Inflatable boats have many flaws, as a rule, yet for those with limited space to keep a tender ashore, or on board, they serve their purpose. However the F-RIB range of folding RIBs allows the space-saving owner to enjoy the portability of an inflatable with much better performance on the water.

 

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The F-RIB 360 packs down to a metre square, half a metre deep, and weighs in at 48kg, which is not an easy load to carry single-handed, but compares very favourably with similar one-piece RIBs. The hull is held together with two finger-tightened bolts and with a 15hp on the stern, speeds of up to 24 knots singlehanded should be possible.

F-RIB 360 – first impressions video

F-RIB 360 – first impressions video.



Set-up should only take five minutes and there is a full-length video on the F-RIB website to demonstrate. The F-RIB 360 costs £2,500, which is more than double the price of a comparable single-piece RIB, however the benefits are plain to see: easier storage, extra speed, reduced weight and a four-year warrantee.

For more RIB news and reviews, see: Bear Grylls launches new RIB range or Skua RB6: A British built RIB with a difference.

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.
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