Choosing a swimming vehicle for fishing or water tourism often comes down to finding a balance between comfort, load capacity and mobility. PVC rib It's a hybrid that combines soft inflatable sides and a solid fiberglass bottom, and it allows you to go at high speeds, it's easy to go slicking, and you don't have to worry about rocky shores, as you do with fully inflatable models.
Many aquatic motorists mistakenly believe that the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is an exceptionally expensive all-metal hull vessel, but modern technology has allowed the creation of affordable analogues where the fiberglass hull is integrated into a durable shell of solid metal. polyvinyl chlorideThis decision radically changes the driving performance: the boat cuts the wave, not slaps it on it, providing dryness and stability even in severe excitement.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why it is worth considering this option, how to choose the right equipment and what to pay attention to when buying. The key difference between high-quality RIB is a monolithic connection of the fiberglass case with cylinders, excluding leaks in the joints. Deep immersion in the topic will help avoid the typical mistakes of beginners when first getting acquainted with this class of boats.
Design features of RIBs with PVC tubes
The basis of any RIB is a load-bearing body made of reinforced fiberglass. Unlike the transom decks in conventional boats, here the bottom has a complex hydrodynamic shape, often with pronounced cheekbones and redanes. spray out And then we go into plane mode at lower engine power, and PVC-based boards are attached to the top edge of the body, creating a sealed buoyancy circuit.
Use of use five-layer For cylinders, it provides the necessary torpedo-shaped shape that does not deform under load. The air in the cylinders acts as a shock absorber, softening the shocks against the wave, which is especially valuable when moving against the wind, while the rigid housing takes the main load from the weight of the passengers and cargo, distributing it throughout the displacement area.
It's important to note that the squirrel board in these models is an extension of the fiberglass case, not a separate element, which allows you to install more powerful ones. boat-engineThe transom is designed for long-term loads and vibrations, which are critical for water safety.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a RIB, be sure to check for drainage valves at the lowest point of the fiberglass cockpit. their absence will lead to water accumulation inside the housing, which will shift the center of gravity and impair handling.
Building a vessel like this requires a certain skill, but it takes less time than pumping a fully inflatable boat with a floorboard floor, spreading the cylinders, plugging the pump in and controlling the pressure, and the rigid hull doesn't require flooring, which speeds up preparations for the launch.
Comparison of RIB with solder boat and aluminum
When it comes to choice, water-powered boats tend to swing between a classic plywood-bottomed boat, an all-metal Kazank boat, and a fiberglass RIB. Each type has its advantages, but PVC RIB is unique. considerably better seaworthiness due to the V-shaped bottom, which not only breaks the wave, but slides along it.
Aluminum boats are better at hull durability, but they are worse at weight and noise. Metal rings in the wave, requiring additional noise insulation, while fiberglass and PVC are better at quenching acoustic vibrations. aluminum-boat Often have a flat or weakly keeled bottom, which makes movement on a chop wave (short and steep) uncomfortable and even dangerous due to impacts on water.
- 🚤 planing: RIB goes to plane earlier due to the optimal geometry of the bottom, saving fuel.
- 🌊 Comfort: Inflatable sides of the RIB are softer than aluminum board in case of accidental contact with the berth or side of another boat.
- ⚖️ Weight: Composite RIB lighter than the same size aluminum boat, which is important for transportation on the roof of the car.
- 🛡️ Safety: PVC tubes create an additional supply of purity, which is impossible to obtain in a metal boat without additional floats.
However, it is worth remembering the dimensions in the assembled form. If the solder boat can be packed in one bag, then the RIB with its rigid body requires the presence of a single unit. trailer It's a compromise that's made for the quality of the ride, and for those who change water bodies a lot and don't have a trailer, it can be a crucial factor.
Why are RIBs more expensive than conventional boats?
The fiberglass process requires matrix and multi-stage molding, which is much more difficult and costly than plywood or aluminum welding, and more expensive grades of resins and reinforcement materials are used.
Size and loading capacity selection
The dimensions of the RIB directly affect its purpose. Models up to 3.6 meters long are considered cruising and suitable for calm bodies of water alone or together. They are compact, but can be splashed on the wave. For serious fishing or going to the coastal zone of the sea, models from the sea will be the best choice. 4.2. to 4.8 meters.
When choosing a size, it's important to consider not only the number of passengers, but also the buoyancy margin. An overloaded RIB loses its running quality: the nose burrows into the water and the cheekbones stop working. Always leave a loading capacity of about 20% of the data-sheet figures, which will ensure high board above the water and safety.
| Boat length (m) | Capacity (person) | Recommended motor power (hp) | Type of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 - 3.6 | 1-2 | 5 - 15 | Spinning, cruising |
| 3.8 - 4.2 | 2-3 | 15 - 30 | Trolling, tourism |
| 4.5 - 5.0 | 3-5 | 30 - 60 | Sea, long-distance crossings |
| 5.0+ | 5+ | 60+ | Expeditions, diving |
The width of the cockpit also matters: Narrow models are faster but less stable when fishing standing.beam more than 1.8 m) provide excellent stability, allowing you to move safely on the sides, but require a more powerful engine to exit the plane.
