October 23, 2023 Orca Blog

Choosing the right size RIB boat for your needs

RIB boats are a popular option for water sports enthusiasts, fishermen and boating enthusiasts.

Choosing the ideal size for your RIB boat is crucial to ensuring the best possible experience on the water.

In this article, we'll explore the factors to consider when choosing the perfect RIB boat size for your specific needs.

Intended use: adapt the size of your RIB to your leisure activities

The first step in choosing the ideal size for your RIB boat is to determine how you plan to use it. Here are some common scenarios:

Water sports

If you're a watersports enthusiast, such as waterskiing, wakeboarding or tubing, a semi-rigid boat in the 4.5 to 6 meter range is generally recommended. These sizes offer greater stability for these activities.

Fishing

For freshwater fishing enthusiasts, a semi-rigid boat of around 3.5 to 4.5 meters may suffice. However, for sea fishingyou should opt for a 4.5 to 6-meter model to cope with more demanding sea conditions.

Pleasure boating

If you plan to use your RIB for pleasure boating with family or friends, the size will depend on the number of people you wish to accommodate.

4.5 to 5-meter semi-rigid boats: In general, these boats can comfortably accommodate 6 to 8 passengers, depending on the layout.
5.5 to 6-meter RIB: Models of this size can usually accommodate 8 to 12 passengers.

semi rigid boat

Performance and motorization

Engine size is a critical factor in the performance of your RIB.

4.5 to 5-meter RIB: For this size of boat, engines with 50 to 90 horsepower are generally recommended for good performance. You can generally reach speeds of 15 to 30 knots (approx. 28 to 56 km/h).
Semi-rigid boat 5.5 to 6 meters: Equip with a 90 to 150 hp motor. Models of this size can reach speeds of 25 to 40 knots (approx. 46 to 74 km/h).

Your boat dealer can advise you on the right engine for your boat's size.

Costs

The costs associated with a RIB boat vary according to size. Here's a rough estimate of costs:

RIB boat 4.5 to 5.5 meters: Initial purchase cost is usually between 15,000 and 40,000 euros, depending on features and make. Annualmaintenance costs, including insurance, fuel and mooring fees, can range from 2,000 to 5,000 euros.
RIB boats of 6 meters or more: Larger boats tend to be more expensive, with new purchase prices starting at around 40,000 euros and rising to over 100,000 euros. Annual maintenance costs are also higher, ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 euros or more.

It's important to factor these costs into your overall budget to ensure that the boat you choose is affordable in the long term.

Essay on water

Before making a final decision, Orca Retail strongly recommends that you try the boat out on the water. This will enable you to familiarize yourself with its behavior and see if it meets your expectations in terms of size and performance.