Which rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) should you buy? RIB buying should be easy. In its simplest and most traditional form, we all know what to expect of a RIB - not least because most of us have used them as training craft.

RIBs are very predictable boats, with heavily built and relatively soft-riding hulls, wrapped from stem to stern in a large-diameter inflatable tube to add buoyancy, build confidence, and absorb any minor knocks. They use jockey seats to aid support in a lively sea passage and to make the most of the limited internal space brought about by the encroachment of the inflatable collar. And while size-for-size, a good traditional RIB boat offers serious seagoing credentials, it often lacks those leisure boat refinements the pampered modern buyer tends to demand.

A 2009 Stingher 32GT for sale at boats.com makes large white waves in the sea as it powers through Hamble. A fleet of sailboats is visible in the background.

This monster 2009 Stingher 32GT for sale in Hamble really packs a punch as one of the largest, fastest and most exciting RIBs on the Solent



There are still plenty of traditional RIBs around, and that’s something for which we should be thankful. But what was once a humble workhorse has broken free of its old constraints. 

You can now opt for radically tapered tubes, stylishly integrated into fibreglass mouldings from high-performance builders like Revenger. You can go shopping for ingenious hybrid craft with step-through screens and sports boat-style cockpit layouts from the likes of Sorcerer. And even Humber, that most traditional of builders, justly famous for its tough military, commercial, and expedition hulls, has joined the modern drive for RIB sophistication with a range of glossy, pearlescent performance craft. 

So, where on earth does the RIB buyer start? As ever, you need to go back to basics and consider the simple things - the hull, the engine choice, the vital features and, of course, the price.


Ten key RIB buying considerations



  1. Is there proper support and protection at the helm?

  2. Is the deck capable of shedding water efficiently?

  3. Are there plenty of strong, well-positioned grabbing points?

  4. Is there an area for genuine dry storage?

  5. Are there non-slip surfaces underfoot and on the tube tops?

  6. Is the payload sufficient for your passengers and equipment?

  7. Are there decent reserves of power for watersports?

  8. Is the seating/deck space ratio appropriate for your intended use?

  9. Is the build quality, fit-out, and finish up to standard?

  10. It might look good on paper, but does it match your expectations on the water?


RIB buying guide: Scorpion RIB

This stylish Scorpion RIB features lovely internal trim, tapered tubes, and shock-mitigation seats for when speed meets luxury.



What impact does the hull shape have on a RIB?


As with any boat, RIB hulls come in all shapes and sizes. And while it is generally accepted that a long, narrow, deep-V hull with acute bow angles will perform very well in a head sea (or make you competitive in an offshore powerboat race), they can also be a bit wet and unpredictable when running with the swells. And in any case, does a family of five in pursuit of a floating picnic really need a £150,000 70-knot missile?

The answer is probably not - so don’t waste your time hunting for the deepest ‘V’ possible because, for most of us, a general-purpose RIB with a more pronounced and buoyant bow coupled to a slightly flatter deadrise is a better bet. In addition to offering greater planing efficiency and extra internal space, it should be much better suited to long transits in varying sea states. 

Whatever kind of boat you favour, look for a builder with a well-established reputation and substantial hull and tube warranties. Then talk to existing owners (there are plenty of owners’ forums around), visit a few boat shows to check the quality of various boats in one place, and always insist on a test drive so you can see if a RIB matches your expectations (and those of your loved ones) on the water.

A 2001 Piranha 450 Ocean for sale at boats.com sits on a trailer ready to launch at Brightlingsea marina.

This compact 2001 Piranha 450 Ocean seats up to five people and offers a fast, stable, comfortable, and manoeuvrable ride.



Vital features to consider when buying a RIB


When considering which RIB to buy, you should inspect all the fixtures and fittings with merciless cynicism. They may look very attractive in the showroom, but are they rust-resistant? Are they properly through-bolted? Will they put up with extended abuse? Don’t be afraid to use plenty of force on backrests, frames, and grab handles. If you can flex them with your hand, imagine what they will be like once the full weight of the body is multiplied by the G-force of a lumpy sea.

Open all the hatches and poke your nose where you might not be expected to delve. Is the cabling all neatly routed and secured? Are the fibreglass edges rough and sharp or bevelled and tidy? Are the storage spaces all properly drained? And, for that matter, does the deck itself have adequate drainage? 

A RIB needs to be capable of shedding water fast because, at some point, every RIB will take a wave over the bow. And for that same reason, does the boat have a dedicated place for the dry storage of delicate items? Plenty claim to have exactly that, but I’ve lost count of the number of times my dry gear has ended up soaked after one too many splashes over the bow.

The helm of a 2022 Humber Ocean Pro RIB for sale at boats.com with a large steering wheel to the right, throttle in the middle, and a chart plotter and VHF radio to the left.

When buying a RIB, consider the helming position - are your electronics large enough to view at a glance? Is the radio accessible? Is the helming position comfortable even in wild waters? This 2022 Humber Ocean Pro is a great illustration of what a fantastic RIB helm should be.



In addition to inspecting the quality of the build and finish, consider what specific features you require. While traditional seating might involve a pair of jockeys allied to an aft bench and a small ‘suicide seat’ in the front of the helm console, there are now plenty of more sociable, family-friendly configurations available. In particular, the bow space is often far better used, especially on sunny, Mediterranean-style boats from the likes of Stingher and Capelli.

Up at the helm, your electronics should be large enough to read at a glance, robust enough to cope with concerted exposure to saltwater, and easy enough to operate with a gloved hand. A good touchscreen colour chart plotter with a sunlight-viewable screen is a great asset, as is a fixed VHF with a powerful external speaker to compete with the noise of wind and waves.


RIB buying summary


The choice of RIBs on offer is now huge. For traditionalists, there are still simple, hardy boats from the likes of Ribcraft, Redbay, Pacific, and Delta. For playboy sophisticates, exalted names like Hunton, Scorpion, and Pascoe are well able to produce the goods. 

But whatever type of RIB you favour, just take your time and do your research - and if a boat lacks a specific feature, make sure you request it. The builder may be happy to oblige in today's leisure-sensitive RIB market. 

For more ideas on choosing the best RIB for your needs, check out our article on the best RIBs on the market. And don’t forget to check out all RIBs for sale right here at boats.com. 

Considering alternatives to a RIB boat? Our guides to choosing a tender and how to pick the perfect fishing boat have you covered!

Editors Note: This article was originally published in July 2018 by Alex Smith, most recently updated in November 2024 by Pippa Shaw.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.