What is the lifespan of a RIB?

[wipe_out]

Just browsing boats for sale as I sometimes do and it occurred to me that there don't seem to be many old RIBs around.. Is this because they were not that popular 15+ years ago or because they don't last that long and get retired?

 

[thejonesey]

I have a 30+ year old Avon Searider 4m which is brilliant! To be fair, it has seen some love and restoration but the hull is in perfect shape and the tubes stay pumped up! If you go onto a site like Ribnet you will see lots of enthusiasts who bring SR4s back to showroom level as they are a bit of a classic.... in my opinion!

 

[vjmehra]

There are a few around on RIB.net and even Apollo Duck etc. however with tubes alone likely to cost around 2k, in many cases it doesn't make sense to buy a RIB that old unless you specifically want a project.

Given most new RIBS are probably a fair bit cheaper than the average Motor Cruiser it just doesn't make sense for old ones to sit around (as they are much quicker to get to the point where refurb costs outweigh value) and those that appeal to fans as thejonesey said get snapped up for projects.

That said...to counter what I've said there somewhat, given they are trailerable you also often find that people simply keep them for years as they don't necessarily deteriorate as much being kept in someones garage to in a marina berth!

I've sort of contradicted myself a bit there!

 

[simonfraser]

It's obviously the UV damage that's going to affect the lifespan.
Find a good one and buy a cover, don't think you'd have to worry then.

 

[Wavey]

It's only a 2.7m Quicksilver RIB but it's been on davits on the back of our boats (uncovered) for something like 25 years. Brushes up a treat when cleaned (annually), no patches and just needs the air topped up annually too. Just the webbing for the seat has rotted (not that I can find the seat now). Surprised how well it's lasted considering it gets almost zero tlc.

 

[[164147]]

It all depends on usage and TLC - Hypalon tubes can last 5 - 20 years.

Tube replacement on a 7m RIB is typically £4 - £6k depending on what quality of tube you want, number of chambers etc.

 

[wipe_out]

So by the sound of it the cost of replacing the tubes is the inhibiting factor so a rib would tend to be replaced rather than restored when they deteriorate which explains why there aren't many older ones around..

 

[[164147]]

Well that all depends on the quality of the RIB in question. Scorpion RIBs are now over £100k new - secondhand ones will always be worth re-tubing.

 

[Nick_H]

Certainly RIBS have got much bigger in the last 15-20 years, so if you're searching for >6m then older boats will be thin on the ground. I also agree the point about the cost of re-tubing.