15 best RIB boats

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The abbreviation in the name of the boats RIB stands for Rigid Inflatable Boat, which means “rigid inflatable boat”. This implies the presence of a rigid frame and inflatable sides in the structure. As a result, the craft combined the advantages of both inflatable boats (increased stability afloat, safety, the possibility of compact storage and transportation, light weight) and boats with a rigid hull (excellent seaworthiness and strength). If you are an avid fisherman or want to travel around the water area, then when choosing a watercraft, pay attention to our TOP-15 best RIB boats, which is compiled taking into account the characteristics of models and owner reviews. The collected material will help to select RIB for more complex tasks (Ministry of Emergencies, operation in oil and gas companies, for special forces, etc.).

Rating of the largest best RIB boats

When compiling the list of the best, we paid attention to the size and capacity of the boats, the type of material of the rigid part of the hull, weight, cylinder configuration and PVC density. Customer reviews also helped to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of specific models. Let's start with large boats of 4-5.5 m in length, which are designed for a lifting capacity of 800-1300 kg and can accommodate 6 to 10 people. This is the best option for transporting bulky goods by water or traveling with a large company.

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the largest best RIB boats	1	Raider Marine RM-530	RUB 490,000
	2	Mercury RIB 500 Luxe River Drive	RUB 219,113
	3	Skyboat SB 520RT	RUB 430,100
	4	YAMARAN B530R	RUB 512,290
	5	Petrel B-530	RUB 350 450
	6	Mustang MS-450H	RUB 304,590
	7	Condor CR-480	RUB 339,500
	8	BRIG Falcon F500	RUB 495 360
	9	RIB CAT Fortis 490	RUB 245,000
	10	Baltic Boats Apollo RIB 460	RUB 98,280
	11	Admiral RIB 410 (with console)	RUB 122,000
The best small RIB boats	1	Raider Marine RM-380	RUB 185,000
	2	Veles (Stel) R-375 Elen	RUB 80,500
	3	WINboat 375R	RUB 68,000
	4	Veles (Stel) R-360 lite	RUB 50,500

Raider Marine RM-530

Rating: 4.9

In the first place of the review is one of the largest RIB boats Raider Marine RM-530. As the name implies, its length is 530 cm.Within this size, it turned out to be allocated under the cockpit as much as 3.53 m in length and 1.35 in width. The ship can accommodate 7 people in total. To accommodate the crew, there are two racks with windshields, separated by a passage to the bow of the boat. The “Neva” console contains a steering wheel and is complemented by a soft pilot's seat. Behind this part there is a “Ladoga” sofa-locker, where you can store supplies or inventory. The manufacturer includes two drainage pumps in the kit in case of flooding the RIB with waves. There is also a repair kit to eliminate breakdowns in the cylinder.

This RIB model is distinguished by the increased strength of the rigid aluminum bottom 8 mm, as well as dense PVC. This allows you to swim in shallow water without fear of breaking through the hull. The carrying capacity of the vessel is 1200 kg, and the large cockpit allows you to place additional equipment inside, so the boat is excellent for rescue services and even military purposes.

Advantages

• hard railing on the bow;
• there is a stern targa;
• designed to work with powerful motors up to 90 hp;
• fuel tank for 100 liters.

disadvantages

• not the most attractive design;
• high price;
• difficult to transport due to the weight of 270 kg;
• the nose strongly lifts up when accelerating, which blocks the pilot's view.

Mercury RIB 500 Luxe River Drive

Rating: 4.8

In second place is a boat with a pronounced sporty design. It has a pointed nose, narrow pilot stance and a tall spoiler with navigation lights. The RIB vessel is designed for interaction with powerful motors up to 90 HP. The cylinder consists of 4 air compartments with a diameter of 56 cm. PVC has a density of 1300 g / m² and is reinforced with fiber. There is an additional armor pad along the keel, which the owners like in the reviews. The rigid bottom of the RIB is made of fiberglass by casting. The manufacturer provides paddles, a water drain valve and a foot pump. There are also soft pads on all seats, which increases the comfort of use.

