Lightweight Aluminum RIB

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

It is time to move on from a 95# 10' fiberglass RIB that has served me well. I mostly singlehand and get by much of the time with an inflatable kayak. I am considering a small lightweight aluminum RIB such as a Highfield UltraLite. I don't want to deal with a large outboard (been using a 2.5hp but might get a 3.5hp in an upgrade). My little mothership doesn't have davits so the dink goes on deck for passages. Hauling up the 95#er has been doable but lighter would be better. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with Highfield UltraLites?

[donradcliffe]

I'm surprised your fiberglass 10' rib weighs only 95 lbs. A Highfield ultralight 3.1 is listed at 108 lbs.

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

I'm surprised your fiberglass 10' rib weighs only 95 lbs. A Highfield ultralight 3.1 is listed at 108 lbs.

I never weighed it but it is an old version of WM 310 folding transom RIB: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...85?recordNum=6
I don't need one this big.

[boom23]

A fellow cruiser had one and he told me he wished he had gotten a double floor one (Lammina AL). The slanted floor of the ultralite (Lammina UL) can be slippery and your feet will be in water most of the time.

I have had, and will be getting another Lammina AL again.

[Sailor 99]

Originally Posted by boom23

A fellow cruiser had one and he told me he wished he had gotten a double floor one (Lammina AL). The slanted floor of the ultralite (Lammina UL) can be slippery and your feet will be in water most of the time.
\.

Much to be said for walking around paradise with dry feet.

[Pete O Static]

I have a 9 foot AB Aluminum Ultralight. It weighs in at 68 lbs without the engine.

Pros:
It is light enough to get on deck by myself using the spin halyard.
The single floor has non skid rubber to keep things in place.
The oars are stored inside the dinghy on the lower part of the tubes rather than on top of the tubes.

Cons:
Very tippy
Very wet. The tubes are small and all spray comes back at you in any wind.
No towing rings.


Honestly, I would prefer a Highfield but they are heavier and quite a bit more money.