The Complete RIB Manual: The Definitive Guide to Design, Handling and Maintenance

Dag Pike

Jun 2013 · A&C Black

About this ebook

First built in the 1960s for rescue work, the Rigid Inflatable Boat has revolutionised the marine market. The Complete RIB Manual, published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first RIB, is the ultimate reference catering all aspects of a RIB's design, handling and maintenance, aimed at all owners and users, both commercial and leisure. The emphasis of the book is entirely practical, and covers:

1. A History of the RIB
• Early development
• Modern design: leisure, commercial and military

2. RIB Handling
• Impact of hull design, tube types, internal layout and engines
• Driving techniques: throttle control and driving position
• Advanced techniques for economy, sport and rough seas
• Cruising: planning, weather, anchoring and communications
• RIBs as tenders - stowing and towing
• Launching and transportation
• Safety and survival

3. Maintenance
• Outboards, diesels, water jets, stern drives, fuel tanks and electrics
• Tube care: cleaning, repair, replacement
• Hull maintenance
• Winter storage, checking for leaks, servicing

The Complete RIB Manual is a comprehensive worldwide reference for all RIB owners and users, covering all the information necessary to handle and maintain a RIB of any size.

About the author

Dag Pike began his career as a merchant captain, went on to test RNLI lifeboats, and took up fast boat navigation, winning a string of trophies for powerboat races around the world, including navigating Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Challenger on the record-breaking fastest Atlantic crossing by powerboat. He later became a navigation and powerboat journalist in demand all over the world.