Inflatable Boats, Dinghies, Tenders & RIBs: Understanding the Real Differences

Terms like inflatable boat, dinghy, tender, semi-rigid, or RIB are often used interchangeably - yet they refer to very different types of vessels.

This confusion can lead to poor purchasing decisions, incorrect maintenance, or unsuitable repairs.

In this guide, Orca Retail US clearly explain what distinguishes each type of boat, how they are built, how they are used, and what they have in common when it comes to repairs.

Inflatable Boat: The Broad Category

An inflatable boat is the most general term. It refers to any vessel whose structure relies primarily on air-filled tubes for buoyancy.

Key characteristics:

• Made from PVC, rubber, or Hypalon (CSM)

• Lightweight and easy to transport

• Can be deflated and stored in a bag

• Limited rigidity unless paired with a floor

Typical uses:

• Occasional leisure outings

• Calm water exploration

• Backup or emergency craft

Inflatable boats are appreciated for their simplicity and affordability, but they are not designed for speed, rough seas, or heavy loads.

Dinghy: A Purpose, Not a Construction Type

A dinghy is defined by its function, not its structure.

A dinghy is a small auxiliary boat, typically used to:

• Reach shore from a larger vessel

• Transport people or supplies

• Serve as a backup craft

A dinghy can be:

• Fully inflatable

• Semi-rigid

• Hard-hulled

In practice, most dinghies are small inflatable boats, because they are easy to stow and launch. However, calling a boat a dinghy does not describe how it is built - only how it is used.

Tender: A Dinghy with a Specific Role

A tender is a type of dinghy, but with a more specific mission.

It is designed to serve a main vessel, often:

• A sailboat

• A yacht

• A catamaran

Key traits of a tender:

• Compact and lightweight

• Easy boarding and stability

• Optimized for short trips rather than performance

A tender may be inflatable, semi-rigid, or rigid, but inflatable and semi-rigid tenders are the most common due to storage constraints.

Semi-Rigid Boat: The Structural Hybrid

A semi-rigid boat (also called a rigid inflatable boat in Europe) combines:

• A rigid hull (fiberglass or aluminum)

• Inflatable tubes around the perimeter

This hybrid design delivers a major upgrade in performance and safety.

Advantages of semi-rigid boats:

• Excellent stability, even at rest

• Superior handling in waves

• Higher load capacity

• Better fuel efficiency at speed

Semi-rigid boats are widely used for:

• Recreational boating

• Diving and fishing

• Professional and rescue operations

RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat): The Performance Standard

A RIB is the performance-oriented evolution of the semi-rigid concept.

While the term is often used interchangeably with semi-rigid boat, in practice a RIB usually implies:

• A deep-V rigid hull

• High-pressure or Hypalon tubes

• Outboard motors with significant horsepower

• Designed for speed, offshore navigation, and rough conditions

Typical RIB applications:

• Coast guard and rescue services

• Military and law enforcement

• Professional maritime operations

• High-performance leisure boating

RIBs are built to handle harsh environments, making them far more capable than standard inflatable boats.

Side-by-Side Comparison

What Do They All Have in Common? Tube Repairs

Despite their differences, inflatable boats, dinghies, tenders, semi-rigid boats, and RIBs all rely on inflatable tubes - and those tubes can be repaired using similar methods.

Why Hypalon Is the Reference Material

Hypalon (CSM) repair fabric is widely regarded as the gold standard for inflatable boat repairs because it offers:

• Exceptional resistance to UV exposure

• High tolerance to fuel, oil, and chemicals

• Flexibility in both hot and cold conditions

• Long-term durability

Hypalon repair patches are suitable for:

• Fully inflatable boats

• Inflatable dinghies and tenders

• Semi-rigid boats

• Professional-grade RIBs

When correctly applied, Hypalon repairs provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for punctures, abrasions, and localized wear.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Boat Starts with Understanding the Terms

Not all inflatable boats are RIBs, and not every dinghy is fully inflatable.

Understanding the structural and functional differences between inflatable boats, dinghies, tenders, semi-rigid boats, and RIBs allows you to:

• Choose the right vessel for your needs

• Maintain it correctly

• Use appropriate repair materials when damage occurs

No matter the category, well-maintained inflatable tubes remain a critical safety component - and quality repairs make all the difference.

Discover our maintenance products for semi-rigid boats

• Neoprene repair fabrics for tubes floaters
• Cleaning products
• Glue for inflatable boat
  
• Rubrails