Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and centre-console boats are perfect for this part of Spain. They’re light, fast, stable and great for diving, fishing and quick trips across the Mar Menor or along the coast to Cabo de Palos. Brands we see most often include Zodiac, Brig, Highfield, Capelli, Lomac, Bombard, Joker Boat and Sacs, alongside centre consoles from Quicksilver, Beneteau, Jeanneau and Saver.
Tube care: the heart of a RIB
RIB tubes are made from either PVC or Hypalon (CSM). Hypalon is more resistant to UV and heat, which matters a lot under the Spanish sun. PVC tubes are lighter and cheaper but can degrade faster in strong sun.
Look after your tubes:
- Check the pressure regularly. Tubes lose pressure in the cool of the night and gain it in the midday sun. Never over-inflate on a hot day.
- Rinse with fresh water and use a cleaner and UV protectant designed for your tube material.
- Use a cover: UV is the biggest enemy of tubes.
- Look for chafing where the tubes touch the pontoon, fenders or a trailer.
- Check valves for slow leaks with soapy water.
- Repair small punctures quickly with the right adhesive for your tube material. PVC and Hypalon adhesives aren’t interchangeable.
The hull and console
- Check the seam between the tubes and the hull for lifting.
- Clean the self-draining scuppers regularly.
- Inspect the console mounts and any jockey seat fixings for cracks.
- Check the electrics inside the console, which often get wet. Use marine-grade connectors and keep everything sealed.
The outboard
Most RIBs and centre consoles run a single or twin outboard, often from Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury or Honda. Flush after every salt-water trip, keep up with impeller changes and service at the hours in your manual. See our outboard servicing guide.
Trailers and dry storage
Many RIBs live on trailers or in dry storage. That’s great for the hull, but it brings its own maintenance:
- Rinse the trailer after launching in salt water, especially brakes, bearings and lights.
- Check the trailer’s wheel bearings and tyres before the season.
- Support the hull correctly so that the tubes are not taking the weight.
Cushions and upholstery
RIB seats and jockey consoles take a lot of sun and spray. Faded, split or water-logged cushions can be recovered in marine-grade vinyl with closed-cell foam that doesn’t absorb water. See our boat upholstery service.
Tube replacement
When tubes are past repair, they can be replaced rather than replacing the whole boat. It’s a specialist job that involves measuring, ordering and bonding the new tubes, but it can give an old RIB a new life.
Get your RIB ready
We service RIB outboards, check tubes and electrics, and can recover seats and consoles. Book a service or send us a photo of the problem.
