Why charter a RIB?
Rigid Inflatable Boats, commonly known as RIBs, are a very popular boat type. They are easy to use and fast. Due to their stability, they are also very safe boats. Different sizes of RIBs can carry more or less people. A RIB is ideal if you’re looking to organise day trips and are looking for flexibility and speed.
How fast is a RIB boat?
A RIB’s speed depends on the engine power, or horsepower. It also depends on weather conditions. A typical RIB boat for 6 people will usually have a top speed of around 35 miles/hour (30 knots). High performance RIBs can speed up to 70 knots (80 miles/ hour).
Do I need a skipper to hire a RIB boat?
Depending on the owner, you may have the option of renting a RIB without a skipper. A bareboat charter is perfect if you have the necessary documents such as a boating licence, when required. On the other hand, adding a skipper to your hire means you can benefit from a local’s knowledge, and access to the best spots. When the skipper is not included, the daily price of a skipper depends on the location, the season and the boat.
How much does it cost to rent a RIB boat?
The cost of a RIB hire mainly depends on the location. You will find higher prices in popular destinations.
The season also greatly influences the price of a RIB charter. The high season usually corresponds to the summer months, when the arrival of visitors drives up prices.
Other factors influencing the price of a RIB rental are the size of the boat and if the skipper and/ or the cost of fuel is included.
Any extra equipment you might want to add to your booking can also change the cost. Extra equipment is anything from snorkelling equipment, SUPs, wakeboards, to other water sports equipments.
In many locations, chartering a RIB can start at around £45 for a day. In European destinations, the rental cost for a RIB boat varies between £125 to £295/ day on average.
Do I need a licence to charter a RIB?
Depending on where you are renting a boat, boating licence regulations vary. It’s important to check the regulations for the country you are interested in before making a booking.
Below are some details about the regulations in selected countries:
- In France, you need a sailing licence if the engine power of your boat is more than 6 hp. Licences can either be coastal or offshore licences. With a coastal licence, you can go as far as 6 nautical miles from a port or a suitable shelter.
- For Spain, licences are compulsory for motorboats that are over 15m and that have an engine power of more than 6hp.
- Greece: a licence is necessary if the engine power is more than 30hp.
- Croatia: compulsory for a motorboat with an engine power of more than 6hp.
- Italy: compulsory for motorboats with an engine power of more than 40hp and that measure more than 24m. A licence is also necessary if you’re planning on going further than 6 nautical miles from the closest port or shelter.
Best destinations to rent a RIB?
RIBs are great to hire anywhere because of their ease of use and flexibility. They are perfect for boating around fjords, bays, or lakes. For example, you could hire a RIB to visit Lake Como or Lake Garda, or to explore the Stockholm archipelago. That way, you can sightsee at your own pace, and stop at different islands depending on your interests and plans.
RIBs are also great in Greece or Italy as an effective means of going from one island to the next. Destinations such as Croatia are also good for these types of boats. You’ll be able to boat around the multitude of islands of the Kornati National Park, whether that’s to explore, to go snorkelling…
For busier locations such as the South of France, hiring a RIB is an easy way to escape the crowds. You can boat over to quieter beaches and coves for relaxing afternoons.