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 been designing and manufacturing the most comprehensive range of RIBs and inflatable boats for numerous rescue, military and patrol entities around the world for over 35 years.

Austria

Grabner

Founded in 1949 in Vienna, Austria, Grabner 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 specializing in the production of fiberglass boats, inflatable boats and rigid hull boats. CE and ISO certified, the company offers a varied range including rigid inflatable boats, lifeboats, as well as recreational and fishing craft.

Colombia

AB Inflatables

Founded in 1969 in Barranquilla, Colombia, AB Inflatables is a brand of top-of-the-range RIBs renowned for their build quality, safety, durability and reliability. This Colombian company has established itself as one of the key players in the recreational boating industry.

Spain

Narwhal

Founded over 60 years ago in Vigo, Narwhal is a Spanish company specializing in the manufacture of RIBs for nautical leisure and professional use. Designed and built in Spain, models from 4 to 7.50 m are rigorously tested to guarantee buoyancy even in extreme conditions. With tough one-piece hulls, high-tenacity PVC floats, and an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing system, Narwhal ensures high-quality products, guaranteed for 1 year for professional use and 2 years for recreational use.

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. 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 over 100,000 Walker Bay boats in use in more than 50 countries worldwide.

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 water-based leisure activities to professional and rescue missions. Each model is built with meticulous attention to detail, using premium materials and advanced technologies to guarantee performance, durability and safety.

Zodiac Nautic

Founded in Paris in 1896, Zodiac Nautic is one of the world's oldest manufacturers of RIBs. 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 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 leisure activities. The company began 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 Milan in 1989, 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 and 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 sport and leisure boats, which are often used for activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding and diving.

Japan

Honda

Honda was founded in Tokyo in 1948. In addition to producing automobiles and motorcycles, the company also offers a range of high-performance RIB boats for pleasure boating and water sports.

Yamaha

Founded in 1887 in Hamamatsu, Yamaha is best known for its musical products, such as pianos and stringed instruments, but 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 over 30 years ago, Ribcraft is a world-renowned British company specializing in the manufacture of customized 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 specific mission requirements, be they military, search and rescue or recreational. Combining a solid fiberglass hull with an inflatable tube for enhanced buoyancy and performance, Ribcraft guarantees safety, robustness and maneuverability, 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 specializing 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 permit. The company uses sustainable and local materials, guaranteeing safety and customer satisfaction. Since its inception, Stadler Design has distinguished itself through innovation, practicality and a commitment to high-quality, customizable products.

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 created in 2002, and production of RIBs and boats began the same year. In 2008, Northstar became a brand exclusively for RIBs, 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 RIBs, for use in the boating, fishing, recreational boating and water sports sectors.

Kolibri

Since 1995, the Kolibri boat manufacturing company has been one of Ukraine's leading manufacturers and one of Europe's most powerful manufacturers of small boats.

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The main countries for the construction of RIBs