AIRIBs are significantly different from most other rigid inflatable boats.  They have:

• FULLY WELDED ALUMINIUM HULL WITH ALUMINIUM SIDES (GUNWALES)
• HULL DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE BEACH DAMAGE TO PONTOON
• DOUBLE SKIN PONTOON - INNER AIR TUBES AND AN OUTER COVER
• MULTIPLE BUOYANCY TUBES - NOT JUST A SINGLE COMPARTMENTALISED TUBE
• LOW PRESSURE (1.5 - 2.5 PSI) PONTOON SYSTEM
• FULLY REPLACEABLE PONTOON
• RELIABLE DOUBLE TRACK MECHANICAL ATTACHMENT OF PONTOON TO THE HULL
• NO GLUEING OF ANY STRUCTURAL PARTS

 We have been making and selling RIBs since 1988.  From 1988 to 2000 we built the Naiad brand, in 2001 we started to market the boats as ARIB Naiads and more recently we changed the product name to AIRIB.  AIRIBs are sturdy, high performance craft which are easily maintainable and fully refurbishable at reasonable cost.  This gives them an exceptionally long life.

The design and construction of the AIRIB ALUMINIUM HULL is one of the many features that make the AIRIB different.  Unlike most other RIBs on the market, the aluminium hull is not just a floor pan.  It is a complete, welded hull and transom with upright sides ("gunwales") and a watertight deck, capable of carrying load even without the pontoon.  Because the hull has these high sides, the pontoon can be fitted so that the bottom of the pontoon is above the bottom of the hull.  This means that when the boat sits on a beach the aluminum hull is the lowest point and takes the abrasion, not the pontoon.  The aluminium sides also protect the air tubes from damage from equipment (e.g. dive tanks) kept inside the boat and from sand abrasion.

Another special feature of the hull is the sealed underdeck compartment.  It provides permanent, non-inflatable buoyancy additional to the air filled pontoon.  On larger models, this underdeck compartment is fitted with a breather to allow for expansion and contraction as temperature changes.

The pontoon is mechanically attached to the aluminium hull using a double track boltrope attachment system.  Nothing is glued.

The AIRIB BUOYANCY PONTOON system is different too.  It has two components - inner air tubes and an outer skin or cover.  The outer skin protects the air tubes and also serves to attach the tubes securely to the hull.  The inner air tubes are a special feature.  Because each tube is a seperate unit (rather than a single tube compartmentalised by dividing membrances), a puncture in one tube can never reduce the buoyancy in adjoining tubes.  A puncture in one tube actually increases the buoyancy in the adjoining tube/s as it expands to take up the extra space.

LOW PRESSURE is another feature of the AIRIB pontoon system.  For good performance you need a rigid planing structure.  Because AIRIBs have an aluminium hull, deck and sides to give rigidity they don't need to rely on highly pressured pontoons.  So the pontoon system is low pressure - which extends the life of the pontoon, gives a cushioned ride and avoids the risk of sudden rapid deflation which can occur with high pressure pontoons.

AIRIBs are designed for EASY MAINTENANCE by the user.  Each inner air tube is a simple sausage shaped tube (made of butyl rubber with vulcanised seams) which can be removed for repair if punctured.  This eliminates a frustrating problem which can be experienced with single skin inflatables of a leak in an inaccessible spot.  Similarly, because the outer skin can be so simply removed, it can be patched from the inside if preferred, making repairs almost invisible.

There is a 10 YEAR / 5,000 OPERATING HOUR WARRANTY on both fabric and seams of the inner air rubes for private use.  For commercial use, the warranty depends on the usage.

The life of the outer skin depends on use, sun exposure and the fabric selected.  A choice of fabrics is available from heavy duty tortliner pvc, to extra heavy duty polyurethane for longer life in tough conditions, to hand glued hypalon for the longest life in the most demanding conditions.  If the pontoon is covered when not in use and cleaned and conditioned occasionally, life expectancy in recreational use can be ten years or more.  If left permanently uncovered, the tortliner pvc fabric usually needs replacing after three to five years.  The other fabrics give longer service.  But the important thing is that both the inner air tubes and the outer skin are FULLY REPLACEABLE at reasonable cost.  This can be done by the owner without any special tools or skills.

Because of this inner tube pontoon system, AIRIBs RARELY NEED PUMPING.  The vulcanised butyl rubber tubes don't "wick" or leak air through the fabric or seams, so adjustment of air pressure is only required for seasonal changes in temperature - just like a car inner tube.

All AIRIBs give EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE UNDER POWER.  Their hull shape (choice of moderate or deep vee) and specially designed planing strakes and spray rails ensure a fast, much drier than other similar size craft.

RANGE

The AIRIB range is extensive - from 3.6 to an 8.5 metre cabin or console boat.  Larger boats can be designed to market demand.

All boats are built to order.  AIRIBs can be sold as basic open boats or fitted out to customer requirements, e.g. console and screen, full or half cabins, canopy, inbuilt fuel tank, dive tank racks, boarding ladders, lifting gear, self-righting gear.

Pontoon colour options include - white, red, silver, grey, yellow, orange, deep blue, black and contrasting trim options.

CUSTOM BUILDING

Custom building is our specialty.  We will work with you to design and build a craft to suit your special needs.

FOR DURABILITY, SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE, YOU CAN'T BEAT AN AIRIB