Both RIBs and fully inflatable boats get lumped together, but they’re genuinely different products with different strengths. Here’s how to choose.
RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
A solid hull (usually fibreglass or aluminium) with inflatable tubes around the sides. The rigid hull gives better handling, higher achievable speeds, and a more “proper boat” feel — the Caribe C9 is a good example. RIBs cost more and are heavier to transport than a fully inflatable.
Fully inflatable boats
No rigid hull at all — the whole boat packs down small and is far easier to store and transport, even in a car boot for smaller models like the Intex Mariner 4. Handling and top speed are more limited, and they’re better suited to calm inshore water than a RIB.
Our recommendation
Choose a RIB if: you want proper performance, will use it regularly, and have storage/towing capacity for it
Choose fully inflatable if: storage space is tight, you need it to pack down for travel, or it’s an occasional-use tender
Not every boat needs to be a permanent fixture at a marina. Inflatable boats, fishing skiffs and small aluminium jon boats give genuinely capable, easy-to-store options for lakes, sheltered coastal water and as tenders for bigger boats. Here’s how the options we stock compare.
Best Budget Inflatable: Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – 4-Person
At £344.99, the Intex Mariner 4 Inflatable Boat Set – 4-Person is a straightforward, easy-to-store inflatable for calm inland waters — pack it away in the boot of a car and inflate in minutes.
Best Fishing Skiff: Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable FishSkiff – 2-Person
The Sea Eagle 285fpb Inflatable FishSkiff – 2-Person (£574.99) is purpose-built for anglers, with a stable, high-pressure floor and enough capacity for two anglers plus gear — a genuinely popular choice for fishing sheltered water without needing a trailer.
Best Aluminium Jon Boat: Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Aluminum Jon Boat – 12ft
If you’d rather have a rigid hull, the Sun Dolphin Pro 120 Aluminum Jon Boat – 12ft (£804.99) gives a stable 12-foot aluminium platform, well suited to small outboards and calm inland fishing.
Best RIBs: Apex A-9 Open RIB Inflatable Dinghy – 9ft, 5-Person and Caribe C9 Inflatable RIB Dinghy – 9ft, 4-Person
Budget inflatable: best for calm inland lakes and rivers where portability matters most.
Fishing skiff: best if fishing stability and a rigid floor matter more than capacity.
Aluminium jon boat: best if you want a rigid hull without the cost of a fibreglass RIB.
RIB: best for coastal use, tendering, or where a more capable, seaworthy hull is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do inflatable boats need a licence in the UK? Requirements vary by waterway — check with the relevant harbour authority or the Canal & River Trust if using inland waterways, as many require registration regardless of boat type.
How do I transport an inflatable boat? Most pack down into a carry bag small enough for a car boot; RIBs with rigid hulls typically need a trailer.
What size outboard do I need? Check each listing’s rated maximum horsepower — inflatables and skiffs are typically rated for smaller outboards than rigid hull boats of similar size.
Not sure which small boat suits your waters? Our team can help you choose — browse the full range in our online shop.
