What's the Difference?
Inflatable Boats | Rigid Boats | |
Coast Guard Certification | None are Coast Guard certified. They are not required to be Coast Guard approved. Since there is no testing protocol, ratings advertised can be determined arbitrarily by each manufacturer. | Coast guard certified and tested to the latest safety standards. Rigid Boats were subjected to weight capacity testing to 5 times the rated capacity, then swamped and tested for stability with weights on each side. The test allows a maximum list of 15 degrees to pass.The Rigid Boat had a 2 degree list at maximum test weights. That means you are purchasing a safe reliable boat to transport your most valuable cargo, You and your family. |
Weight | Rib inflatable boats are heavy for their size. As an example a popular 11′ 10″ rib inflatable weighs in empty at over 450 lbs. Add a 30 hp motor a few options and you will approach 650 lbs. total weight. | Weight is a designed in process with Rigid Boats to limit weight.Our 12′ Sport weighs in empty at a 335 lbs. Add a 30 hp motor a few options and you will weigh in around 535 lbs. A 30 hp motor will drive the efficient Rigid Boat hull design. |
Features | Rigid inflatable boats are deflatable for storage, except ribs. | Rigid Boats utilize a total fiberglass construction process with NO wood. The Rigid Boat uses yacht quality hardware, hull to deck construction fastened with SS screws plus a high quality marine sealant to further insure a secure leak proof attachment. The new soft rub rail allows for a “soft touch” to the mother ship with no noise from contact due to wave action. |
Stability | Slippery when wet round inflatable tube. Walk- around tubes must be fully inflated for maximum safety | Rigid, non-skid flat walk around. Safely stand on gunwale for secure ingress and egress |
Flotation | Most ribs have multiple air chambers; however, if one is punctured and deflates, it’s unlikely the boat will get you home. | Standard, closed-cell coast guard approved, upright foam, flotation allows motor operation even fully loaded and swamped |
Ride | Needs larger motor, tubes must be inflated properly for smooth ride and adequate tracking | Easy to plane, smooth ride and tracks straight |
Dry | Being wet is part of the inflatable boat experience | Dependably dry |
Storage | Basically none; some offer a bow locker | Lots! Both tubes and a bow locker. Over 12 cubic feet in every Rigid Boat. |
Maintenance | Keep the pump handy and don’t let the sun hit the tubes. Fix any leaks promptly, watch out for barnacles, ETC. | A little wash and wax and you’re done. |
Performance | Lumbers onto plane, jiggles at speed, somewhat predictable, bounces like a ball in bumpy water. | Easily planes, nimble and predictable at speed, takes the bumps in stride |
Safety | Great until she springs a leak and one or more of the chambers deflates. You will have to wait there to be rescued. I hope the water is not cold! | Coast Guard approved and tested. Even swamped and loaded to rated capacity you can start the motor and head for home. |
Resale | My experience has been… you are lucky to get 50% after 2 years when you sell your inflatable boat. | We have sold used models for 90% of new cost after 2 years. |
Comfort | Seating is adequate, ergonomically adequate, ride is adequate but WET. | Seating is comfortable, ergonomically well laid out, and ride is superb and dry |
Quality | Most inflatable boats are very good quality and construction. The problem is you have a flawed product to start. Life expectancy is usually about 10 years. | Yacht-quality design and construction with no expense spared with a 40 year plus life expectancy. |
Custom Colors | The majority of manufacturers offer one color. There are a couple that offer several optional colors. I don’t believe any offer a custom color match. | Any color you like! |
Customizing | Many do offer basic options such as cushions, lights and fuel tanks. The basic structure is somewhat limited to customize | Rigid Boats has a history of working with clients to meet that special need plus a long list of special options. |
Gel Coat | Ribs use a gel coat on the fiberglass portion of the rigid hull. | We have a superior, long-lasting UV resistant fiberglass finish. |
Warranty | 5 -10 years with lots of limitations | 5 no-hassle years |
Manufacturing | France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Canada, US, etc. | Made in the good ol’ US of A |
Hardware | Specially designed, glued or laminated onto tubes. | Yacht Quality 316 Stainless Steel all thru bolted with backing plates. |
Interior Room | Inflatable boats are narrow due to round shape of tubes intruding on interior width, floor space cluttered with necessary gear due to no storage. | Maximized by flat vertical inside gunwales increasing interior width by 4 to 6 inches. |