The main countries building rigid inflatables

Semi-rigid boats have become very popular worldwide due to their versatility and reliability.

However, it can be difficult to know where these boats come from, as they are manufactured in many different countries.

You may be wondering what the main countries of origin are for semi-rigid brands? Or perhaps you are curious about the reputation of each manufacturer?

In this article, we will answer these questions by listing the most important countries in the manufacturing of semi-rigid boats, with a brief presentation of representative manufacturers. 

 

South Africa

Gemini Marine

Founded in 1979, based in Cape Town, Gemini Marine has designed and manufactured the most comprehensive range of semi-rigid and inflatable boats for many rescue, military, and patrol entities worldwide for over 35 years.

 

Austria

Grabner

Founded in 1949 in Vienna, Austria, Grabner is a company that focuses on the production of high-quality inflatable boats and kayaks for water sports, fishing, and leisure activities.

 

China

Liya

Liya, founded in 2007 in Qingdao, is a renowned manufacturer specializing in the production of fiberglass boats, inflatable boats, and rigid hull boats. CE and ISO certified, the company offers a diverse range including rigid inflatable boats, rescue boats, as well as recreational and fishing vessels. 

 

Colombia

AB Inflatables

Founded in 1969 in Barranquilla , Colombia, AB Inflatables is a premium brand of RIBs known for its quality manufacturing, safety, durability, and reliability. This Colombian company has established itself as one of the key players in the leisure boating and professional activities industry.

 

Spain

Narwhal

 

United States

Boston Whaler

Founded in 1958 in Boston, Massachusetts, the brand Boston Whaler designs boats to meet the needs of boaters, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts, with specific features for each activity.

Boston Whaler's RIBs are also equipped with a wide range of advanced features, such as comfortable seating, spacious storage, high-quality fishing equipment, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Additionally, the boats are equipped with powerful and efficient engines, offering exceptional speed and maneuverability on the water.

 

Walker Bay

Walker Bay was founded in 1997 in Fort Lauderdale in Florida, on the values of design, quality, and innovation and is an industry leader in creating and defining new categories of boats. There are more than 100,000 Walker Bay boats in use in over 50 countries around the world.

 

France

Bombard

Founded in 1953, Bombard is a pioneering French company in the manufacturing of rigid inflatable boats and inflatable boats. The company designs boats suited for a wide range of applications, from recreational water activities to professional and rescue missions. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using top-quality materials and advanced technologies to ensure performance, durability, and safety.

 

Zodiac Nautic

Created in 1896 in Paris, Zodiac Nautic is one of the oldest manufacturers of rigid inflatable boats in the world. The company started by making gas balloons before focusing on the production of rubber boats. In 1934, they created the first inflatable boat with a rigid hull, which was later used by explorer Jacques Cousteau for his oceanographic expeditions. They have also supplied boats to the armed forces of several countries, including the American and French navies.

 

3D Tender

Founded in 2010 in France, 3D Tender is a brand of semi-rigid boats specialized in lightweight and portable boats for leisure activities. The company started as a small family business and has since experienced rapid growth to become a major player in the market for lightweight and portable boats. Their boats are made from quality materials, such as hypalon and PVC, to ensure their durability and longevity.

 

Italy

Sacs Marine

Founded in 1989 in Milan, Sacs Marine has built a solid reputation in the maritime industry by offering high-quality products that combine innovation, style, and performance. Sacs Marine's semi-rigid boats are often used for nautical activities such as diving, fishing, or even extreme water sports.

 

Zar Formenti

Since its inception in 1979 in Milan, Zar Formenti has established itself as a reference in the nautical industry thanks to high-quality boats that combine elegance, comfort, and performance. The brand is particularly known for its sports and leisure boats, which are often used for activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, or even diving.

 

Japan

Honda

Honda is a company founded in 1948 in Tokyo. In addition to its activities in the production of automobiles and motorcycles, it also offers a range of high-performance semi-rigid boats for pleasure sailing and water sports.

 

Yamaha

Founded in 1887 in Hamamatsu, Yamaha is best known for its products in the music field, such as pianos and string instruments, but it also offers a range of semi-rigid boats for nautical activities.

 

Portugal

Valiant

Founded in 1995 in Portugal, Valiant Shipyard initially focused on the construction of specialized inflatable boats. Over the next five years, the company successfully established its reputation and gained popularity in European countries.

 

United Kingdom

Ribcraft

Founded in Yeovil over 30 years ago, Ribcraft is a world-renowned British company specializing in the manufacture of custom and production rigid inflatable boats. With dedicated facilities in the UK, the USA, the Middle East, India, and a sales office in Australia, Ribcraft ensures rigorous quality control for hulls ranging from 3.5 to 12.5 m. Each boat is custom-designed to meet the specific needs of missions, whether military, research, rescue, or recreational. Combining a solid fiberglass hull with an inflatable tube for increased buoyancy and performance, Ribcraft guarantees safety, robustness, and maneuverability while providing exceptional customer service throughout the boat's lifetime.

 

Switzerland

Stadler Design

Founded in 1978 in Zurich, Switzerland, Stadler Design is a renowned company specializing in the design and manufacture of inflatable boats, rigid hull boats, and electric boats. Combining luxury and functionality, Stadler Design offers unique products like the Sunfloat Luxury, which combines the advantages of a raft, a motorboat, and a yacht sun deck, without requiring a license. The company uses durable and local materials, ensuring safety and customer satisfaction. Since its creation, Stadler Design has distinguished itself by its innovation, practicality, and commitment to customizable and high-quality products.

 

Turkey

Joker Boat

Founded in 1991 in Istanbul , Joker Boat manufactures boats with sleek lines, bright colors, and high-end finishes, giving them a very attractive aesthetic appearance. In terms of innovation, Joker Boat has developed several advanced technologies to improve the performance and safety of its RIBs. For example, the brand uses a deep V-hull system, which offers better stability and more precise maneuverability on the water.

Northstar

The brand Northstar was created in 2002 and the production of RIBs and boats began the same year. Since 2008, Northstar has become an exclusively RIB brand and is currently manufactured in a dedicated facility in Izmir, Turkey.

Ukraine

Brig

Founded in 1992 in Kherson, Brig is one of the world's largest manufacturers of inflatable boats, rigid hull boats, and RIBs, for use in recreational boating, fishing, leisure boating, and water sports sectors.

Kolibri

Since 1995, the boat manufacturing company Kolibri has been one of the leading Ukrainian manufacturers and one of the most powerful manufacturers of small boats in Europe.

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