4 Considerations to buy a right RIB in BC
Rigid Inflatable Boat or RIB is a choice of many. Heavy-built, relatively soft-riding hulls and inflatable tubes wrapped from stem to stern are standard features of these small vessels. Whether you are a seasoned boater or a beginner, buying a new or used boat can be daunting, especially with so many options in small boats for sale on Vancouver Island. That’s when a quick buying guide can be helpful.
Here, we have tried to cover different aspects of Rigid Inflatable Boats. Let’s read on.
What Are RIBs?
A Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is a small, lightweight vessel with a deck, a bow, transoms, and all sorts of features to maximize top speed and performance. It is designed to have high-performance capacity in various water conditions. A RIB’s hull is made from material like aluminum or fibreglass. Stability, reliability, and versatility are some of the top reasons for the popularity of RIBs among boaters looking for offshore fishing boats for sale across Canada.
Today, RIBs come in all kinds of sizes and shapes. These dinghies are agile, easy to use, and comfortable, proving them an ideal option for daily outings in the BC water and beyond. Besides leisure activities, these vessels are often used in law enforcement, recreational activities, and other commercial purposes.
RIBs Buying Guide
1. Match the Boat with Your Style
Consider the purpose of your RIB. Do you plan on using it for recreational purposes, fishing, diving, or as a tender for a larger boat? Your specific use may require different features such as seating arrangements, storage, or marine electronics and equipment like VHF radio, GPS, chart plotter, etc. Consider the number of passengers you plan to carry on the boat for your fishing or boating trips. You must consider the weight capacity and storage required to select the right vessel size.
2. Look at the Hull Design
The hull design affects the boat’s performance, stability, and maneuverability. A boat with a deep-v hull design provides a smooth ride and better performance in rough waters, while a flat-bottomed hull provides stability in calm waters. Consider the type of waters you will be using the boat in when choosing a hull design.
3. Look at the Best Brands
Several boat manufacturers like Polaris, Highfield, AIRSOLID, and others design and build top-quality inflatables. They build powerful and comfortable vessels to cater the needs of boating enthusiasts. RIB brands like Highfield have focused mainly on two crucial aspects of boat building – performance and durability. Highfield inflatables have evolved from years of development processes and testing in different conditions. High tensile, marine-grade aluminum ensures the long life of Highfield RIBs. Every boat is tested by strictly following the ISO standards before leaving the factory. You also get a 2-year structural warranty from Highfield by purchasing a RIB.
4. Select the Right Model
As a trusted boat trader in BC, Canada, Alberni Power & Marine offers a range of inflatable boats to choose the correct option per your needs and preferences. From small-sized Roll UP models to single deck dinghies, Classic inflatables, Ultra Light tenders, and other RIBs from Highfield brand are loaded with features for comfort & performance that you expect.
The Roll UP models available in 6.58’-7.58’ size are ideal as ship-to-shore tenders. The Ultralight series in the 8.5’-9.5’ size range are roomy & strong yet lightweight and easy to transport. When selecting the Classic inflatables, you can choose from the 9.5’-11.17’ hull size with a double deck and an extra-large bow locker. In comparison, the next generation Sport series from Highfield redefines the perfect RIBs as you get everything you can imagine for a RIB. The available size range for the Sport series is 11.92’-15.92’. Consider what specific features you require in your inflatable boat and connect with a marine specialist in Port Alberni, BC, to analyze the quality of the build and finish of the model.
Conclusion
Buying a RIB can be a significant investment. Proper research and connecting with a professional boat dealer will ensure you get the best Rigid Inflatable for your requirements.
Discover Highfield RIBs for sale in BC. Contact our team to receive the best quote today.