The Collars / Tubes

Ribcraft are one of the few RIB builders who have always manufactured their own tubes. The tubes are hand made to the individual application by experienced experts. Buoyancy Tubes are constructed from internationally recognised materials either flexible closed cell foam or Hypalon® inflatable collars; Du Pont Hypalon® is the main material which is used for heavy duty sponsons world-wide and is popular for it's durability and ease of repair.

Tube Design
Ribcraft will design your tubes to perfectly fit your hull, whether its a new design or an established brand, we will make collars to suit. Ribcraft will manufacture your collars to an exacting specification, tube colours, corporate branding and fittings.

Tube Construction
To insure the highest quality, Ribcraft tubes are made using Hypalon®, the leading material in the industry. As the only proven and time-tested material, Hypalon® has incredible resistance to abrasions, chemicals such as fuel oils, mechanical stresses, UV damage, and extreme temperatures. Furthermore, Hypalon® is easily repaired even after years of service.

Ribcraft tubes are cut to exacting patterns Using 1100 or 1670 Dtex Hypalon®, all seams are carefully overlapped and double taped internally and externally. Every stress point is double up including the aft section of all tubes providing extra reinforcement. All tubes have a heavy-duty rub strake designed to take heavy abuse and protect the tubes. Once assembled, Ribcraft tests every tube to the strictest international standards before installation, resulting in the most airtight and resilient tubes available.

For Hot climates or extreme usage Ribcraft recommend over pressure relief valves. These valves protect the tubes by releasing excess pressure that can occur during extreme manoeuvring operations in the open sea, an impact with waves or obstacles at high speeds, or an excess of pressure during inflation.

With safety in mind, Ribcraft permanently attaches the tubes to the hull using an integral hinge system designed to absorb shock and minimise abrasion.

Why Hypalon®?
Ask anyone who has had years of experience in using Rib's why Hypalon® is the only fabric to use, and they will all tell you the same thing, because you can repair it extremely easily should the need arise. Hypalon is by far the longest lasting tube fabric available due to its long-term serviceability. This is reinforced by organizations that use it (R.N.L.I., Coastguard, MOD etc).