Ribs

[Ray Hough]

What are the pros and cons for fiberglass vs. aluminum Ribs for use in the Chesapeake and Intracostal cruising?
Ray

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Ray Hough

What are the pros and cons for fiberglass vs. aluminum Ribs for use in the Chesapeake and Intracostal cruising?
Ray

Since you are in sheltered waters, I'm not sure either have much advantage over a rigid floor sport boat. Typically the harbors either have a no-wake rule or you should self-enforce that as there are other boats around. So all they are is heavy, and heavy on the stern doesn't help any boat sail better.

Just sayin'.

[DDabs]

For that location, it really won't matter much going with fiberglass or aluminum. The aluminum floor on a RIB can get pretty hot, something to consider.

[Vasco]

I have had both and much prefer the aluminum hulled RIBs. They are lighter which is the major difference. Both will scratch, dent and hole if dragged up a rocky shore without care but much superior to a soft bottom. Make sure you get one with a flat floor so you don't get the feeling that you're in a canoe. Better for cargo too. The Highfield aluminum job is very well built and carefully designed and has many lifting attachment points. Some of the other brands only have one attachment point at the bow. The many lifting points are good for lashing down with ratchet straps too.

[Sailor Deb]

yes! eat them. they're good

[Suijin]

As Vasco state the aluminum hulled ones are significantly lighter than the fiberglass ones, which translates into slightly better performance, towing, and probably most importantly, ease of handling when launching from or stowing on your deck.

Everyone I know who has had both prefers aluminum over fiberglass.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ray.

I prefer beef back ribs.

[boom23]

I've had all types of inflatable dinghies. The aluminum RIBs are the best. If you can, get an unpainted one.

[zeehag]

had a r i b for a while--i prefer pork baby backs or beef short ribs.. yummmmy

[Cheechako]

Aluminum noisier.
Aluminum may be a bit lighter. Not sure if that is a good thing on the water or not, but good for lifting if you are looking for something easier to lift.
Aluminum if finished often doesn't hold the finish long. If bare it leaves everything with a white/grey marking.