Last updated: January 2026

A custom RIB design gives you exactly what off-the-shelf boats can’t: the right size, the right features, and the right build quality for your specific use, whether that’s SAR operations, island hopping, dive trips, or yacht support.

In this guide, we cover how to choose the right specifications, what elements you can customize, and how Outborn Watercraft delivers end-to-end custom RIB design solutions. To understand the fundamentals of this watercraft type, learn what a rigid inflatable boat is.

What Is a Custom RIB?

A Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is a high-performance watercraft that combines a rigid hull with inflatable tubes (often called collars) around the sides. This hybrid design results in a lightweight, fast, and exceptionally stable boat suited for a wide range of marine activities.

A RHIB boat features a solid fiberglass hull. Surrounding this hull are inflatable tubes made from tough, UV-resistant Hypalon fabric. These tubes, inflated to high pressure, provide extra buoyancy and act as shock absorbers, making the boat almost unsinkable and extremely stable even in rough water conditions.

The key characteristics that make Rigid Inflatable Boat vessels stand out include superior stability and safety (the inflatable tubes give RIBs enhanced buoyancy), a lightweight yet durable construction, excellent maneuverability, high speed and power, and a versatile design that can be customized for various uses.

RIBs are preferred for operations that require performance and stability because they can absorb shocks and reduce wave impact, resulting in smoother rides. Typical use cases include tourism operations, rescue and emergency response, military and law enforcement patrols, commercial transportation, and recreational activities like fishing and water sports.

Why Choose a Custom RIB Over a Standard Model?

While standard RIB boat models serve general purposes adequately, many industries require specifications that off-the-shelf vessels cannot provide. Opting for a custom rigid inflatable boat is not just about personalization; it’s about performance, safety, and return on investment.

Tailored to Your Mission

Each sector has different operational goals. A tourism boat must prioritize comfort and passenger flow, while a rescue RIB needs speed, maneuverability, and quick access to gear. A custom-designed vessel ensures all features support the job at hand.

• SAR & Rescue: When seconds matter, and lives are at stake, speed, precision, and safety become paramount. A RIB for rescue from Outborn Watercraft is tough, stable, and designed for extreme conditions. RIBs are stable in high waves, fast and maneuverable, safe and impact-resistant, and easy for small teams to operate. Learn more about RIBs for SAR operations.

• Patrol & Security: A RIB for patrol and security serves law enforcement and military operations, with reinforced hulls built to withstand demanding conditions. These tactical RIBs are very strong, built with durable materials, and designed to operate in extreme conditions for missions such as search-and-rescue at sea or military operations. Discover RIBs for military and maritime security.

• Tourism & Diving: Commercial operators need passenger-friendly layouts, gear storage, and safety systems. The 6-meter model is Outborn Watercraft’s best-seller, widely used for diving tenders, watersports, fishing boats, and extended transport of superyachts. It features a seamless collar for a streamlined look and deep deadrise for excellent seakeeping.

• Inter-Island Transport: For RIB for commercial use in transportation, vessels need robust construction, increased payload capacity, and fuel efficiency. Commercial RIBs are designed for demanding professional applications, including patrol, transport, and logistics.

• Personal Hobby / Leisure: For recreational use, RIBs offer stability and safety despite their lightweight and slim design, thanks to their rubber tubes, which provide extra buoyancy. They’re excellent for daily activities, sea adventures, and fast transportation in open waters.

Optimized for Local Waters & Conditions

Indonesia is a country with high UV intensity, high humidity, and daily exposure to seawater. A custom RIB design can be engineered to suit local wave patterns, load requirements, and mobility needs. Outborn Watercraft builds for Indonesia’s seas but benchmarks against global quality standards. Whether it’s shallow river operations or high-seas patrols, they know what works in the field.

