INMAR RIBS

[CaptnJack]

If it doesn't have a USCG approved HIN number you will have to stamp one on. Mine didn't and WA DOL issued me one that I had to stamp on (with a set of harbor freight letters)

[CaptnJack]

I imported my RIB from Canada, you can build your own boat if you want. There is no requirement for it to be USCG approved. You wont pay BC sales taxes on the export but you have to take it straight to the border with the required paperwork. You will pay WA sales (use) taxes to register it here. I would suggest getting the engine on this side of the border as most marine engines are imported via the US before they get to Canada so it'll be cheaper down here.

[Nwbrewer]

how about these guys? anybody know anything about them? Are they approved for use in the US?

https://strykerboats.com/collections/frontpage

[Nwbrewer]

I still have the 19' skiboat for going out and going far/fast. This is the going for short trips out in the rain and roughish weather boat.
The zodiac I have is a 12.5' ft Fish N' Hunt with an 18hp. It's open deck with a box in it for a seat. It's light enough that I can launch it even when the end of the launch is covered in mud (low tide) and I can take the family out and run around for a few hours, pull crab pots, whatever, for $10 worth of gas. It's my light and convenient boat.

If it were 15 years newer I wouldn't be looking to replace it at all. Most SIB's seem to be better suited to getting from your yacht to the dock, than used as a primary boat. Hence looking at new. If I could find a similar used boat I'd be all over it.

This is what I was looking at, as it's pretty comparable to the boat I have -
https://www.inmarinflatables.com/inmar- ... 380-pt.htm

Jake

[CaptnJack]

I dunno where Bill is getting his info but at least at the top end the Hurricanes are an amazing boat. They would suck for diving because the tubes are huge. Personally I would love a diesel Willard RIB, even if they are not super fast (max ~28knots) they are lovely and great in heavy weather. Finding one and restoring it is beyond my means (time and budget).

The RIBs I like least are any with moulded in seats and consoles. I prefer a more modular approach + deck space.

[60south]

FYI... Although Zodiac has the name, their boats are probably ranked in the bottom half for build quality.

Interesting. I used Zodiacs for years and never had a problem, but that was the super-expensive mil-pro series.

What brands do you think are near the top?

[CaptnJack]

$22K + taxes sounds like a lot but this is a nice boat with a decent deck layout for diving. Only thing I would change is up to the max 60hp.
https://www.inmarinflatables.com/product-p/470r-pt.htm

[CaptnJack]

Which model are you looking at? I have no direct experience with them but see they are made in San Diego and have both PVC and Hypalon models.

I had an aluminum floor wooden keeled SIB for about 6 years (a Bombard). It was a decent PVC boat. PVC fabrics don't like sun, Hypalon glue doesn't like heat. But in western WA we really don't have either so both materials end up lasting a long time. In other parts of the country you have to weigh the tradeoffs vs intended use and storage conditions more. As a general rule PVC tubes are getting pretty tired and brittle at 15yrs, Hypalon tends to not get as sun damaged. PVC is less $$ than Hypalon.

My biggest red flag is why are you buying new? For the same hull length (and interior space) I would definitely say you get "more boat" from a RIB over a SIB having owned both types. Getting something just under 16ft long saves you excise taxes fyi. Don't even think about rolling up a SIB every time you store it, you'll spend hours assembling and disassembling the damn thing just to do one dive. Get a bunk trailer. And look at the local used market.

[BillZ]

Current boat is a SIB, I was thinking of one of these to replace it. Part of me wants to go Aluminum RIB, but I use it just for running around close to home in the south sound, and I can buy ~3 SIB's for the cost of a RIB.....

My dream boat is the Harbor Patrol boat that hangs around Cove Two While technically not a RIB, it would make for a sweet dive platform.

Curious, why go hypalon? Zodiac's have been a form of PVC for a long time. The ability to weld the seams would make them stronger I would think.

Although PVC has gotten better over the years, it is still susceptible breaking down from UV exposure and temperature changes. Hypalon is also more resistant to chemicals such as gas, oil etc.

If you're looking for a nice RIB, Jared posted his awhile back. This is a really nice dive platform, easy to tow (he pulled it with a Subaru) and he put in alot of work to upgrade it.

viewtopic.php?f=45&t=27080&p=288830&hilit=inflatable#p288830

[Jeff Pack]

why SIB/RIB? Towing constraint?

[Nwbrewer]

Current boat is a SIB, I was thinking of one of these to replace it. Part of me wants to go Aluminum RIB, but I use it just for running around close to home in the south sound, and I can buy ~3 SIB's for the cost of a RIB.....

I saw one of the patrol series up in the san juans and they look pretty well built.

Curious, why go hypalon? Zodiac's have been a form of PVC for a long time. The ability to weld the seams would make them stronger I would think.

[H20doctor]

capt Jack would be the one to ask

[BillZ]

Are you looking at a SIB (Soft Inflatable Boat) or RIB (Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat) ?

Although I dont have any in depth experience with Inmar, I looked at one when a was RIB shopping. They seem to be a solid boat. I would make sure the tube material is Hypalon and not PVC.

FYI... Although Zodiac has the name, their boats are probably ranked in the bottom half for build quality.

[60south]

Well cool! I hadn't heard of them. No idea if of the quality but the inflatable prices are pretty good, on par with Zodiac or a bit cheaper.

https://www.inmarinflatables.com/inmar- ... 430-sr.htm

[Dusty2]

Sad to say I've never heard of them! But then Ribs are a bit pricy for my budget.

[Nwbrewer]

Since I trust the opinions of people here more than random internet ratings, anybody have any experience with INMAR RIBs? My Zodiac is starting to fall apart on me and it's time to replace it. Spec's wise I think they look pretty sweet, but I have no personal experience with them.

Thanks!

https://www.inmarinflatables.com/