It can be hard to find a boat that combines all your passions - from leisurely cruising with the family, to fast-paced water-sports, fishing, and coastal adventures. That’s why many people are turning to rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) over traditional hard-hulled vessels.
This rigid-hull alternative with inflatable tubes is growing in popularity among boaties for its mix of stability, buoyancy, and multi-purpose options. Some of Australia’s top RIB makers, Grand Boats, BRIG, and Highfield Boats, offer a number of models in their 5 to 8 metre range that are ideal for all types of personal and commercial boating purposes.
Why Choose a RIB Over a Conventional Boat?
The inflatable tubes around the hard hull of a RIB gives the ride increased stability and buoyancy, even in choppy water. With reduced roll, more absorption for wave impacts, and a lower chance of capsize, these boats offer an improved level of safety for skippers and passengers. A deep-V hull design allows RIBs to cut through the waves smoothly, with the tubes acting as shock absorbers to provide a more controlled ride in smooth and rough conditions.
A RIB can be used for many water activities with enhanced versatility for family cruising, beach hopping, fishing, water sports, and more. Many have adaptable layouts for specific uses and can often carry more passengers than traditional hard-hulled boats of similar size. The carefully positioned tubes, centre console, built-in seating, and storage offer more usable deck area than expected for their size.
Climbing the ranks in popularity across Australia, RIBs are a good ‘do-it-all’ boat for leisurely and serious coastal boating.
Grand Boats
Grand G580
A compact option from Grand, the G580 is a nice entry point to RIB boating for those who don’t want to sacrifice great performance. This boat is a lighter option for easier handling, trailering and launching, with the right level of robustness for coastal use. A good option for boaties eager for a practical, nimble vessel for versatile uses, without the size or cost of larger RIBs.
Grand G680
One of Grand’s best-sellers is the G680. Its 6.8 metre length offers the right balance between size and space. It’s got all the modern comforts like cushioned seating, a centre console, sunbeds and more, offering everything you need for a family outing or leisure cruising. There’s also plenty of muscle for watersports and more serious boating with ample fuel and power capacity (engine up to 200 HP).
Grand G750
Extra space for gear, passengers, and longer trips can be found in the 7.5-metre G750. Those wanting a larger RIB for cruising will find a lot to like with this model’s more robust hull and higher engine capacity. The G750 holds up well in rougher sea conditions, handy for those wanting to head further offshore. This model still retains the hallmark qualities of a RIB with stability, comfort, and versatility at the forefront.
| Grand G580 | Grand G680 | Grand G750 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.8 M length | 6.8 M length | 7.5 M length |
| 150 HP max power | 200 HP max power | 250 HP max power |
| 11 passengers | 12 passengers | 13 passengers |
| From $76,500 | From $98,000 | From $140,800 |
BRIG
BRIG Eagle 6
A stable and comfortable ride with the deep-V hull and wide tubes, the BRIG Eagle 6 offers a dry and smooth ride in both light and heavier seas. This RIB can seat around 10 passengers with good storage under each seat. It is a practical family cruiser, but also ideal for boaties looking for a mid-size RIB with everyday usability.
BRIG Eagle 6.7
A slightly larger and more powerful RIB, the BRIG Eagle 6.7 offers expanded capacity and deck space. Its seaworthiness is also enhanced, capable of longer offshore trips, as well as more serious boating. The Eagle 6.7 is a good option for boaties who value the versatility of a RIB but require greater fuel range and improved rough-sea handling.
BRIG Eagle 8
One of BRIG’s flagship models, the Eagle 8 is a high-performing RIB with expansive deck space and load-carrying capabilities. This model will generally appeal to boaties who want the ability to explore further out to sea. Its extended hull improves the comfortability of the ride at higher speeds, while the wide beam and large tubes continue to offer good stability.
| BRIG Eagle 6 | BRIG Eagle 6.7 | BRIG Eagle 8 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.95 M length | 6.7 M length | 7.98 M length |
| 150 HP max power | 225 HP max power | 350 HP max power |
| 10 passengers | 11 passengers | 11-16 passengers |
| From $98,300 | From $131,000 | From $200,000 |
Highfield Boats
Highfield Sport 560
A medium-sized RIB with versatility for everyday use right through to watersports. Its compact size and design makes it easy to manoeuvre and launch in a range of conditions. It has two swim platforms, a practical seating layout, and roll bar, providing everything you need for cruising, diving, or towing water toys.
Highfield Sport 660
This mid-size RIB maintains the general deep-V design with generous seating and plenty of storage, as well as good length and load capacity. The Sport 660 offers the stability needed for bigger coastal trips without stepping into the larger vessel realm. For boaties eager for a strong RIB for practical everyday use, the 660 hits a great middle-ground.
Highfield Sport 760
A single-enging RIB with plenty of deck space, including a large sun deck. The Sport 760 provides the larger size and higher loan capacity required for more ambitious trips. Boaties who want to take advantage of both the benefits of an inflatable, and the sturdiness of a larger boat, will find a lot to like in the Highfield Sport 760.
| Highfield Sport 560 | Highfield Sport 660 | Highfield Sport 760 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.86 M length | 6.65 M length | 7.77 M length |
| 115 HP max power | 200 HP max power | 300 HP max power |
| 12 passengers | 14 passengers | 16 passengers |
| From $85,000 | From $111,990 | From $154,990 |
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