Owning a RIB often times involves changing the ways you’ve always done certain things. For example, when keeping your boat in a marina or at a dock, it’s important to remember that tieing a RIB up is slightly different than with a hard sided boat. You should avoid running lines up and over the tubes. For the bow, always run lines from the bow eye straight to the dock and at the transom, run from either the aft tow eyes or an A frame or radar arch if your RIB has one. Though the tubes are durable, prolonged wear from a line chafing over the tube will cause cosmetic and potential structural damage. Similarly, when trailering a RIB, never run a strap over the tube to secure the boat to trailer as you would with your 13’ Whaler. Securing a strap over the tube puts incredible stress and pressure on the tubes and can cause considerable chafe over long distances. When I trailer my RIB, I utilize the transom tow eyes. I usually take two motorcycle straps and run from the port and starboard tow eyes straight to the trailer, or take one continuous strap or line, secure to the port or starboard side of the trailer and run through both transom eyes and back down to the trailer. This is an incredibly secure and safe way to transport your RIB without damaging the tubes.
Even though I've spent countless hours cleaning boats, particularly RIBs, I'm always looking for new ideas, products and cleaning methods that others have discovered. Regardless of your tube materials, Hypalon, polyurethane, or PVC, the following is a good guide for keeping your RIB clean and well maintained.
I start by rinsing off the hull, deck and tubes. With "Simple Green" as my soap of choice, I add a small amount to a pail, and fill with fresh water. I then use a sponge to wash down the console, windshield, seats, upholstery, engine cover and anything else that I feel a scrub brush would be a bit too harsh for. After thoroughly rinsing off these sections, I then scrub the non-skid deck using a heavy brush.
For the tubes, I start again with a soft soapy sponge and work my way from bow to stern, removing dirt, dust and grime. For the stubborn spots I use a face cloth, or rag, which tends to be a bit more aggressive. After rinsing off the tubes and entire boat once again, I let sit to dry. Sometimes wiping the tubes down with a dry towel or chamy cloth will eliminate water spots, especially with a darker tube color.
Once dry, I usually apply a product called "303" to the tubes, using a soft rag. This shines them up and provides some UV Protection. (Always avoid cleaning products with Silicone in them as silicone penetrates the fabric and will make future repairs all but impossible) After that, she's clean and ready to go.
What other cleaning products have you used on your RIB that you’d recommend?? Any cleaning tips or suggestions?
It’s great to read everyone’s thoughts on my last posting – keep them coming. With all this talk about safe boating I thought I’d put my own two sense in on some tips I found to be a great way to insure a safe boating experience. We’ve all flown and walked by the cockpit as we board to see the pilot and co-pilot going through a series of checks prior to take off. We as boaters should do the same. I recommend checking the engine, making sure the fluids, steering, and battery are operating properly and water is streaming out of the engine, just below the cover. Always make sure the navigation lights are working, you have a functional horn that is loud, and the flares haven’t expired, and there are enough PFDs for all on board. I always check the below deck compartments to insure there isn’t any water in the bilge and to smell for fuel. Additionally, you should always have a working VHF radio in case of an emergency. These are just a few things that take only a minute that will insure a safe day on the water.
I was flipping through a boating magazine this morning and counted four ads showing powerboats soaring out of the water looking, in my opinion, very much out of control. In a time when boating safety is moving to the forefront as it should, I’m amazed that manufacturers would show their boats in such a state. I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t really make me think of safe responsible boating or that my experience on that boat will be safe when I see a boat flying off a wave with spray flying and propellers spinning in a blur – though in some respects it does appeal to my male ego and gets the testosterone flowing. To see an image like this suggests that either the boat is poorly designed or the manufacturer in some indirect way condones unsafe and irresponsible operating habits. With boating fatalities and accidents on a rise, I think all of us in the marine industry need to be careful with what we show in our ads and not only talk about safe boating but portray it. What do you think?
Everyone at some point early on in their introduction to RIBs has asked, and no doubt all of us have been asked no tons of times “What do the tubes do”? Perhaps the question should really be; what don’t they do. But for now, I thought I’d give you the “Top Ten” things tubes do for RIBs.
