
Williams Jet Tenders
The SportJet 460 (15′ 1″ LOA, 6′ 7″ beam) is designed as a tender for yachts 80 feet and longer, but with a purpose-built hull able to carry up to six passengers, it provides a very comfortable cruising experience. Although the RIB offers stability and straight-line navigation, the Rotax ACE 1603 170-hp engine will transform it into an exhilarating ski boat, reaching a top speed of 48 mph. Personalize your RIB with a chartplotter, Fusion MP3 stereo system, bimini, and a speed control setup (cruise, eco, ski, and docking) as well as color choices to match your yacht. The removable ski pole is standard as is the BRP multifunction display. A large aft platform provides easy boarding from the dock or the water, and the helm seat backrest adjusts to create a sunpad. williamsjettenders.com
Arksen
The Arksen 8 (26′ 3″ LOA, 9′ 6″ beam) is the first of five Discovery Series RIBs set to hit the water this year. It offers a broad, stable platform with an internal deck that provides for maximum utility. The advanced hydrodynamic hull design ensures a sure-footed and dynamic driving experience with a 24-degree deadrise deep-V hull form and detailed spray rails capable of handling challenging ocean swells and choppy coastal waters. Rated for up to 500-hp with options for either single or twin outboard engine installation, it also has a built-in 130-gallon fuel tank for extended cruising. The Arksen 8 has an asymmetric deck design with a large offset console that provides protection from the elements and houses a spacious head compartment. There is an option for a black GRP hardtop complete with a retractable canvas roof and roof rack. With a single 350-hp outboard, the RIB can reach 45-50 knots and at 28 knots, has a 350-nautical mile range. arksen.com
Pirelli (Sacs Tecnorib)
Sacs Tecnorib’s new Pirelli X Line is characterized by soft and embracing shapes with a very wide bow and roomy deck space. The new tenders, X350 and X400, do not replace previous models, but expand the shipyard’s offerings. The Pirelli X350 (11′ 3″ LOA, 5′ 6″ beam) is powered by a BRP Rotax ACE 903 90-hp engine with hydrojet propulsion. Standard features include the BRP multifunction display, removable and adjustable steering wheel, swim ladder, stern and side handrails, and the trademark Pirelli Cinturato rubber tire tread strip on the tubes. Owners can customize this rigid inflatable boat further with color choices, accessories such as a wakeboard rack, tow post, and attachable waterproof storage bags. The aft seating has a movable backrest that allows room for a sunpad, and a nice swim platform provides easy access for water sports. tecnorib.it
Novurania
Novurania’s new Como 24 (23′ 6″ LOA, 8′ 11″ beam) is the perfect marriage of style and performance. This yacht tender is made of a fiberglass hull, deck, and liner as well as Hypalon tube. It guarantees easy walkability and boarding with steps as well as spacious seating areas both on the bow and stern. A freshwater system with washdown and LED console, deck, and navigational lights are standard, but for an even brighter view, opt for a set of two LED underwater lights. Elegant and chic, the Como 24 can transport up to 12 passengers to the beach, on the water, and to the dock. With a 200-hp outboard engine, it can reach 52 mph with ease. novurania.com
Nuova Jolly
The Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC (32′ 2″ LOA, 11′ 2″ beam) combines sleek Italian styling and craftsmanship with superb seamanship and handling. The Prince 33 CC’s fiberglass deep-V hull with 25-degree deadrise is designed for a smooth ride in rough offshore conditions. Up to 12 passengers can enjoy the ride in cushioned comfort. A bow thruster is standard, along with a Raymarine Axiom 12+ RV chartplotter. The bow cockpit features a large sunpad. Aft is a wraparound settee with removable cockpit table. The hardtop, supported by carbon fiber poles, comes with a bimini extension to shade the dining area. Tunes are provided by a six-speaker audio system with subwoofer, amplifier, and USB connection. Large swim platform extensions on either side of the motors provide easy access to the sea. For overnighting on board, there is a convertible V-berth and separate wet head with sink and marine toilet inside the console. nuovajollyusa.com
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