Talk:Rigid-hulled inflatable boat

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I had to change some facts in this (even though I sometimes forgott to lock in), and would be glad if anyone could read it over to clean typos and gramarmistakes, since English isn't my native language.

Thanks Janetzky 13:04, 15 November 2005 (UTC)

Hi, Sorry to advise that much of what you write about polyurethane coated fabrics for RIB tubes is incorrect, at least as far as Europe is concerned, but I would expect also for the USA.

Several RIB companies manufacture tubes in PU, it is no more difficult than manufacturing in Hypalon when gluing. Welding is more difficult than with PVC but gives a much better result. Only very old PU is difficult to repair, the thing is to use the correct technique - see www.rib.net for instructions. European PU materials do not contain Neoprene - I sell these materials and have been closely involved with their design. PU is airtight. Internal exposed edges usually have to be sealed, as with Hypalon. PU material is not normally knife/bullet resistant. Tubes can be protected - see Special Operations Technology 2004 Volume 2 Issue 6. It does not age quickly when pigmented. All PU coatings used on RIB tubes are pigmented. However polishing with marine polish is especially recommended for optimum life when exposed to exceptionally high levels of UV - same applies to Hypalon and PVC. The Quality of European PU tube materials improved significantly about 10 years ago - life expectancy of current materials looks to be as good as Hypalon. Please refer RIB International, June/July 2007 edition.

Ian Shaw Chiorino UK 15:36, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Performance

The article states that

RIBs are generally designed with hydroplaning hulls. Due to their low weight RIBs often out-perform other similarly sized and powered boats, and can also cope with rougher seas.

While it's ability to cope with rougher seas and the RHIB's general high stability, i think that the consensus is that RHIB's are heavyer than similar sized and more common fiberglass hulls. --83.89.8.114 (talk) 17:56, 17 May 2008 (UTC)