This boat is distinguished by two features at once. Although it is 30 cm shorter than the above-described RIB model, it can accommodate 10 people instead of 7. Another advantage of the boat is the reduced resistance to waves, which allows you to quickly gain high speed. That is why the prefix Drive is used in the name. In view of this, the RIB watercraft is excellent for various kinds of patrolling in water bodies in order to pursue violators and have a head start in speed.

Advantages

• PVC reinforced with fiber;
• the set includes paddles;
• easy to launch thanks to four side handles;
• high spoiler with running lights.

disadvantages

• weighs 260 kg;
• there are no rod holders;
• small windshield.

Skyboat SB 520RT

Rating: 4.7

In third place is the RIB boat with dimensions of 520×230 cm, where the cockpit dimensions are 355×120 cm. The boat is equipped with an awning and can accommodate 8 people. It is based on a U-shaped cylinder 500 mm in diameter and contains five independent compartments. If one is pierced, the ship will still stay afloat. The carrying capacity of the boat is 1000 kg. The bottom is made of fiberglass. The transom is built-in (stationary), so the RIB is designed to interact with powerful motors up to 100 hp, which will not lead to the destruction of this part of the hull. In the reviews, the owners like that there is an electric-type pump for pumping out water, and not a foot pump – to remove the liquid, you just need to turn on the device.

RIB attracted the attention of experts with the ability to install an additional stainless steel fuel tank. The manufacturer declares this on the official website. The company proposes to install it midships below deck. This solution doubles the power reserve, allowing you to go on the longest journeys without refueling. The presence of a covered awning facilitates even trips for several days with an overnight stay on the water, since bad weather will not be able to wet the travelers.

Advantages

• the balloon consists of five air compartments;
• there is an anchor eye;
• electric pump for pumping out water;
• no side trim while stationary.

disadvantages

• there are no rod holders;
• high price;
• weighs 320 kg.

YAMARAN B530R

Rating: 4.6

Further in the review the RIB “Yamaran” with dimensions of 5300×2200 mm, which can accommodate 9 people. The model is produced under the patronage of the Japanese company Yamaha and is made from foreign components. It is made with a cylinder of 500 mm in diameter and can withstand a load of 1000 kg. It is allowed to mount motors with power up to 100 hp on the transom. The total weight of the kit is 285 kg. Users in the reviews like the fact that the boat has rear and front lockers, which allows you to take everything you need on a trip and not fix equipment on the deck. The RIB is equipped with a 65 l fuel tank, an oar to dock neatly, and a pump to inflate the cylinder. The pilot and one passenger are seated on soft swivel seats, which increases travel comfort. Stainless steel bow and rail sold separately.

We marked this boat as the best RIB in terms of PVC density. It is 1350 g / m². This is one of the highest values ​​that will help keep the soft parts of the boat from being cut. If you like to fish in shallow water or in thickets of reeds, then with such a RIB model you will definitely stay afloat.

Advantages

• two lockers for storing inventory;
• the battery is protected by a durable fiberglass box;
• fuel tank 65 l with level sensor;
• two swivel chairs.

disadvantages

• weight 285 kg;
• high price;
• there is no fuel filter sump (installed only for an additional fee).

Petrel B-530

Rating: 4.5

And here is another boat from the category of large RIB watercraft. Its dimensions are 5300×2200 mm with a cockpit size 3850x1200mm. The manufacturer recommends installing 70 hp motors on this version of the RIB, and the maximum allowable is 90 hp The total weight of the boat is 310 kg. The bottom is made of fiberglass, so walking on the deck is very comfortable. RIB is based on water using two cylinders 50 cm in diameter, which consist of five air compartments. You can buy such a boat in red or gray hull color. The fishermen share in their reviews that the boat remains stable on a “broken” river wave, as well as on short ridges formed on lakes and reservoirs.

This RIB model is great for those who like fast speed gain. The deadrise angle is 19º here, so the bottom creates less drag on the water. This helps to save fuel. This configuration also allows the ship to drift when the waves are moving in the desired direction. This way you can spend longer time in the water area, fish or swim, and spend less fuel to get to your goal.

Advantages

• comfortable crew accommodation does not interfere with deck passage;
• two swivel chairs;
• wide sofa at the stern;
• 8 handles to hold while breaking the waves.

disadvantages

• small windshield;
• navigation bar and running lights sold separately.

