Aluminum vs fiberglass RIB?

Both materials have its own advantages and disadvantages and it’s essential to select the watercraft that aligns with your budget and intended purposes. Here are a few tips to help you to make a right choice between aluminum or fiberglass RIBs.

Aluminum RIBs – usually cheaper and lighter in weight, which makes them easier to launch and beneficial when it comes to fitting in some specific weight limits. However, the aluminum is pickier to the damages. On one hand, aluminum hulls will rather dent than crack or break upon impact resulting in less repair costs. On the other hand, a small scratch on the bottom hull opens the way to faster corrosion, and even without noticeable scratches, in saltwater environments, the protective oxide layer on aluminum surface can deteriorate, making it susceptible to corrosion, which makes its preventing and the general maintenance somewhat challenging. As the boat is almost always in contact with water, it’s better to take it out and keep it on a floating pontoon every time you leave the boat in the marina.

Fiberglass RIBs – tend to have better seakeeping abilities and more stability, because of their slightly bigger weight. In addition to that, a heavier RIB drifts slower and in a predictable manner, which is definitely a benefit in fishing. However overall, the bigger weight is not necessarily true, thanks to modern technologies that allow fiberglass RIB boat manufacturers to remain lightweight where it’s needed. Fiberglass semi rigides are more complex in design resulting in various elegant shapes that nonetheless are easier to repair from small damages caused by little accidents. Usually, when a small crack or a hole appears, it requires only sanding, some filling with the fiberglass matt and some gelcoat application, without the risk of any damage to the rest of the hull. Fiberglass, in general, looks smoother and more attractive to the eye, which is the reason why many aluminum RIB boat brands still tend to build their seating and steering consoles from fiberglass. It’s also worth noting that a rigid hull from fiberglass is much quieter thus more attractive for recreational use.