High Performance Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB) – What’s all the fuss about?
In the world of Superyachts, fast, high performance and luxury tenders are the norm and so can be seen all over the world being used as tenders to run out to the mothership in all weathers, keeping owners and guests safe, dry, in luxurious comfort and of course, on schedule, are all essential. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, these you’ll see these in every marina and harbour, they are hugely popular and are always ferrying celebrities to and fro at Formula 1 races and parties to dream of.
In the pinnacle of the sailing racing world such as the Sail GP, keeping up with 50ft foiling yachts travelling at 53knots in the worst of conditions is no easy feat. It’s fast, it’s offshore, it’s windy as hell and it’s dangerous. What boat do you choose to keep up in such conditions? An offshore high performance RIB of course. It will keep the media crew up to speed with the action all day long. It will handle the wind and the waves and on top of all that, they are virtually unsinkable.
There’s many reasons that emergency and rescue services, including Police and Military all over the world choose Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) for their operations. In short, they are lightweight, stable, fuel efficient, fast, easy to manoeuvre, durable and have high carrying capacities. Here’s more reasons to buy a RIB boat. For leisure use – although you won’t need military level capability, it is reassuring that you have the best craft for your family with safety in mind.
Choosing from among the many brands out there, both new and old can take a lot of homework, especially if you’re not sure where to begin, so we’ve simplified the process for you by compiling a list of the top 5 high-performance luxury RIB brands currently available in the market.
Scorpion RIBS
Scorpion is a renowned British brand with its factory located in Lymington, UK. They’ve been making boats for more than 25 years now, with each boat made by hand to fit the owner’s needs exactly. They have a special hull design that makes them safe and fast, which is really good for towing, boating in any weather, participating in long-distance racing, and more.
They also stand out as the ultimate, elegant chase boat with a strong racing heritage. Renowned for their performance in offshore and ocean passages, Scorpion RIBs have secured numerous victories and world records, including the prestigious London to Monaco, Round British Isles, and London to Gibraltar races. In fact, in 2020, they partnered with the 52 SUPER SERIES, the world’s leading monohull racing circuit, providing the Serket 98 as the official media boat for 2 years. Additionally, they collaborated with Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) for the 2012 America’s Cup World Series, showcasing the quality and performance of their boats, including the popular Serket 88 model.
Every Scorpion boat is meticulously handcrafted in-house to meet the exact specifications of its owner, guaranteeing the utmost quality. Their dedicated in-house teams handle every aspect of the design, styling, moulding, and assembly process, ensuring unparalleled attention to detail. This level of oversight allows for limitless customisation options.
Their most noteworthy model is the Silurian 1080 Chase Tender. It boasts a length of 10.49 metres and a beam of 3.25 metres, offering options for twin outboard or twin inboard engines. It features various console, seating, and Bimini configurations, along with a diverse selection of colours for the gel coat, tubes, and upholstery.
Some notable figures seen on Scorpion boats are Richard Branson, British entrepreneur and adventurer, head of Virgin Group Ltd., and Barack Obama II, an American politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
PROS:
- Offshore Power Racing Heritage.
- Endorsed by Sir Ben Ainslie.
- Globally renowned as the best RIBs for build quality.
- Made in UK.
- Meticulously handcrafted with premium materials for superior durability.
- Excels in both long-distance racing and diverse water activities.
- Entire build made by specialised in-house teams.
- Seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with advanced production methods.
CONS:
- No recent new models released.
- Smaller aft bathing platforms.
- Lacks amenities such as cupholders for day boating use.
Protector RIBS
The high-performance Protector Boats are manufactured by Rayglass Boats, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality, award-winning power boats since 1985. They have a global presence with dealerships in the USA, UK & Europe, Australia, and a head office located in Mt. Wellington, New Zealand.
Designed to excel in the harshest conditions and ability to carry passengers at high speed, Protector Boats are known for their durability. The most notable model they offer is the Protector 410 Chase, with an overall length of 12.5 metres and a beam of 3.9 metres. It represents their flagship Protector chase range.
PROS:
- Made in New Zealand.
- Spacious design for utilitarian use.
- Designed to thrive in harsh conditions.
- Proven capability as a chase boat.
- Cabin designs for all weather conditions.
CONS:
- More utilitarian than luxury.
- In design, practicality has won over style.
Ribco RIBS
Founded in Athens, Greece, in 1994, Ribco embodies a deep-rooted passion for performance boating and the luxury of Mediterranean deck life. With a comprehensive range of models in the Maxi RIB category spanning from 28 feet to 44 feet, Ribco boasts the most complete lineup of RIBs in the market. The Venom 44 is the company’s flagship with an overall length of 13.15 metres and she runs on a hull designed by Lorne Campbell.
Furthermore, Ribco RIBS is built on the foundation of the infamous Scorpion hulls, which have garnered a reputation for their exceptional characteristics. As a result, these hulls offer comparable levels of safety, speed, and durability to Scorpion boats.
PROS:
- Combination of hulls with real offshore characteristics and Mediterranean decks.
- Fresh Designs.
- Proven capability as a chase boat.
CONS:
- Limited online presence and support.
- Very similar in style to Scorpion RIBs.
Ribeye RIBS
Located in Dartmouth, Devon, UK, Ribeye is an award-winning manufacturer specialising in high-performance superyacht tenders and leisure boats known for their iconic British design and craftsmanship. The most notable models are their 8.5 – 10m inboard tenders, offering the option to choose between jet or stern drive propulsion. Among the impressive clientele who have been seen riding Ribeye tenders is Gordon Ramsay, a British celebrity chef, restaurateur, television presenter, and writer, who was spotted aboard his brand new 600hp model.
PROS:
- British style – Made in UK.
- Trusted by captains and chief engineers worldwide.
- Strong brand presence and culture.
- Diverse range of models and layouts.
CONS:
- Styling not as sleek as other brands.
- Steak theme is not for everyone.
Technohull RIBS
Situated in Greece, Technohull takes pride in building high-technology, high-performance boats that set the benchmark for performance and design. Their largest model is the Alpha 50, which measures 14.95 metres in length overall. It represents a new design philosophy, showcasing a fresh and modern perspective on comfort, style, and luxury, offering high speeds, exceptional seakeeping, unbeatable comfort, and maximum efficiency.
PROS:
- Big, stylish looking RIBs.
- Very popular in Mediterranean.
- One of the largest-sized RIBs available at 50ft.
- Strong performance with stepped hulls.
- Practical design to day boating.
CONS:
- Limited in smaller size range.
Keep in mind, all these RIB brands (Scorpion, Protector, Ribco, Ribeye, and Technohull) offer top-notch quality, and your decision may depend on how you plan to use them. However, they all guarantee exciting adventures, with speed, versatility, and convenience for impromptu stops like picnics, swims, or spontaneous getaways. So we hope this article helps you in making an informed decision.
Buying a used boat is the best way to get started with boating. There are numerous benefits associated with purchasing a used boat, such as RIBs, sports cruisers, flybridges, and motor yachts, instead of an expensive new one. If you are considering buying used RIB boats, check out this article with a list of the best websites to buy used boats. Happy boating!
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