Mustang MS-450H

Rating: 4.4

Further, an inflatable boat with a hard bottom, having dimensions of 4.5×2.1 m. The cockpit with dimensions of 3×1.1 m can accommodate 7 people. RIB weighs 185 kg, so 4 people are enough for launching. Additional handles are provided on the sides to hold the boat. Despite the size shortened by almost 1 m, in comparison with the above-described models, the vessel's carrying capacity is 820 kg. The bottom is made of fiberglass withstands landing on a sandbank and even a collision with stones. The manufacturer recommends installing a 40 hp motor on the RIB, but if you wish, you can mount a power unit up to 50 hp.

RIB got into our review because of the steering console in the “Sport” version. It has a short windshield, behind which is the steering wheel and other controls. The close placement of buttons makes it easier for the pilot to start systems and improves ergonomics. An additional stiff handle on the side allows the driver to hold on tightly despite strong winds and waves. The gas-reverse lever is also placed close to the steering wheel, so its grip is as natural as possible and does not tire the driver.

Advantages

• stainless steel handrails on the bow;
• locker at the front and rear of the vessel;
• handles for launching the boat;
• foot pump for pumping out water.

disadvantages

• motors with a power of over 50 hp must not be installed;
• the pilot does not have a separate seat (located on the back sofa).

Condor CR-480

Rating: 4.3

The brand “MNEV and K” offers the RIB “Condor CR-480” with a hull width of 2.15 m and a cockpit size of 3.8×1.1 m. The boat's capacity is 6 people. For this, the rear and middle sofas are provided, separated by a control zone. The boat weighs 170 kg, so it is much easier to launch it than the models described above. The maximum power of the installed motors should not exceed 60 hp. In reviews, the owners praise the rubberized steering wheel, which does not slip in sweaty hands. Buyers are also pleased with the quick set of speed, but they warn that directional stability is not the strongest side of the RIB here, since the deadrise angle is 14.2º.

Our experts have added the model to the list of the best due to the presence of a plastic console “Lux”, which increases the comfort of the RIB boat operation. The rack contains a panel for inserting the steering wheel, and a small vertical block for installing toggle switches and an on-board computer. Further, there is a more extensive vertical part for the speedometer and fuel gauge. In addition, the console has two horizontal shelves for the navigator and mounting additional equipment. On the right there is a cutout for the gas-reverse handle. This allows you to equip the pilot's seat as saturated as possible in order to fully control the situation and have everything you need at hand.

Advantages

• comfortable horn in the access zone of the pilot's right hand;
• reinforced forefoot above the nose;
• rubberized steering wheel.

disadvantages

• locker covers are located not on top, but on the side of the front sofa, which will require you to bend strongly to find the right thing;
• directional stability is worse than on the above models.
• there is no windshield.

BRIG Falcon F500

Rating: 4.2

Among the 5-meter RIBs, one can note the BRIG Falcon, which has dimensions of 500×215 cm and moves on a U-shaped cylinder with a diameter of 500 mm. The carrying capacity of the boat is 1200 kg, and by the number of users it can accommodate 9 people. RIB is sold in two trim levels: “Classic” (with free deck arrangement for specific tasks) and “Lux” (hard seats and steering console). The manufacturer limits the permitted power of the installed motors to 75 hp, but the owners in the reviews note that even with a 50 hp ICE. the boat quickly enters the planing mode. This is achieved despite being fully loaded and when towing a skier.

A distinctive feature of the RIB is the raised nose, which became possible due to the curved rigid part of the bottom. This reduces resistance during acceleration. Because of this design feature, the boat picks up speed faster than other models of similar weight and engine power. This makes it the best for both sports riding and towing sea attractions, and for patrolling the water area. In some countries, such RIBs are even used in the National Guard.

Advantages

• confidently keeps course despite waves and crosswinds;
• racks and armchairs made of fiberglass and marine plywood;
• enough space for rigging;
• balanced weight distribution.

disadvantages

• arch with lights is purchased separately;
• no bow hatch cushion.

