Rigid Inflatable Boat

A lightweight powerboat with a rigid hull surrounded by inflatable buoyancy tubes.

Commonly abbreviated to RIB, the design combines the shaped underwater form and structural support of a rigid hull with a large inflatable collar. The tubes add reserve buoyancy, provide a soft contact surface and contribute to stability, while the rigid hull supports the engine, controls and load.

Tube material, chambers, valves and seams require inspection and correct inflation. A RIB’s load, power, operating limits and safety equipment depend on its design and certification; the presence of inflatable tubes does not make it immune to swamping, capsize or damage.