Buying a semi-rigid boat can cause almost as many doubts as buying a larger boat. If you want to buy a semi-rigid boat but doubts are stopping you from moving forward in your search, stop for a few minutes and think about all the questions you need answered to be confident about such things as materials, models, engines… We will answer everything for you in this post!
Semi-rigid boat, what are the advantages?
Also known as inflatables or RIB (rigid inflatable boat). This rigid inflatable boat is a hybrid combining classic inflatable boats with the robustness of solid boat hulls. This successful combination offers great advantages to lovers of the sea, since its technical characteristics provide:
–Stability and safety: the materials they are made of allow them to glide through the sea in a more aerodynamic way.
–Lightness and agility: their low weight and high buoyancy make them easily manageable.
–Versatility: robustness allows them to navigate without complications over adverse terrain or rough seas.
–Highly customizable: you can choose from materials such as floats, hulls, different thicknesses, colours… You can also customize the cover, awnings, reinforcements, hatches and choose from a multitude of accessories.
–Low consumption: compared to other boats, its consumption is drastically reduced thanks to its low weight and the design of its hull, which reduces thrust when advancing, therefore, it requires less engine power.
In short, they are the all-rounders of the sea that allow you to fully enjoy boating and various activities in an easy and safe way, without drastic fuel consumption.
What material do I choose?
RIBs mainly consist of two parts: the floats and the hull, and each part is made up of different materials. The choice will depend on how you want to use your RIB, since there is no perfect material for everything, but one that is the most suitable for each individual use.
The material of the floats can be: Neoprene Hypalon®, PVC, or Polyurethane fabric.
Hypalon neoprene is characterized by having excellent resistance to UV rays and harmful agents such as hydrocarbons, oils, solvents… therefore, it is also the best material in the long term. Its longevity has been demonstrated for more than 20 years. Therefore, if you are a professional in the nautical sector within areas such as salvage and rescue, customs agents, etc. This material is the one that offers the best performance and durability.
PVC is the most widely used fabric because it is the most economical and offers undoubted advantages such as being much lighter than neoprene, therefore it attributes to lower fuel costs. The maintenance of PVC, due to its plastic nature, is easier and less expensive than nylon and although it lasts less time than nylon, it does offer great performance for more than 15 years, if it is well cared for. If you are looking for a lighter, cheaper boat with easier maintenance, PVC will be your option.
The hull material is usually aluminium or, in most cases, fiberglass, rather than carbon.
At Heavy Seas we are suppliers of the Cobra Rib Boat brand, therefore, after gaining special knowledge about what the characteristics of the RIBs are, we can offer some of the most interesting Cobra RIB Boat models.
Why choose Cobra RIB Boat?
The Cobra RIB Boat house has multiple models with the most innovative materials to guarantee the best boating with inflatable boats. They also have a practical and elegant design, which allows a deck arrangement with the greatest space and comfort. They have the CE certificate, awarded by the Ministry of Public Works, which displays the guarantee of meeting the requirements.
Therefore, when choosing which type of RIB best suits your needs, you must choose the materials to put it together with. You must take into account the purpose that you are going to give it and the amount in which you are going to use it. Among the most prominent we find:
● Cobra 580 Hybrid. Intended for recreation and made up of a fibreglass hull and Neoprene Hypalon floats. Thanks to the floats you will not need to worry about maintenance or take great care with the upkeep, the same can be said about the fibreglass hull. It also has a deep bathtub and comes with a padded front seat and hatch. In addition to a fanny pack seat. She can carry up to 1,500 kg.
● Cobra 750 Neoprene, the perfect option for lovers of diving. Its long length (750 cm) allows for the carrying of the equipment, being able to support up to 2,827 kg. It consists of a fibreglass hull and Neoprene Hypalon floats. In addition, it has a 5-seater Jockey, where the diving team can sit. It consists of a stainless-steel diving ladder and an aluminium tank below deck with a capacity of 450 litres.
● Cobra 330 Open, best for activities related to fishing or diving, the Cobra 330 allows for the introduction of pneumatic seats in addition to jockey seats. Comprised of a fibreglass hull and PVC floats, it is very light and small, making it very easy to tow.
● Cobra 500, this very versatile inflatable has a double non-removable aluminium casing which is 3 mm thick and a PVC float. It has a length of 5m, is light in weight and supports up to 1,400kg.
● Cobra 300, designed to serve as an auxiliary boat for sailboats. This three-meter-long semi-rigid is designed with an aluminium hull and a Neoprene Hypalon fabric float.
● Cobra 360, a multifunctional boat. It is very lightweight and has customization possibilities for demanding sailors. It also fits perfectly with the properties that a dinghy must have.
These are just some of the Cobra Rib Boat RIB models, for more information or personalized advice, contact us. At Heavy Seas we are experts, and we can provide you with any model you want.