You can feel inundated with options when you decide to buy a boat. With so many sizes and styles to pick from, narrowing down your options can feel impossible. One option that many people consider is a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) because it combines the stability of traditional boats with the versatility of inflatable ones. If you like this combination, then you can focus on aluminum and fiberglass RIB boats to decide which is best for you. We provide some helpful comparisons below to assist with your decision.

Best Lightweight: Aluminum

One of the draws of an inflatable boat is that it’s lightweight and therefore easy to travel with. Since a RIB is only partially inflatable, you want to choose a lightweight hull that’s easy to transport. Aluminum and fiberglass are both lightweight, but aluminum is lighter than fiberglass.

The lighter weight of an aluminum boat also provides greater fuel efficiency. You can pair a lighter, smaller outboard with an aluminum RIB, which saves on upfront and later fuel costs.

Best Durability: Aluminum

Aluminum isn’t just lightweight; it’s also durable. While fiberglass is durable, aluminum is more likely to bend than break. If you run aground in shallow water or experience a collision, aluminum may scratch or dent, but it won’t break.

However, aluminum isn’t always as durable as fiberglass in saltwater. Saltwater can make aluminum corrode. But if the manufacturer uses high-quality alloys and the hull has antifouling paint, then the aluminum RIB will survive saltwater fine.

Best Maintenance: Fiberglass

Since aluminum is so durable, it is low maintenance. However, fiberglass beats aluminum for the best maintenance prize because this material often comes in sleeker designs, and most mariners find sleek designs easier to maintain.

Since fiberglass is such a common material, it’s also easier to get professional maintenance done. If your fiberglass RIB needs repairs, you will easily be able to find someone who can patch it.

Best Noise Level: Fiberglass

Both aluminum and fiberglass RIB boats make noise, but determining which is best for you often comes down to noise levels in the water. Fiberglass hulls are normally smoother than aluminum. This smooth design cuts through the water more easily, which is great for a quiet ride.

Fiberglass also absorbs sound better than aluminum. Better sound absorption means the hull will make less noise when you walk on it, which also provides a quieter boating experience.

No one can definitively say that aluminum is better than fiberglass or vice versa. You must decide which qualities are most important to you. Since RJ Nautical is a marine supply store, we can help guide you through this decision and pair you with the perfect RIB for your needs.