Aluminium Ribs

In 2013 the boat show in London had some gadgets and boats but probably the most significant was the number of aluminium RIB,s with even a renowned 4 stroke engine maker (Honda) looking to get in on the act.

 

Pro’s

  • Aluminium RIB’s mean no need for molds ( very expensive to make) so they can be far more flexible than standard RIBs.
  • Can be used  in shallow waters
  • Aluminium does not show scratches like traditional ribs and will not have gouges that need filling etc.
  • Cost: As no molds are needed the cost of making these is reduced up to around 8m where added aluminium thickness would be added to maintain rigidity.
  • Weight: Again for the smaller ribs i.e. less than 8 meters there seems to be a weight advantage but until we see more models available in the 3-8 meter range I would check this for yourself.
  • Very Popular in the USA/ New Zealand etc  so why not here?
  • Hull warranty (this could in theory be a lifetime warranty
  • Have good sales in the commercial market

Cons

  • Less around and hence far less 2nd hand market is very very limited
  • Not deemed to be a traditional hull by some rib owners
  • Larger ribs need reinforcing that increases weight and price
  • Less choice
  • If it does get holed then it needs to be welded.
  • Not as much online help due to not being as popular as traditionally made ribs.

Myths

There have been some interesting claims about noise on these aluminium RIB’s and that they are a lot louder/ noisier when you hit waves.  To date we have not found this to be true and though we have limited experience of being on lots of different makes and models at speed in rough water,  we can see no reason why other makes and models would be vastly different.

Cameron, who owns Clyde Outboards also has his own Aluminium boat and though it is not a RIB you would expect to find the same noise issue if there was one.

Summery

Aluminium RIB’s have been around for a while and clearly do have a place in the UK market and some of the pro’s are very attractive,. However, if you don’t plan to use your boat in shallow waters, drag it up beaches etc. or would like a bit more choice, then a fiberglass RIB still looks like a great buy.

In the future when there is more choice and a better second hand market we can see that an Aluminium rib would be worth serious consideration.