A RIB is a rigid hull combined with an inflatable collar. The hull is inspected like a fast boat, the collar like an inflatable, and the line joining them separately.
The collar
- Material
- Hypalon (CSM) or PVC. Hypalon resists sun and heat better; PVC is lighter and cheaper.
- Sun damage
- Fading, chalking and tackiness; fine cracks in the fabric surface.
- Seams
- Separation and blistering at glued or welded seams.
- Valves
- Tightness of inflation and deflation valves; baffles between chambers.
Pressure hold
- The collar is inflated to the maker's recommended pressure.
- Left for a set time, allowing for temperature change.
- Pressure is measured again; a chamber that loses pressure has its seams and valves checked with soapy water.
Hull and joint
- The line where the collar joins the hull, and the rubbing strake.
- Bottom, transom and outboard mounting.
- Console, seating and fuel tank mounts.
Tubes
A RIB's tubes are the basis of its buoyancy and safety. Tube material decides their life and repair method: PVC tubes are lighter and cheaper but more sensitive to sun and heat; rubber-based coated fabrics are tougher. On survey, tube surfaces, seams and bonded joints, patches and old repairs, valves and rubbing strakes are examined. A surface chalky, cracked or tacky from sun shows the tube is ageing.
Pressure hold test
The most reliable way to know whether tubes hold air is to inflate them to the maker's pressure and wait. A pressure drop points to a leak or a valve problem; soapy water finds the spot. Temperature changes affect pressure, so readings are compared at the same temperature.
The rigid hull
Despite its size, a RIB's GRP hull takes heavy slamming loads at speed. Bottom, keel and transom are sounded and moisture-read; a wet core in the transom where the outboard is mounted is especially common.
Engine and console
The outboard's hours, service record and mounting are checked; steering, console and fuel tank connections are examined.
A RIB as tender
RIBs serving as tenders to larger boats also take loads from davits and lifting points. Lifting rings and their attachments are checked separately.
In winter
Stored out of the sun and lightly inflated over winter, RIB tubes last longer.
Value
Because tubes are the most expensive item to replace, their condition and age weigh heavily in a RIB's value; the report states them plainly.
Safety kit
Even a small RIB should carry a pump, paddles, an anchor and line, lifejackets and an engine kill cord; the survey checks this kit too. Small leaks and surface wear can be repaired with the right adhesive and patch, while a full tube replacement quote from the maker or an authorised workshop underpins any price negotiation.
Valves and fittings are watched separately in the pressure test; replacing a valve is usually simple and cheap, and the report keeps such small jobs apart from the big items so the owner can see the true picture at a glance.
Care
A well-cared-for RIB gives years of safe use. Care is simple but must be regular: rinse tubes with fresh water, keep them out of strong sun when not in use, check pressure before each outing and deal with small leaks at once, before they grow.
That habit alone adds years to the tubes.
Keep a small repair kit aboard, with glue and patches.