Durability of aluminium RIBs

[nmccubbin]

There are several good threads on dinghy features, I cannot find anything recent on durabilty
Our AB hull started separating from the tubes in two years in the tropics

We will buy a dinghy about 3 m long with bow locker

Main choices here in Marquesas are Highfield, AB and Pro Wave
Highfield is well known, but ProWave is new to us (https://www.tahiti-prowaves.com/en/tender-pro-alu/)

Comments on all three makes, particularly durability, would be appreciated

[HeywoodJ]

We bought a Highfield (the Orca 'Hypalon' version, not PVC) in Papeete back in 2016 when our old dinghy died. Still going strong. I have to top-up the air once or twice a year. Not the driest ride we have ever had, and seems to a take a bit more power than other boats to get up on a plane. Rugged, however, and easy handling. Overall I would call it 'good' but not perfect.

[SailingHarmonie]

Our AB aluminum hull RIB is 5 years old, mostly in the tropics, and is in excellent shape. I'd definitely buy one again in a New York Minute.

[ggray]

Our AB AL dinghy is going on 24 years old. We are only in the tropics on a few occasions and don't get the long use of full time cruisers, and I keep it covered when not used.

In those years I have had to re-glue the tube to the hull, back toward the stern area perhaps every 10 years or so. Not particularly difficult but a PITA having to remove the motor (30 hp), fill the boat w/ water to determine the leak(s), clean and dry thoroughly, and glue. I think I've used Shore one part glue for this.