Comfort – The tubes offer a great place to sit with lots of handholds. Additionally, they provide a great cushion should you jump down into a boat from a high dock or accidentally fall.
Cushion – Also having to do with comfort, the tubes act as an oversized shock absorber at any speed and in any sea, providing a very smooth ride.
Dry - Not only do they provide a very smooth ride, but they also keep you nice and dry! The tube deflects spray from the hull down and away from those onboard. Additionally, with the added buoyancy, you’re less prone to swamping.
Easy Access – Divers have long loved the tubes for the ease of rolling off the tubes in full dive gear and then easily being able to pull themselves back in over the tubes by using the lifelines.
Fenders –The tubes provide great protection from damage when launching and retrieving the boat. Even more so, they provide an oversized fender to protect their boat as well as the boat they’re pulling along side.
Stability – A big favorite of rescue & safety professionals, the tubes provide great transverse stability. All on board can safely sit/ stand on one side of the boat and the RIB will never capsize in calm conditions – can’t do that with a hard sided boat.
Following Seas – The added buoyancy at the bow provides one of the most important performance factors, by preventing the boat from stuffing and swamping.
Buoyancy - No matter what you throw at them (or I should say, in them) – chances are the RIB can carry it. Incredibly forgiving, with the air filled tube a RIB is able to carry substantial weight. Not only can RIBs carry the weight, with the tube, they’re able to do so without sacrificing stability.
Speed – With the tubes, the overall weight of the boat is much less than a hard sided boat. This allows you to go with a smaller horsepower engine without sacrificing speed. In some cases, you can go with a smaller horsepower and get a greater speed.
Safety - God forbid you ever capsize a RIB in large extreme seas, the tubes keep the overturn boat afloat and high in the water which not only keeps victims out of the water, but makes it very easy to see. Additionally, if you’re trapped underneath, you have a large guaranteed air supply.
Even though RIBs are still relatively new to the US boating scene, there’s still a great variety of RIBs to choose from. So, what should you look for when it’s time to purchase a new RIB?
I've come up with a brief list of 6 major items to think about and look for when buying a RIB that should help you through the process.
1) First and foremost - decide how you plan to use the boat. Will you be using the boat for work or pleasure? Do you want a boat that can handle anything mother nature throws your way or are you looking for a boat that’s comfortable for lounging around on and having cocktails during the evening harbor cruise? Perhaps you want a boat for diving or fishing? This simple question will make your decision much easier and your search more focused. If you’re looking for a rescue craft, then look at the companies that specialize in building professional grade boats and if you want a plush yacht tender, then look to those who focus on that.
2) Hypalon, PVC, or Polyurethane? There are benefits to all three of these tube materials, however, if you’re looking for the best all around product that will last the longest, require the least amount of maintenance, and is most UV resistant, then you should go with the only time tested material, Hypalon.
3) Details – You can tell a lot about a boat simply by looking at the details. I recommend looking at the quality of the fittings and stainless steel hardware (hinges, latches, cleats) on the boat. You should also take a close look at the tubes. You don’t have to be a RIB expert to know good craftsmanship. Examine the tube attachments; do you see areas where the manufacturer over sanded or didn’t clean all the glue?
4) Price – Only you know what your price range is. The good news is that RIBs cover a broad spectrum of prices, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. My only word of advice - you get what you pay for!
5) Reputation – Ask around and look to see who’s using RIBs. What does the local harbormaster, fire department, yacht club, or even Coast Guard station have for a RIB? Go on line. There are several good resources and forums out there too. I recommend RIB Net, Hot RIBs, RIB International Magazine, Inflatable Boats Magazine, and Fred’s Blog (of course).
6) Customer Service - Just as important as the five items listed above. I think this pretty much speaks for itself. Is the manufacturer willing to work directly with their customers. Are they responsive to your needs and willing to answer your questions? If they don’t get back to you right away when you’re interested in buying a boat, will they should you need help once you own a boat? Do they have service centers in place?
I’m sure I’m missing some important factors, so, if you’ve recently (or not so recently) purchased a RIB, please feel free to add your own two cents.
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