Rigid Inflatable boats.. advice? How seaworthy are they?

Question

I'd like to get a rigid inflatable and need some advice. I want one with a center console and small enough to fit in a small garage (with trailer).

What should I look for when purchasing? Could I get a decent used one for under 4k?

What can I realistically do with it? I'm looking to cruise the coast here in Southern California.

Any advice?

Answer 1

The coast guard and the navy both use them. You can do anything with them that you can do with a regular boat. Zodiack makes a good one. Check at any marina, I sure they would help you buy one or locate one.

Answer 2

Someone mentioned Zodiac's as the best manufacturer, I had a horrible experience with them. I bought a 14' 11" consoled model with the whole package engine tanks awning everything. within 18 months the transom literally fell off. When I went to the dealer they no longer carried Zodiacs and said  I had to call them directly which I did they were extremely rude and told me I had to pay to send it to their service center on the other side of the continent. and only if it was shown to be a factory fault would they fix it, though they would not pay for the shipping. (shipping cost each way about $1000). When they ran out of excuses the simply, flat out said they weren't going to fix t or take responsibility. I thought about suing but even as the boat value was over $8000 it would have been a huge problem, French company and all. Even West Marine tried to help but to no avail. So I would really be careful looking at Zodiac as the go to company

Answer 3

They are absolutely seaworthy, that might be one reason Navy Seals use them for putting people ashore in rough situations.

I dont know about the costs, that seems reasonable for a smaller one, say 14 to 16'.

I think you should do your homework, stick with Zodiac or other reputable brands and look in the consumer reports type publications.

I have seen them out fishing in Alaska when it was too rough to be comfortable, they float like a cork and even if swamped they are unsinkable, yes they can be punctured but it is very unlikely, they have very tough fabric and multiple chambers so even if one leaks the others will keep you safe.

The boat will still be floating and safe when it is too rough to be comfortable, you will quit before your inflatable does.

Good Luck and enjoy !!

Answer 4

I work with Channel Watch Marine, which serves as an ocean rescue service in Southern California. They have several RIBs which are ridiculously seaworthy. They are not cheap, but are fast, seaworthy, and dependable.

Watch some videos at: OceanRescue.TV

Answer 5

I used to sell inflatable boats and I can concure with everything everyone said about the seaworthiness of a RIB plus the fact that Zodiac has had major problems....they used a PVC fabric that had the seams come apart and transoms fall off. Supposedly those problems are in the past........

I have an older Avon RIB that I just love; unfortunately Zodiac bought Avon a while back and they just aren't the same.

AB and Caribe make good boats, as does Brig, which is a little harder to find.

Buy a boat made from Hypalon, NOT PVC!!

Minimum size for a console is 12 foot; bigger is better.

You could get a boat for under 4K..... but not with an engine!

If you buy from a "Big Box" marine store, check to see who makes the 'house brand'

Answer 6

I have has opportunity to drive Zodiac Hurricane 733's with the Canadian coast guard. They are amazing craft that can operate in nearly any conditions. Also, few boats of their size can handle anywhere near the horsepower that they are rated for. The ones I  have used most recently were 24 feet long and powered by twin 175's. An earlier post mentioned that they could possibly be punctured; Highly unlikely, but even if you were to tear the air tube, they are as mentioned by the last submitter ,multi chambered, meaning that the whole structure does not deflate, only a small part of it. As to price, they're not cheap, and I would be skeptical that you would pick one up that is large enough for open water for under 4k, but you never know.