A RIB purchase is a system decision: hull, outboard, fuel, lifting points, davits, cover and service support. The hull price is only one line. Get the dimensions and total hanging load right before asking which brand has the best finish.
Start with davits and dimensions
Record the davit safe working load, arm spacing, lifting geometry and clearance above the water. Then build a weight budget for the complete tender. A 50 kg hull can become a 120 kg hanging package once the engine, fuel, battery, anchor, safety gear and lifting bridle are aboard.
Aluminium or fibreglass
Aluminium normally wins for a yacht tender that is lifted often and landed on rough beaches. Fibreglass earns its extra weight through finish and ride quality, particularly when the tender runs longer distances or lives on a platform rather than light davits.
Make every quote comparable
- Exact hull and model year
- Exact outboard model and dry weight
- Console, steering, battery and electrical fit-out
- Fuel tank, cover, chocks or lifting bridle
- Dealer preparation, registration, freight and delivery timing
Questions to put in writing
- What is the ready-to-use hanging weight with the quoted outboard and full fuel?
- Do the lifting points align with the davits, and are they rated for this use?
- Is the quoted boat aluminium or fibreglass, and PVC or CSM?
- Does the price include steering, battery, fuel system, commissioning and freight?
- Where is the nearest authorised warranty and tube-repair support?
A useful quote identifies the exact model and configuration, every included item, all unavoidable delivery or preparation charges and the expected delivery timing. If two quotes do not include the same things, the headline prices are not comparable.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good RIB size for a cruising yacht?
About 2.7–3.1 m covers many cruising couples, but davit span, load rating and boarding geometry decide the safe maximum.
Is an aluminium RIB always better for davits?
It is usually lighter at a given length, but compare the complete package. Hull layout, outboard choice and accessories can erase part of the headline saving.
Do I need a sea trial?
For a substantial purchase, yes. Test the likely crew and load, boarding from the water, low-speed control and the chop you actually expect to encounter.