Who invented the Rib boat?
Early adoption
The inflatable collar or sponson that attaches to a conventional rigid hulled boat was conceived as fendering to assist life boats in coming alongside. It quickly became clear that this ‘fendering’ was actually a breakthrough in boat design giving exceptional sea keeping, safety and a ‘variable geometry’ hull that helps to absorb shock loads in big seas.
At a glance
Atlantic 21' Lifeboats
The RNLI named their first Ribs after the College and the Atlantics have been the mainstay of the RNLI inshore rescue fleet ever since, although they are now bigger and faster versions designated Atlantic 75’s and 85’s. The RNLI makes all of its Ribs at its own Rib building facility in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Leisure market
Boatbuilders were quick to adapt the design to a retail specification. The market has grown exponentially over the last forty years. 4m Avon Sea Riders have given way to boats that are not uncommonly 8m in length. Solent Rib Charter have a 15m cabin Rib in build.
Offshore production
Many well known UK manufacturers have ‘offshored’ their production but the majority of serious ‘commercial’ boats are still produced in the UK by firms like Ribcraft, Halmatic, Delta and MST. Solent Rib Charter have purchased some forty Ribcraft boats from new over the last twenty-five years.
What our customers say
Incredible company who at last minute were able to step in like heroes.
Skipper Jon on the day was great & always showed on time.
These guys were brilliant. Would highly recommend them.
I'd absolutely 100% recommend these guys.
Really nice people, with great kit and knowledge.
Another wildly successful client RIB day with the wonderful Solent RIB Charter.
From start to finish the process was seamless.
The most professional Rib charter company you will ever come across!
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