The main countries building RIBs

RIB boats have become very popular around the world, thanks to 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 what the main countries of origin of RIB brands are? Or perhaps you're curious about the reputation of each manufacturer?

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

 

South Africa

Gemini Marine

Founded in 1979, 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.

 

China

Liya

Liya, founded in 2007 in Qingdao, is a renowned manufacturer specialising in the production of fibreglass boats, inflatable boats and rigid hull boats. CE and ISO certified, the company offers a wide range of products, including rigid inflatable boats, lifeboats, recreational craft and fishing boats. 

 

Colombia

AB Inflatables

Founded in 1969 in Barranquilla, Colombia, AB Inflatables is a premium RIB brand renowned for its build quality, safety, durability and reliability. This Colombian company has established itself as one of the key players in the pleasure boating and professional activities industry.

 

Spain

Narwhal

 

United States

Boston Whaler

Founded in 1958 in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Whaler brand designs boats to meet the needs of boaters, fishermen and water sports 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. What's more, the boats are equipped with powerful, efficient engines that deliver exceptional speed and manoeuvrability on the water.

 

Walker Bay

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

 

France

Bombard

Founded in 1953, Bombard is a pioneering French manufacturer of RIBs and inflatable boats. The company designs boats for a wide range of applications, from leisure boating to professional and rescue missions. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using premium materials and advanced technologies to guarantee performance, durability and safety.

 

Zodiac Nautic

Created in 1896 in Paris, Zodiac Nautic is one of the oldest RIB manufacturers in the world. The company began by manufacturing gas balloons before concentrating 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 have 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 specialising in lightweight, portable boats for leisure activities. The company started out as a small family business and has since grown rapidly to become a major player in the lightweight, 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. Sacs Marine RIBs are often used for nautical activities such as diving, fishing or extreme water sports.

 

Zar Formenti

Since its foundation in 1979 in Milan, Zar Formenti has established itself as a benchmark in the boating industry thanks to high-quality boats that combine elegance, comfort and performance. The brand is particularly well known for its sports 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. As well as producing cars and motorcycles, it also offers a range of high-performance semi-rigid boats for pleasure boating and water sports.

 

Yamaha

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

 

Portugal

Valiant

Founded in 1995 in Portugal, Valiant Shipyard initially focused on building specialist inflatable-sided boats. Over the next five years, the company successfully established its reputation and gained popularity in European countries.

 

United Kingdom

Ribcraft

Founded in Yeovil over 30 years ago, Ribcraft is a world-renowned British company specialising in the manufacture of custom and production RIBs. With dedicated facilities in the UK, USA, Middle East, India and a sales office in Australia, Ribcraft ensures rigorous quality control for hulls ranging from 3.5 to 12.5m. Each boat is tailor-made to meet the specific needs of each mission, whether military, search and rescue or recreational. Combining a strong fibreglass hull with an inflatable tube for extra buoyancy and performance, Ribcraft guarantees safety, strength and manoeuvrability, while offering exceptional customer service throughout the life of the boat.

 

Switzerland

Stadler Design

Founded in 1978 in Zurich, Switzerland, Stadler Design is a renowned company specialising in the design and manufacture of inflatable boats, rigid hull boats and electric boats. Combining luxury and functionality, Stadler Design offers unique products such as the Sunfloat Luxury, which combines the advantages of a raft, a motorboat and a yacht solarium, without requiring a licence. The company uses sustainable and local materials, guaranteeing safety and customer satisfaction. Since its inception, Stadler Design has stood out for its innovation, practicality and commitment to high-quality, customisable products.

 

Turkey

Joker Boat

Founded in 1991 in Istanbul, Joker Boat manufactures boats with clean lines, bright colours and top-of-the-range 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 manoeuvrability on the water.

 

Northstar

The Northstar brand was established in 2002 and production of RIBs and boats began in the same year. From 2008, Northstar became an exclusive 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 leading manufacturers of inflatable boats, rigid hull boats and semi-rigid boats, for use in yachting, fishing, boating and water sports.

 

Kolibri

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

 

Are you passionate about boating and semi-rigid boats? 

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Read more about the world of RIBs:

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• Preparing to launch your inflatable boat 
• How to maintain your RIB boat