WHY RIBCRAFT - THE TUBES
Ribcraft are one of the few manufacturers who make their own tubes. The tubes are hand made to individual application or requirement 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 designs their tubes to rest just above the waterline from the aft quarter section forward, to provide greater stability at rest and improved performance while underway. With the tubes designed to skim across the surface of the water, they provide stability while minimising drag. Having the tubes just above the water also helps to deflect spray down and away resulting in a very dry ride.
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.
All Ribcraft tubes come with a minimum of five independent air chambers as standard. 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).