A rigid-hulled inflatable boat, often shortened to RIB, is a lightweight but high-performance and high-capacity boat constructed with a rigid hull joined to inflatable tubes that form the boat’s sides. The hull is typically constructed of fiberglass, wood, aluminum, or a composite material. The inflatable tubes are made of rubber or hypalon fabric. These inflatable collars allow the vessel to maintain buoyancy even if a large quantity of water is shipped aboard due to rough seas. As an example, a coast guard unit might employ this type of vessel for search and rescue operations in turbulent ocean conditions.
The design offers a number of advantages. The combination of a rigid hull and inflatable tubes provides stability, buoyancy, and shock absorption, making it well-suited for demanding environments. These vessels offer increased load capacity compared to similarly sized hard-hulled boats and are less prone to damage from impacts. Historically, these watercraft have found application in military, law enforcement, and recreational boating, valued for their speed, seaworthiness, and versatility.
