What we as professionals, look for in a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)

Build & Design: When considering purchasing a RIB, we recommend choosing a RIB with Hypalon tubes as opposed to PVC constructed tubes. Hypalon is a much stronger material than PVC, and better suited to the UK environment. If choosing a darker coloured material for the tubes, an additional pressure relief valve should be fitted. The hull should be hand laminated by a professional UK laminator, and should not be imported from a country with cheap labour costs and poor quality control. The RIB should be a reputable and established British brand, with a nice high bow, and a deep-V hull ensuring a comfortable, dry and safe ride.

Seating: There are normally two suitable seating options available to use on a RIB - jockey or bench seating. Most people are surprised on how comfortable jockey seats are and how safe young children feel when using them. It is important to try both options before choosing your final seating layout. Bench seats always look appealing, but they are not necessarily suited to every ones needs. It is worth considering what you will be using the RIB for to determine which seating options would best suit your requirements.

Size Matters: Many people choose a RIB bigger than they actually need without taking into consideration whether they have a sufficient vehicle for towing and launching a craft of that size. At PBS we are more inclined to fit-out, market and sell "Big Small RIBs". Our biggest two sellers are the Humber Destroyer 5.5m, with Seating for 5 on Jockey Seats, and the Humber Destroyer 6m, with Side by Side Seating for 6 on Jockey Seats.

What Engine? Conventional 2 Stroke Outboard Engines are light, simple, easy to fix and need no state of the heart technology to maintain. They are ideal if you are in a remote location. The down side to the conventional 2 stroke is that it uses much more fuel than modern day intelligent 2 Strokes or 4 Strokes. 4 Stroke Outboard Engines have become more popular since the late 1990's, they are slightly heavier than conventional 2 Stroke Outboards but use approximately 50% less fuel and consume no oil. They require more servicing than the conventional 2 Stroke but are extremely reliable. Mercury mariner & Honda Marine have recorded more than 6000 hours on there outboards without a fault. Modern 2 Stroke. Mercury Mariner along with Evinrude have developed a modern intelligent direct injection 2 stroke which offers the advantages of both conventional 2 stroke and 4 stroke outboards. The modern engines "Optimax & etec" have the weight advantage of the two stroke but the fuel advantage of the four stroke. When the balance and weight is the deciding factor when choosing your rib, may be this is the answer.

Please contact us with your exact requirements. We are here to help!