Useful Terms
Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are a hybrid between a pure inflatable and a fiberglass boat. They have a fiberglass hull, which should have a fairly sharp V to soften the ride when heading into waves and help them corner like sports cars.
Many people use rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) as tenders for larger boats hoisted aboard with a small crane, so they need to be well-balanced and have reinforced lifting points. But rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are also very light, so they're perfect for someone who doesn't have a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
The major concern for rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) is punctures, and quality models are made from virtually indestructible multi-ply materials. In addition, the sun's UV rays can destroy many rubber or synthetic compounds. Make sure your RIB will resist them and hold up. Check the warranty carefully; most reputable manufacturers offer warranties lasting five years or more.
Rigid inflatable boat (RIB) seating runs the gamut from a wood slat bench seat to a bucket seat that grips you for security. How you use it will depend on what you need. If you're just using it as a tender to go to shore, you can get away with less than comfortable seating. If you take longer trips, you want padded seating with a backrest. Since RIBs are light, they can catch some air, so you need well-placed grab handles for everyone.
Useful nautical and boating terms:
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Bilge
A compartment at the bottom of a boat where water collects so that it may be pumped out of the vessel at a later time.
Bilge pumps
A pump used to remove water from the bilge.
Bimini
A canvas cover to shade you from the sun.
Bow
The front of a boat
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Cleat
Device for tying ropes to.
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Depth sounder
Electronic sonar device that displays water depth.
Deep-V
A hull shape characterized by a sharp dead rise i.e. angle of hull from keel, typically more than 20 degrees.
DI
Direct Injection
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Fishfinder
Electronic device that uses sonar to locate and display fish or seabed on a monitor.
Fathom
Nautical depth measurement equalling six feet.
Fender
A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.
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GPS
Acronym for Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system that uses transmitted signals and mathematical triangulation to pinpoint location.
Gelcoat
A combination of resin and pigment that comprises the smooth outside coating of a fibreglass boat.
GRP
Glass re-enforced plastic
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HIN
Hull Identification Number
HPDI
High Pressure Direct Injection
Hypalon
Type of rubber material used in the manufacture of tubes for ribs.
Hull
The main body of a boat, usually made from GRP
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Inboard engine
An internal combustion engine, petrol or diesel usually coupled to an outdrive.
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Jet drive
Drive system that develops thrust by ejecting a jet of water from the rear of the boat to create forward motion.
Jockey seat
Also known as straddle or saddle seat
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Kill switch
A switch with a cord that automatically shuts off an engine if disconnected.
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Latitude
Geographic distance north or south of the equator expressed in degrees and minutes, displayed on your GPS/Chart.
Longitude
Geographic distance east or west of the prime meridian expressed in degrees and minutes, displayed on your GPS/Chart.
LOA
Length overall; the distance between the most forward part of the boat and the most rear part.
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Motorboat
Any vessel propelled by machinery.
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Navigation Lights
Lights on a boat which help others determine its course, position and what it is doing. Boats underway should have a red light visible from its port bow, a green light on the starboard bow and a white light at its stern.
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OPTIMAX
Modern technology 2 stroke, more fuel efficient
Outdrive/Leg:
Special type of gear box which transmits the power from the engine to the propeller mounted outside the boat.
Outboard engine
Internal combustion engine mounted at the transom that incorporates motor, driveshaft and propeller..
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Port
The left side of a boat when facing the front.
Powerboat
A boat that is propelled by a motor. A motorboat or speedboat.
PVC
A polymer of vinyl chloride. A member of the family vinyl resin, used in the manufacture of tubes for rigid inflatable boats.
PDI
Pre Delivery Inspection
Painter
A line attached to the bow of a boat for use in towing.
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RIB
Rigid Inflatable Boat.
RHIB
Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat
Radar
Electronic device using high frequency radio waves to detect objects and display their positions on a monitor.
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Speedboat, Speed Boat
A small motorboat designed to move quickly.
Sport Boat
Any vessel that may be used in a sporting context. These include sailing boats, speedboats, canoes, kayaks and RIBs.
Starboard
The right side of the boat when facing the front.
Skeg
A fin or vertical projection usually below the propeller and provides directional stability.
Stepped hull
A high-performance hull design with lateral notches, or steps, in the keel.
Stern
The back of a boat
2 Stroke
A 2-Stroke is an engine having two strokes per cycle. The combustion stroke occurs when the piston moves down allowing the exhaust gases to exit through an opening. The compression stroke is the upward movement of the piston where the air-fuel mixture is drawn in and the spark plug ignites the mixture causing an explosion, thereby forcing the piston back down again.
4 stroke
A 4-Stroke is an engine that uses four strokes to finish a complete cycle. The four strokes are: Intake, Compression, Combustion, and Exhaust. During the Intake Stroke, the intake valve opens and an air-fuel mixture enters the chamber above the piston. The piston moves down drawing the mixture in. The intake valve then closes and the piston moves up for the Compression Stroke compressing the mixture. The spark plug then ignites the mixture causing an explosion. The resulting force moves the piston down again for the Combustion Stroke. Then the exhaust valve opens as the piston moves upward for the Exhaust Stroke and all the exhaust gases are ported through the exhaust system.
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Transom
The rear section of the hull connecting the two sides.
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VHF
Very high frequency; a bandwidth designation commonly used by marine radios.