Hi there as usually its me just a voice over you are watching review machines and today we
have quite a peculiar theme if this video. The weather is so fine this spring, so lets enjoy
it cruising through huge water areas this time! Without being sad lets begin the unpacking of our
transport for today! And while we are preparing I’ll tell you in a word about today’s agenda.
This time we are going to discuss the topic that will be interesting for all those who
choose an inflatable boat for using with engine. Generally there are two variants. The first one
is the most simple and affordable – it is just a usual inflatable boat with soft bottom. And
the second variant is RIB or rigid inflatable boat. The both variants are suitable for using
them with boat motors up to 40 hp. But RIB boats are two times more expensive than usual ones.
So today we are going to find out if RIB boats are worth their money, what are their pros
and cons. We will make all the tests to show you all the difference between two variants!
Meantime we’ve prepared two boats. The usual boat is called Stormline,
and RIB boat is called AndrOmeda. And the first thing I want to notice that it takes
approximately the same time to pump up the both boat. The weight of the usual boat is 53 kilos,
RIB one weighs 60 kilos, so the weight difference is not significant.
Now it is time to attach the engines. To make our tests be fair we took the same motor for
both boats. It is called Mikatsu 30 hp. It is the most suitable motor for our boats. We
will look at it closer, and now we have the final preparations for our trip! The boats are inflated,
the motors are mounted it seems everything is ready! It is time to hit the road, lets go!
It may seem that there is no any difference between these two boats cruising on water.
They have the same length 4 meters and carrying capacity 700 kilos,
so why should we pay more for RIB one? Well lets look at the boats a bit closer.
Stormline Airclassic 400, the length is 4 meters. There are 3 inflatable sections and a bottom,
two seats. It can fit 5 people. The transom height is 380 mm.
The boat is suitable for motors up to 30 hp. The are many comfy handles on a boat.
Now RIB Andromeda Rs 400. The base here is a rigid plastic frame with an inflatable balloons attached
to it. The length is also 4 meters. The boat can be used with motors up to 40 hp. But 30 hp motor
is the most suitable here. There are also two seats, but besides we have a waterproof locker
here. In general RIB has the same dimensions and the specs as usual inflatable boat.
Now few words about the engine we chose for the test. It is two stroke two cylinders carburetor
30 hp motor Mikatsu. The weight is 53 kilos. The start is manual. The fuel consumption is about 11
liters per hour. The fuel tank is external its volume is 24 liters. This motor has the specs
that are the most suitable for our boats. And now we are moving to the practice!
As I said it may seem there is no any difference between the boats. Yes the motors and main specs
are the same. But there is a huge difference. It’s a rigid bottom and inflatable one. The
rigid bottom slides on water better and provides higher speed. Besides the RIB has a keel that
gives us a performance that usually big sea motorboats have. Then it is much more easier
on RIB boat to move in hydroplaning mode! It provides higher speed and less fuel consumption.
Well it is so pleasure to sweep on water in such a beautiful weather.
But lets have a brief stop to see the difference between the bottoms of the boats.
As we can see an inflatable bottom is not absolutely flat, but anyway there is no keel.
And RIB has the keel. Mainly it is the only difference between these two boats,
but it is huge. By the way the bottom here has a special shape. It is called a double keel. There
is an upper one and a lower. Such shape makes it easier to go to hydroplaning mode on water.
We can see the difference even when we stand steel. It is not so comfy to stand in a regular
inflatable boat. And you can easily stand in RIB, it is much more stable and it is more
comfortable to stand on a hard surface than on a soft one. Lets move back to the tests now.
Lets watch how the boats are hydroplaning. As we can see the inflatable boat is dangling all
the way. And it is harder to handle it at a high speed. RIB is moving much more stable and faster.
That is the result of having a rigid keel. Now I’ll show
you how the passenger feels in our boats. Actually it shakes harder in an inflatable boat,
than in a RIB one. And now it is time to measure the maximum speed!
Firstly we check the maximum speed of the inflatable boat with one man onboard.
The result is 39 kmh. Now lets try with two passengers.
It is interesting that the maximum speed is almost the same now, it is 38 kmh.
Now it is turn RIB Andromeda with one man onboard. The result is 49 kmh.
And trying with two men. This time the difference is more, the maximum speed is 45 kmh.
Now I should mention the next advantage of RIB boats. They are more maneuverable! It is easier to
turn around on water. The inflatable boat doesn’t have a keel, so the turning radius is higher.
The next thing. The RIB boat allows to install a steering console that
makes it be almost like a sea motorboat. Besides the RIB boat is more durable,
and it is hard to puncture it, as opposed to any inflatable boat.
But the usual inflatable boat also has some advantages! The first one – it is much more
easy to store and transport it, cause it takes less space when it is not inflated.
A RIB boat requires a trailer to transport it and usual boat can be fitted almost in any car.
And the second advantage of the inflatable boat it is the price! And speaking about the prices!
At our state an inflatable boat Stormline 400 costs about a 1100 dollars. And RIB Andromeda
costs about 2200 dollars! By the way the price of the motor Mikatsu is 2400 dollars.
Well speaking about the main topic of this video! Should we pay twice
as more for RIB boats? And I think we should. The RIB is way better on water
than any inflatable boat. So if you have a room to store it and money
to buy it, your choice is obvious! Thanks for having fun with us today!
Please post your comments with your experience with motorboats. Consider subscribing the channel
if you liked this video. Stay with us, there will be many more interesting materials here, good bye!