When calculating your load capacity, consider not only the weight of people, but also a full tank of fuel, anchor, gear and equipment: fuel heavier than water (about 0.75 kg / l), and a full tank of 50 liters - that is 37 kg of weight in the stern.
Selection of a outboard motor for RIB
Proper motorization is the key to enjoyment from ownership of the RIB. A weak motor will not allow you to go to plane, forcing the engine to run at the limit, and overly powerful will create the risk of rollover at a sharp start. transmutation.
For RIBs 3.6-4.2 meters long, the optimal two-stroke engines are 15-20 hp. They are lightweight, maintainable and provide excellent dynamics. If budget allows, four-stroke units will provide silence and economy, which is critical for multi-day travel. However, their weight can shift the center of gravity, so for light RIBs this is not always the best choice.
An important element is lower unit For shallow waters, long-dried Shaft models are preferred, which are less susceptible to cavitation at high speeds. Be sure to check whether the motor can be mounted on your transom: the transom is standard 381 mm (15 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches).
- 🔧 Fixing: Use high-quality rods and safety rope, as the vibration on RIB is higher than on keel boats.
- ⛽ Expenditure: On planing, RIB consumes 20-30% less fuel than a flat-bottomper of the same mass.
- 🌪️ Cavitation: A properly selected screw step will eliminate cavitation pits and ensure a smooth course.
⚠️ Warning: Never exceed the maximum power of the engine specified by the boat manufacturer, which can cause the transom to collapse and the boat to sink due to flooding with the stern wave.
☑️ Checking the water-readiness
Operation and care of the fiberglass case
Fiberglass is a durable material, but it requires respect, the main enemy is ultraviolet light and mechanical impacts on stones at high speed. osmosis The small scratches are easy to polish, but the deep chips require immediate repair to avoid stratification.
After each release to salt water, RIB must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, the salt, when dried, crystallizes and can damage the structure of PVC tissue at the joints with the plastic, and it is also important to lubricate the zippers and valves with special silicone lubrication to maintain their elasticity.
The boat must be stored in a sun-protected place, even high-quality materials degrade over time under direct sunlight. tent-coverThey are worn on board and protect the cockpit from precipitation and ultraphylete.
Wintering RIB requires a special approach. Do not leave the boat pumped in the cold if it is stored outside - temperature changes can damage the adhesive seams. It is optimal to store RIB in a slightly deflated state in a warm room or garage, hanging by stringers or putting it on a flat surface.
The durability of PVC RIBs depends on 80% of their proper storage and regular freshwater washing after salt water.
Tuning and additional equipment
The basic equipment of the RIB is often minimalist, so the owners are actively engaged in tuning. console It's also equipped with windshields, which makes an open boat a comfortable miniboat, and it also allows you to permanently install the navigator, sonar and dashboard of the motor.
Fishing is an essential anchor system, and RIBs are popular for Denforth or Grapple anchors, which are stored in a nose rund, and anchor rollers on the forehead make it easier to lift the anchor and prevent cable damage to the balloon, and it's also worth thinking about soft seats, because the fiberglass bottom is hard and cold.
- 🎣 Holders of rods: Pluged into the sides or attached to the console for convenient trolling.
- 🔦 Lights: Installation of running lights and cockpit lights is mandatory for night exits.
- 📦 Runduks: Sealed boxes in the nose and stern to store things that should remain dry.
Don't forget to protect the cylinders. Special treads on the cheekbones and sides will save PVC from abrasion on the berths and thickets of reeds. It's consumable, but it will cost less to replace than repairing the main cylinder.
How to store RBI in winter: do I need to flush air?
There is a myth that RIB should only be stored in a pumped state. In fact, for a fiberglass case, this is not critical. Moreover, storage in a warm room under temperature changes can lead to pressure changes and even rupture of the seams if the boat is pumped into the string. Optimally lower the cylinders to working pressure or slightly lower if the boat is warm. If RIB is stored in an unheated room or on the street, the cylinders are better to slightly lower the air compression in the cold, but not leave them completely empty, which can be protected from the storage directly behind the vents.
Can you walk on the RIB against strong winds?
RIBs are seaworthy, but they're very high inflatable. When the side winds are strong, the boat can blow a lot. But the bottom's deep keeliness allows you to steer against the wave with confidence, which is often not available for flat-bottomers. The main rule is not to pick your nose up too high and keep the speed sufficient for the steering wheel to work efficiently. If the wave becomes dangerous (exceed 2/3 of the height of the board), you should turn around and go lag or jump to the wave with the minimum safe speed.
How long does a fiberglass RIB case last?
When properly operated and without serious mechanical damage (shocks at speed), the fiberglass case lasts 20-30 years or more. The material does not rot, does not rust or lose its properties over time. The main wear concerns the gelcoat (top decorative layer) that can be restored. PVC tubes last less - about 10-15 years, after which the fabric may require replacement or serious repair, but the body remains fully functional.