What is a RIB Boat?
RIB stands for Rigid Inflatable Boat (also called RHIB: Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat). It's a boat with a solid hull (hull) made of aluminum or polyester, with surrounding material inflatable tubes made of PVC or Hypalon material.
Unlike a rubber boat, a RIB lies INTO the water (not on it). The combination of hard hull and soft tubes makes RIBs exceptional stable, fast and seaworthy. They are widely used by emergency services (fire brigade, police, rescue brigade), but also for recreation and water sports.
RIBs range from 2.5 to 17 meters and can produce engine powers of up to 250+ hp On. They are perfect for water sports, sport fishing, day trips and as a tender on larger yachts.
What Type of RIB Do You Have?
RIB Tender
Compact, light, dinghy for a yacht or as a recreational boat.
2.5 - 3.5 metersSports RIB
Fast, agile, ideal for water sports and day trips.
3.5 - 5 metersFamily RIB
Spacious, stable, suitable for families and sport fishing.
5 - 7 metersCabin RIB
With cabin, suitable for overnight stays and long trips.
7 - 10+ metersWhich Coverage Suits Your RIB?
WA (Liability)
Basic coverage for damage to others
- ✓ Damage to third parties €5-7.5 million
- ✓ Mountains & lights boat
- ✓ No deductible
- ✗ Own boat not covered
- ✗ Theft not covered
WA + Limited Casco
+ Coverage for own boat
- ✓ Everything from WA
- ✓ Fire & explosion
- ✓ Storm & lightning
- ✓ Theft of boat & motor
- ✗ Own debt not covered
WA + Full Casco
All risk: maximum protection
- ✓ Everything from Limited Casco
- ✓ Collision & own fault
- ✓ Water sports damage
- ✓ Road transport
- ✓ New value guarantee 3 years
🔩 Aluminum vs Polyester Hull
The hull determines weight, stability and price:
🔵 Aluminum Hull
Lighter weight, easier to trailer. Usually a little cheaper. Popular with tenders and smaller RIBs. Brands: Talamex, Highfield, Zodiac Cadet ALU.
⚪ Polyester Hull
Heavier but more stable. Stronger with larger RIBs. Better sailing characteristics on rough water. Brands: Zodiac, Bombard, Capelli.
💡 Both hull types are insurable without a premium difference. The value of the boat determines the premium.
🛟 PVC vs Hypalon Tubes
The material of the inflatable tubes:
🔵 PVC Tubes
Lighter and cheaper. Great for the Netherlands and inland waterways. Less UV and salt resistant. Standard with most RIBs.
🟡 Hypalon (Neoprene) Tubes
Stronger and more durable. Resistant to extreme sun and salt water. Recommended for the Mediterranean. Premium RIBs (Zodiac, Bombard).
🏆 Popular RIB Brands
All RIB brands insurable. From entry-level to high-performance:
🎯 What do you use your RIB for?
💡 RIBs are also used professionally by emergency services (police, fire brigade, rescue brigade).
🔐 Security requirements RIB Boat
Insurers set security requirements for coverage against theft:
- 🔒 Tie up boat: Approved chain/cable + lock on jetty or shore
- ⚙️ Outboard motor: CCV-approved toggle or nut lock required
- 🏠 Storage: Enclosed area with permanent supervision
- 🚗 Trailer: Approved drawbar lock or wheel clamp
- 📍 GPS tracker: Recommended for valuable RIBs
💰 Premium indication RIB Boat
| Type RIB | Value | Complete airframe |
|---|---|---|
| RIB Tender (2.5-3.5m) | €2,000 - €8,000 | €10-€18/month |
| Sports RIB (3.5-5m) | €8,000 - €25,000 | €18-€35/month |
| Family RIB (5-7m) | €25,000 - €60,000 | €35-€65/month |
| Cabin RIB (7-10m) | €60,000 - €150,000 | €65-€120/month |
| High performance | €100,000+ | €100-€150+/month |
* Indicative prices. Exact premium depends on engine power, sailing area and claim-free years.
📈 No-Claim Discount: Save up to 40%
Every year of sailing without damage you build up a discount:
- ✓ 1 year damage free: 10% discount
- ✓ 3 years damage free: 20% discount
- ✓ 5+ years claim-free: 30-40% discount
- ✓ Interpolis: Up to 50% no-claim after 9 years
- ✓ Transferable: Take your no-claim with you
🎿 Water sports with your RIB
RIBs are ideal for water sports. Please note the coverage:
- ✓ Water skiing: Usually covered with a full shell
- ✓ Wakeboarding: Check conditions for water sports damage
- ✓ Tubing: Recreationally usually not a problem
- ⚠ Competitions: Excluded as standard, insure separately
- ✓ Equipment: Skis, lines under contents (20-40% boat value)
⚠️ Not Covered / Exclusions
- ✗ Normal wear and tear: Wear on tubes due to use
- ✗ UV damage: Damage from prolonged sun exposure
- ✗ Unsecured: Theft without approved security
- ✗ Business use: Only private recreational use
- ✗ Competitions: Unless separately insured
- ✗ Rental: Renting out the boat
💡 Tips For RIB Owners
- ✓ Full airframe recommended: RIBs are valuable, protect your investment
- ✓ Motor on policy: Please mention outboard motor explicitly with horsepower and value
- ✓ Insuring a trailer: Many RIBs are trailered, with separate decks
- ✓ UV protection: Use a cover to prevent tube degradation
- ✓ Maintenance tubes: Regular cleaning extends the lifespan
- ✓ Consider Hypalon: When sailing at sea or abroad
🌍 Sailing Abroad
RIBs are often taken on holiday. NB:
- 🇮🇹 Italy: WA required + special Italy Certificate
- 🇭🇷 Croatia: WA mandatory + IVB
- 🇪🇸 Spain: WA required
- 🇬🇷 Greece: WA required + boating license
- 🚗 Transportation: Check whether trailering abroad is covered
Specialized RIB Insurers
These insurers have experience with RIB boats:
