Rigid, inflatable or RIB dinghy: which to choose?
Do you own a boat and are considering the purchase of a tender for it?
In this article, we'll go over the differences between rigid, inflatable and RIB tenders to help you make the right choice.
All three types have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences between them so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Rigid boat tenders
A rigid dinghy is usually built from fiberglass or aluminum. It can be fitted with a rigid or inflatable floor.
Rigid tend to be more durable and stable than inflatable tenders, making them ideal for long-term use.
They're also often faster than inflatable tenders, making them ideal for water sports such as waterskiing or windsurfing.
However, they are also heavier and more difficult to store.
Concerning budgets, a standard rigid annex with a rigid floor can cost between €2,000 and €4,000. However, for larger models or with additional features such as an outboard motor, prices can easily exceed €10,000.
Exemple
Model: Approximately 400
Marque : Armor
Price: about €2,500
This rigid tender is 4 in length.05m and a width of 1.60m with 5 seats and up to 10 hp engines. It is fitted with wheels for easy movement.
Inflatable boat tenders
On the other hand, an inflatable tender is made of materials like PVC or hypalon.
They are lightweight and easy to store as they can be deflated. They're also easier to transport as they're lightweight and can even sometimes be folded and stowed in a carry bag.
However, inflatable tenders are less stable than rigid tenders, making them less ideal for water sports. They also need to be inflated and deflated with each use, which can be tedious.
On the price side, the most basic inflatable models can cost between €500 and €1,000, while top-of-the-range models with features such as inflatable floors can cost between €2,000 and €5,000. Outboard motors for inflatable tenders can cost between €1,000 and €2,000 extra.
Exemple :
Model: Zodiac Cadet 310 Aero
Brand: Zodiac
Price: about €1,300
This 3.10-meter inflatable dinghy is made of PVC and features an inflatable floor. It can accommodate up to 4 people and can be fitted with an outboard motor of up to 10 hp. It's also easy to transport and store, as it can be deflated and folded.
Boat tenders RIB
RIB tenders, meanwhile, are a compromise between rigid and inflatable tenders.
They have a rigid bottom and inflatable PVC or hypalon tubes.
RIB tenders offer better stability than inflatable tenders, while being lighter and more easy to store than rigid tenders. They are also faster than inflatable tenders, but not as fast as rigid tenders.
RIB tenders have become very popular in recent years for use as an extra boat or for water-based leisure activities, such as fishing or sea trips.
RIB boat dinghy prices fall between those of rigid and inflatable dinghies. The most basic models can cost between €1,000 and €2,000, while top-of-the-range tender models with extra features such as outboard motors can cost between €5,000 and €10,000. Prices can also vary according to the size and quality of the materials used. There are, of course, much more expensive RIB models available for several thousand euros, but these are more likely to be used as a main boat than a tender.
Exemple :
Model: Zodiac Cadet 310 RIB ALU
Brand: Zodiac
Price: about 2,000 euros
This tender is 3.10 meters long and 1.60 meters wide. It features an aluminum floor and a high-strength PVC tube. The boat can accommodate up to 4 people and can be powered by up to 15 horses. It also features several carrying handles for ease of transport.
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