The Seagoing SUV

New RIBs for 2008

Rigid Inflatable Boats, or RIBs, are enjoying a surge in popularity, both as tenders and as primary recreational boats. While RIBs are famous for their forgiving nature and soft ride, one of the little-known reasons behind the recent upswing is their inherent fuel economy. RIBs save gas in two ways. First, their fiberglass hulls are smaller and lighter than those of comparable-sized sport cruisers and center consoles, thanks to their inflatable collars and the fact that they typically have little in the way of fiberglass superstructure. Second, because a RIB is so lightweight, you can use a lighter vehicle to tow it, which translates into fewer dollars spent at the pump.

Advances in tube technology are making RIBs more durable and therefore more attractive as primary boats. While PVC and Hypalon are still widely used in RIB construction today, Zodiac recently introduced a new, proprietary, polyurethane-based fabric called Sharc Duo-Tex said to be more resistant to stains from solvents and petroleum products, easier to maintain and stay looking new longer. ...

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