Cool Stuff at WotsKool!

A RIB (rigid inflatable boat) or RHIB (rigid hulled inflatable boat) is, as the name suggests, a boat that has a rigid hull and inflatable tubes forming the walls of the craft. They are versatile, practical, easy to maintain and incredibly fast.

The rigid hull design enables these amazing speedboats to almost skim over the surface of the water with minimal drag. The inflatable tubes or sponsons, often made from an exceptionally tough rubber compound called hypalon, make these boats almost unsinkable. It’s no surprise that these immensely versatile boats are chosen by many of the world’s coast guard and navy services.

They can be powered with a variety of engines, inboard or outboard depending upon the boat design. High performance RIBs can achieve truly staggering speeds in excess of 70 knots but even an average performance RIB will easily achieve 30 or 40 knots. If you have never been in a boat travelling at these speeds I can whole-heartedly recommend that you get yourself a RIB-ride some time soon. You will never forget it. Travelling this fast, close to the water, bouncing over the waves is an experience not to be missed.

RIBs are used for all sorts of water-borne fun activities including:

• Wave Jumping
• Wake Boarding
• Water Skiing
• Racing
• Beach Hopping

They can be easily towed, on a trailer, behind an average family car and don’t require any special launching facilities (if they are of an average size.)

If you’ve been considering getting out on the water, but maybe your not too keen on sailing and reliance upon the wind for your motive power, a RIB could be just what you are looking for.

Why not give the guys at JBT Marine in Emsworth a call and pop along to their busy boatyard for a test drive. I can guarantee you will have a trip to remember.