Why buy a semi-rigid boat ? Advantages
Are you a lover of nautical outings and considering taking the plunge by acquiring your own boat ?
While of course you can make the choice of opting for a sailing boat, today it's powerboats we'll be talking about, and more specifically Zodiac-type models, namely boats known as " semi-rigid " hulls, as opposed to " rigid " hull models.
While not exactly inflatable boats, semi-rigid craft do have air-filled float tubes, often very easily manoeuvrable and versatile, allowing all types of marine activities : water sports, fishing, diving, yachting and mini cruises.
But what exactly are the advantages of these semi-rigid boats, and why favour them over rigid hull models ? Our answers in this article.
Advantage 1: Sizes and equipment choices
First of all, let's bust a myth : yes, a semi-rigid boat can be luxurious, feature very many amenities, and carry a sizable number of passengers.
Ordinarily, when we picture a Zodiac-type boat, we imagine a craft that is certainly " fun " but a little modest, accommodating 2 or 3 people, or with limited functions.
This is actually not the case ! On this subject, we invite you to read our article on the best semi-rigid boat models.
You'll discover that prices for semi-rigid boats can reach considerable sums, with top-of-the-range services and equipment, such as cabins, sanitary facilities, full state-of-the-art electronic equipment, modular decks, sunbathing areas, kitchenettes and plenty of storage.
Semi-rigid inflatable boats also accommodate up to 20 passengers comfortably.
In short, there are hundreds of models on the market to discover, for every taste and every budget.
Advantage 2: Manoeuvrability, responsiveness, speed
Because of its lightness, a semi-rigid boat is ideal for manoeuvring in cramped environments, particularly in ports. This therefore makes it an ideal choice particularly for beginners, but not only !
It's no coincidence that rescue workers at sea, diving clubs, firefighters or coastguards are often seen at the helm of semi-rigid boats : their qualities of manoeuvrability and responsiveness are immense.
And this " light " weight does not prevent semi-rigid boats from carrying one or more very powerful engines. Again, make no mistake : if you're into speed, you'll have plenty of fun with a semi-rigid boat !
Beware, however, that this lightness (even if, once again, this is relative to the model chosen) implies a sometimes treacherous wind grip not suitable for rough seas, especially when it comes to models under 6.5 metres.
Advantage 3: Buoyancy
Again, it may seem counter-intuitive, especially after what has been said previously, but RIB boats enjoy much better buoyancy than rigid hull models!
Because in reality, a semi-rigid behaves on the water a bit like a catamaran, i.e. all the time plastered to the water with the inflatable bladders.
This ensures good stability and that you don't get wet unintentionally. This is also due to their centre of gravity being lower than rigid hull models, so it's almost impossible to capsize with a semi-rigid boat. This lower centre of gravity also makes RIB boats ideal for launching divers.
Advantage 4: Strength and durability
Here too, semi-rigid boats will surprise you, because in reality, in many configurations, they prove more resistant than rigid models. The bladders, while they can of course burst, are in truth very strong and, unlike rigid boats, they can absorb shocks. In fact, most ribs are fitted with a pressure relief valve that prevents a dangerous increase in tube rupture pressure.
In the event of a measured impact, the bladders will therefore be able to absorb the impact, whereas a rigid hull (often made of fibreglass) will be irreparably affected in its structure.
You can also easily buy tough fabric to repair or reinforce your flanges.
On the whole, maintaining a semi-rigid boat is relatively easy, and doesn't require any particular investment if you do the minimum on each outing.
Advantage 5: Transport
With the benefit of a lighter weight than a rigid hull - 760 kg for a 6 m compared with 1,020 kg for a rigid hull of the same size, the RIB is more easily transportable.
Remember that to be transported on a trailer, a boat must not exceed the width of 2.55 m. But as long as it's possible to deflate and dismantle your floats, you can actually own a boat wider than this limit and still be able to tow it wherever you want.
The other consequence of this is that launching is also made easier. For more information on this point, see our article on launching semi-rigid boats.
Advantage 6: Price
If once again you want to treat yourself, with a semi-rigid boat you have the opportunity to treat yourself to a very top-of-the-range product.
But one of the definite advantages about semi-rigid boats is that they are in the entry-level range of craft at very affordable prices, starting at 10.000 only! And to save even more and grab some bargains, read our article on the best sites to buy a used RIB.
Conclusion
Semi-rigid boats are competitive in many respects and offer novel advantages compared with traditional rigid-hull models.
Take the time to study the features of the various models offered by the plethora of manufacturers on the market, and you're sure and certain to get satisfaction!
Orca Retail is there to guarantee the maintenance of your future semi-rigid boat, whether it's maintenance kits or repair fabrics for your floats.
Are you passionate about boating and semi-rigid boats?
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