Are you thinking about buying a RIB boat? Whether it’s your first rigid inflatable boat or an upgrade to something more spacious and versatile, there are so many options on the market. But how do you know which RIB is right for you? 

The truth is, not all rigid inflatable boats are created equal. And as a buyer, you’re right to do you research and ensure you find a RIB that not only suits your lifestyle, but is going to last you for years to come.

At Grand Boats, we’ve guided hundreds of customers through sea trials and RIB boat reviews, so we know the key factors that separate a good boat from a great one. Here’s your quick guide to what to look for when buying a RIB boat.

Why Choose a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)?

Before diving into the details, it helps to understand why RIBs are such a popular choice. A rigid inflatable boat offers the perfect blend of:

  • Stability and safety in all conditions
  • Lightweight performance with a strong fibreglass hull
  • Exceptional handling thanks to their responsive, agile nature
  • Versatility for everything from family outings, water sports, fishing, yacht tenders or offshore adventures
  • Durability thanks to marine-grade tubes and fittings

It’s no wonder more Australians are searching for RIB boats for sale as their go-to leisure craft.

5 Key Things to Look for When Buying a RIB Boat

One thing our Sales Director Dan recommends above all else is making sure you go out and test drive the rigid inflatable boat you are looking for, as this will tell you everything you need to know about the boat. 

Here are five essential checks to keep in mind when you sea trial a RIB: 

1. Ride Comfort & Performance in Choppy Water

One of the first things you’ll notice when buying a RIB boat is how it feels on the water. Ask yourself:

  • Does the deck stay dry, even in rougher conditions?
  • Is the ride smooth, quiet, and stable at different speeds?

A high-quality RIB should deliver confidence, comfort, and control no matter the conditions. And a well-designed RIB will have design features that ensure spray is deflected downwards and away from the inside of the boat to keep you and all your passengers dry while underway.

2. Quality Check: Fixtures & Fittings

When inspecting a rigid inflatable boat for sale, look closely at the details. Premium RIB boats use marine-grade fixtures and fittings that withstand salt, sun, and heavy use. Make sure there isn’t any signs of rust on the fixtures, and that fittings – such as electronics, chart plotters, fridges and speakers – have been well-positioned and well-fitted onboard the boat.

Open up the lockers to check the internal finishes of the boat, and check whether any fibreglass feels solid under pressure; flexing or movement is a red flag.

3. Internal Deck Space vs Tube Size

Some RIB brands use oversized tubes and argue it makes their boats “more stable.” While that might sound appealing, it’s not the whole story. The reality is that tube position has a greater impact on stability and ride quality than simply making them wider does. In fact, giant tubes don’t improve comfort on the water; they just eat into your usable deck space.

At Grand, our RIB boats are designed differently. We position the tubes further outwards, which opens up more internal space for passengers and storage without compromising performance or safety. This thoughtful design gives you the best of both worlds: plenty of room on deck and a smooth, confident ride.

4. Practical Layout & Safe Movement On Board

The best rigid inflatable boats are designed with practical use in mind. Consider:

  • Can passengers move freely without bumping into each other?
  • Are handholds positioned where you naturally need them?
  • Is the seating layout comfortable for both cruising and resting?
  • When you’re moving around onboard, does the boat remain relatively balanced on the water?

A thoughtful deck design makes a big difference in your day-to-day boating experience.

5. Storage Capacity & Locker Design

Onboard practicality is also impacted by storage. We all know just how much gear, bags and toys end up coming out on the water when you’ve ot the family onboard for the day!

When you’re onboard a RIB, open the lockers and get a sense of just how spacious and usable the storage compartments are. Good RIB designers make good use of the empty internal hull space, creating large, deep storage compartments for packing away your gear.

Sea Trial: The Ultimate RIB Boat Review

Reading guides and reviews is important, but nothing compares to a sea trial. When you test drive a rigid inflatable boat, you’ll experience firsthand how it performs, feels, and fits your lifestyle. Use the checklist above to guide your trial and compare different RIB boats with confidence.

Where to Find RIB Boats for Sale in Australia

If you’re considering buying a RIB boat, Grand Inflatable Boats offers premium European-designed rigid inflatable boats available in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. Explore our range of rigid inflatable boats for sale and find a RIB boat dealer near you.

Get in touch with us to learn more about the design of our RIBs and to arrange a sea trial near you.