RIB CAT Fortis 490

Rating: 4.1

And here is an interesting RIB for recreation and travel. She has two small bridges in the back, from which it is convenient to jump into the water and climb back up. They are equipped with stainless steel steps and handrails. The motor is conveniently located between them. The RIB measures 505×250 cm and can accommodate 8 people. All cockpit seats are padded and the rear sofa contains lumbar support. Owners in the reviews like the spacious L-shaped luggage compartment in the front, which has no analogues in other ships of this class.

This RIB stands out for its special bottom configuration. It has four longitudinal steps, where two perform the main function, and the other two – auxiliary. This allows you to enter sharp turns at speed without rolling over, but confidently handling the wave. Also, these ridges on the back of the hull contribute to excellent directional stability and less splashing when performing maneuvers. If you want not just to ride in the water area, but to play safely, then choose this boat.

Advantages

• an enlarged nasal locker;
• on the lid of the locker in front, two passengers can fit at once;
• comfortable deck with a slight rise in the bow;
• the transom is reinforced with two “kerchiefs”.

disadvantages

• high price;
• weight 265 kg;
• not the densest PVC 1050 g / m².

Baltic Boats Apollo RIB 460

Rating: 4.0

Among the large RIBs, the Apollo 460 stands out, with dimensions of 460×207 cm. It has a single cylinder with a diameter of 470 mm, divided into three compartments. The carrying capacity of the vessel is 780 kg, and the maximum engine power is recommended 30 hp. The hard bottom is made of fiberglass, and the density of PVC reaches 1100 g / m². In the reviews, the fishermen like that the set comes with two aluminum oars with the possibility of fixing on the sides, as well as oarlocks to make it easier to row and quickly free your hands if necessary. Passengers are accommodated on hard seats without backs.

This RIB is the best in terms of weight-to-capacity ratio, and therefore is more suitable for fishing with a company. It does not have protruding parts in the form of a cantilever or arcs – the structure consists only of a balloon and a flat bottom. All this made it possible to reduce the weight of the boat to 128 kg, while the spacious cockpit can accommodate 6 people. The boat is easy to transport and launch. There are two lockers on the deck, allowing you to take everything you need with you and put it so that it does not interfere with the passage.

Advantages

• the front handle makes it easier to pull the boat ashore;
• two aluminum oars are fixed on the sides;
• fastening of a safety rope is provided;
• oarlocks to make it easier to paddle.

disadvantages

• there is no control desk;
• seats without backs;
• the balloon consists of 3 air compartments.

Admiral RIB 410 (with console)

Rating: 4.0

Completing this category of large boats is the model “Admiral 410” with a console, which increases ease of control. True, there is no speedometer and other devices on the panel, but only the steering wheel and the gas-reverse lever are removed. RIB is produced with a length of 4100 mm and a width of 1800 mm. The 45 cm diameter cylinder is divided into 5 insulated parts. The RIB has a lifting capacity of 700 kg. In the reviews, the owners are pleased with the convenient location of the fuel tank (under the rear seat), which simplifies the refueling process. Customers also note the presence of reinforcement on the keelson and transom, which increases the operational durability of these elements.

We considered the boat to be the best because of the quality workmanship. The section of the rigid bottom along the keel line reaches 8 mm. The bottom is made of fiberglass, which is treated with polyester resin molded layer by layer. This provides a low weight of 130 kg and increased resistance to impacts against rocks or ice. The manufacturer also uses gels and pastes for gluing only from the French firms Polynt and Evromere, which also affects the increased tightness of the case.

Advantages

• convenient location of the fuel tank;
• two paddles included;
• anchor eye on the bow;
• locker with a lock in the front.

disadvantages

• there are no safety cables in the console area;
• no rear luggage compartment;
• seats without backs.

The best small RIB boats

Small RIBs are produced with a capacity of 2-5 people and are designed to carry a load of 200-650 kg. This is the best option for fishing or hunting with a small company, as well as tourism and sports.

Raider Marine RM-380

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the category is a boat with dimensions 3800×1800 mm, made with longitudinal and transverse ribs, which increases the rigidity of the hull. Thanks to this, the load from the weight of users and luggage is distributed over the entire area of ​​the bottom and does not create distortions or deformations, which the owners like in the reviews. The keel and transom plate are made of 6 mm aluminum. Boarding banks in the amount of two units can be rearranged on racks depending on the needs of users.

