April 11, 2023 Orca Blog

The main countries for the construction of RIBs

RIBs have become very popular around the world because of 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 which are the main countries of origin of the RIB brands? Or maybe you are curious to know the reputation of each manufacturer?

In this article, we will answer these questions by listing the most important countries in the manufacture of RIBs, with a brief presentation of representative manufacturers.

South Africa

Gemini Marine

Founded in 1979 and based in Cape Town, Gemini Marine has designed and manufactured the most comprehensive range of RIBs and inflatable boats for many rescue, military and patrol entities around the world 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.

Canada

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP)

Founded in 1942 in Valcourt, Quebec, BRP is a Canadian company that manufactures personal watercraft, snowmobiles and RIBs, which are known for their quality and reliability.

China

Liya

Founded in 2007 in Qingdao, Liya is a company that focuses on the manufacture of fiberglass boats, inflatable boats and rigid hull boats for recreational, fishing and rescue activities.

Colombia

AB Inflatables

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

Spain

Narwhal

Founded more than 60 years ago in Vigo, Narwhal is a Spanish company that manufactures RIBs for recreational and professional use.

United States

Boston Whaler

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

Boston Whaler 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. In addition, the boats are equipped with powerful, efficient engines that provide exceptional speed and maneuverability on the water.

Walker Bay

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

France

Zodiac Nautic

Founded in 1896 in Paris, Zodiac Nautic is one of the oldest RIB manufacturers in the world. The company began by manufacturing gas balloons before focusing on the production of rubber boats. In 1934, they created the first rigid-hulled inflatable boat, which was later used by explorer Jacques Cousteau for his oceanographic expeditions. They also supplied boats for the armed forces of several countries, including the US and French navies.

3D Tender

Founded in 2010 in France, 3D Tender is a RIB brand specializing in lightweight, portable boats for recreational activities. The company started as a small family business and has since grown rapidly to become a major player in the lightweight and portable boat market. Their boats are made from quality materials, such as hypalon and PVC, to ensure strength and longevity.

Italy

Marine Bags

Founded in 1989 in Milan, Sacs Marine has built a solid reputation in the marine industry by offering high quality products that combine innovation, style and performance. RIBs from Sacs Marine are often used for water activities such as diving, fishing or extreme water sports.

Zar Formenti

Since its foundation in 1979 in Milan, Zar Formenti has become a reference in the nautical industry thanks to its high quality boats that combine elegance, comfort and performance. The brand is particularly well known for its sport and leisure boats, which are often used for activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding and diving.

Japan

Honda

Honda is a company founded in 1948 in Tokyo. In addition to producing automobiles and motorcycles, it also offers a range of high-performance RIBs for boating and water sports.

Yamaha

Founded in 1887 in Hamamatsu, Yamaha is best known for its music products, such as pianos and stringed instruments, but it also offers a range of RIBs for water sports.

Portugal

Valiant

Founded in 1995 in Portugal, Valiant Shipyard initially focused on building 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, Ribcraft is a British company that manufactures RIBs for military, search and rescue and recreational use.

Switzerland

Stadler Design

Founded in 1978 in Zurich, Switzerland, Stadler Design is a company specializing in the design and manufacture of inflatable boats, rigid hull boats and electric boats for use in the tourism and water sports sectors.

Turkey

Joker Boat

Founded in 1991 in Istanbul, Joker Boat manufactures boats with clean 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 greater stability and more precise maneuverability on the water.

Northstar

The Northstar brand was established in 2002 and production of RIBs and boats began the same year. As of 2008, Northstar has become an exclusively RIBs 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 the recreational, fishing, boating and water sports sectors.

Kolibri

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

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The main countries for the construction of RIBs