The AIRIB design has an extremely high level of sealed buoyancy, enough to withstand total swamping with a full crew and remain stable and level.  It has all round fendering (provided by the inflated tubes) and is low in the topsides giving easy access to the water.

2.        OPERATION  -   LOAD CARRYING and STABILITY

TINNIE

For small passenger loads, fishing and travelling from A to B in good weather , a tinnie does the job well.  Hull designs differ, but usually the rougher the expected area of operation the higher the topsides necessary.  In close quarters with other vessels, fenders have to be deployed.  Care has to be exercised with weight distribution to keep the boat in trim.  If boarding from the water or pulling something from the water it may be necessary to move weight to the opposite side as a counter balance to prevent water ingress or capsize.  When towing, particular care has to be taken to avoid water ingress over the stern and loss of stability.

AIRIBs

AIRIBs are able to carry many more people bcause of the high level of buoyancy.  Carryings capacity is often double that of a conventional hull.  For example, a 3.5 metre AIRIB can be surveyed as a tender for 10 people, the same size tinnie might be a 2 - 3 person boat.  The greater buoyancy makes the AIRIB a very stable platform for towing.  AIRIBs can mix it in close proximity to other boats without the need to deploy fenders and without much concern for squashed fingers.  In the event of a man overboard, the rescue crew can all be on the same side and roll the person over the low, rounded flexible side tube.

3.       HULL MATERIALS  -  DURABLE and RESILIENT

An aluminium hull is for the most part very resilient and has a long, low maintenance life.  A fibreglass hull has similar attributes but tends to be heavier than aluminium.  The AIRIB has an aluminium hull, which is surrounded by a buoyant inflated fender / collar.

4.       LONGEVITY

The tubes of the AIRIB are made of fabric and are subject to U.V. aging.  They are best kept out of the sun when not in use either by covering or keeping under cover.  Covering is recommended for tinnies too, to preserve the boat fittings and keep dirt and foliage out.  One of the special features of the AIRIB design is the ease of replacing the fabric tubes.

Conclusion:

Any boat can be used for a wide range of jobs but some designs are better suited for some operations.  Tinnies are good as low maintenance, small numbers, low payload, fair weather boats.  They last for a long time and are inexpensive.

AIRIBs are good all weather boats.  They can carry large loads in safety, are user friendly because they don't damage other boats when alongside.  They have high levels of stability at high speed, low speed and at rest.  They have the highest level of safety.  A good RIB is more expensive in intial purchase price but cost effective in the long term when cost per carrying capacity and safety are taken into account.