The advantage of the boat is the double bottom, which allows using the “basement” space for organizing lockers, so as not to take up space at the stern or in the bow. Thanks to this decision, it turned out to make the size of the cockpit 3×1 m with the total dimensions of the vessel 3.8×1.8 m. This allows you to take equipment and 4 people with you without much cluttering the deck. Another feature is the 3 mm aluminum bottom, which is more difficult to damage than fiberglass. We recommend this RIB for fishing in especially difficult conditions.

Advantages

• transom thickness is 8 mm;
• weight is only 100 kg;
• the back already has a stainless steel frame (targa);
• quickly rearranged seats.

disadvantages

• poorly keeping course at speed;
• there is no handle for pulling the boat ashore.

Veles (Stel) R-375 Elen

Rating: 4.6

But the RIB with dimensions 375×170 cm, which saves up 2700×830 mm. Unsinkability is ensured by a cylinder with a diameter of 440 mm, consisting of three compartments, separated by sealed partitions. The RIB can accommodate 5 people and the total load capacity reaches 650 kg. The manufacturer recommends using motors with power up to 30 hp. The RIB has an anchor eye and a “fungus” for mooring. An additional handle is provided in front for pulling the boat ashore. In the back there is a steel brace for towing a banana, cheesecake or water skier. There is a paddle on the cylinder. Banks are freely located and can be rearranged depending on the user's needs.

A feature of the boat is the variable bottom deadrise. On the transom, it has an angle of 12º, which provides minimal resistance when drifting and accelerating. At midships, deadlift is 18 degrees, facilitating cornering and directional stability. This combination provides the RIB with sufficient maneuverability and fuel economy, as well as stability on waves.

Advantages

• there is a bleed valve;
• reinforced keel;
• additional handles for passengers;
• the boat itself weighs 80 kg.

disadvantages

• less dense PVC 1100 g / m²;
• sometimes cans can be easily knocked down with your foot.

WINboat 375R

Rating: 4.4

WINboat specializes in inflatable boats with a rigid bottom made of fiberglass, where the largest is the 375R. The vessel has dimensions of 3750×2750 mm and can accommodate 5 people. The carrying capacity is 600 kg. The recommended engine power for transom placement is from 15 to 25 HP. The design uses a variable deadrise, but with a smaller take-off run – 12-16 degrees. The RIB weighs only 68 kg, so it can be launched with the efforts of two users. The product is available in six color options from solid blue, gray or green to various combinations of these colors. The deck is finished with 9 mm moisture resistant plywood.

Although the manufacturer issues a 4-year warranty on it, in the reviews the owners praise the RIB for its endurance. For some, it serves for 10 years with regular use on fishing, but the bottom only has small chips in several places. We recommend this RIB as the best value for money / reliability among the smaller models.

Advantages

• safety ropes throughout the balloon;
• there is a mount for drying oars;
• loops for holding the oars in working position;
• reinforced transom.

disadvantages

• soft seat pads are purchased separately;
• it is inconvenient to walk on a stepped bottom;
• the basic set does not include a bow roller.

Veles (Stel) R-360 lite

Rating: 4.3

This RIB is much smaller than the ones described above – its length is 3600 mm, and its width is only 1650 mm. Therefore, it weighs 43 kg, which makes it possible to launch it into the water with the efforts of even one person. The design includes a PVC cylinder with a density of 1100 g / m² and a diameter of 41 cm. The air circuit is divided into three separate compartments. The floor is made of fiberglass. The maximum lifting capacity is 360 kg. Reviews show that such a boat can be quickly brought to planing even with a low-power engine, where the manufacturer recommends an indicator of up to 10 hp. The set includes two oars and cans with free installation.

This boat is the leader in the capacity category. Shorter than analogues by 150-200 mm, it can accommodate the same number of passengers as other participants – 5 people. This is the best option in terms of compactness and the ability to transport five people at once.

Advantages

• reliable fixation of the oars;
• two handles at the back and one at the front to pull the boat ashore;
• light weight 43 kg;
• pump for inflating the balloon.

disadvantages

• there are no safety cables in the area of ​​the front bank;
• for some, the balloon deflates rather quickly.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.