Better Durability & Efficiency

Among the key RIB cost factors to consider, material choices significantly impact long-term value. Outborn Watercraft uses premium Hypalon collars as standard (lasting 10-15 years) and offers both composite and aluminum hull options to withstand specific environmental conditions and operational requirements. Proper weight distribution engineering improves fuel efficiency, handling characteristics, and overall vessel longevity—delivering better value in the long run.

How Outborn Watercraft Customizes RIBs

Understanding the RIB boat design process helps you appreciate what goes into creating a purpose-built vessel. Outborn Watercraft provides end-to-end customization, offering both Semi-custom options (cost-efficient with unique features) and Full Custom builds (designing and manufacturing everything fully in-house).

Choose RIB Length

Outborn Watercraft’s 4-12.5m fleet embodies functionality, safety, and ride quality. Recommendations based on purpose:

• 4-5 meters: The 5m model features a moderate deadrise and a shallow draft, making it easy to power—no need for a large engine (40 HP recommended, 60 HP maximum). Allows easy shore access in shallow water. Capacity: 7 persons. Great utility dinghy for off-the-boat to shore transport, harbour ferry, or search and rescue.

• 6 meters: The best-seller and most reliable performer. Widely used for diving tenders, watersport activities, fishing boats, or superyacht transport. Features a seamless collar for a streamlined look and a deep deadrise for best sea-keeping and handling. HP recommended: 115, minimum: 100. Capacity: 9 persons.

• 7 meters: Allows greater versatility in layout design, with more shade, seating, deck space, lighting, power, and electronics options. Suitable and safe for longer trips. Accommodates up to 12 passengers. HP recommended: 150, maximum: 200.

• 9+ meters: For professional-grade operations, patrol missions, and high-capacity transport requiring maximum offshore performance.

Premium Hypalon Tubes

The choice of RIB construction materials for tubes significantly impacts durability. The tube material must be UV-resistant, not easily torn or leaky, easy to maintain, and strong for long-term use.

Hypalon: A premium synthetic rubber material that resists extreme UV rays, tropical heat, chemicals, oil, seawater, abrasion, and mechanical pressure. Used for decades in the military and professional industries. Outborn uses Storm Grey Hypalon Collar (1,300 g/m²) as standard, offering a 10-15-year lifespan. For tropical climates like Indonesia with high UV intensity, Hypalon is the superior choice, which is why Outborn uses it exclusively.

Outborn offers tube color selection to match aesthetic preferences or branding requirements, as well as tube cover options for added protection.

Engine & Power Configuration

Outborn works with Yamaha and Suzuki outboard engines with remote steering, electric start, and power trim and tilt. Matching engine HP to length and use is essential:

• 5m Model: 40 HP recommended, 60 HP maximum

• 6m Model: 90 HP recommended, 115 HP maximum

• 7m Model: 150 HP recommended, 200 HP maximum

• 8.5m Model: 300 HP minimum, 500 HP maximum

• 9m Model: 500 HP maximum

Marine-Grade Construction & Components

Outborn Watercraft uses different hull construction methods based on vessel size. For boats sized 3.5m – 7m, we use Composite with an Infusion System constructed to the ISO 9001 Standard. For larger boats (8.5m – 12.5m), the Hull, Structure, and Deck are built using Vacuum Infusion Sandwich Construction with cores for increased rigidity, strength, and lightweight performance. We also offer aluminum construction for our custom product line, especially 8.5m RHIB and above.

Custom Layout & On-Deck Configuration

• Console Options: FRP Compact Console, Jockey Console with Grab Bar, or Center Console with Helm Seat, depending on vessel size and preference.

• Storage: Anchor locker with seat; under-console fuel tanks (100L for 6m, 175L for 7m).

• Seating: FRP Aft Bench Seat, FRP Pod Seating, FRP Forward Console Seat, FRP Aft Helm Seat.

• Safety Equipment: 5 Chamber Collar with C7 Inflation Valves, stainless steel bow eye, lifting points, Heavy Duty Black Double D Rubbing Strake, Hypalon Anti-skid/wear patches, Hypalon Bow Reinforcement.

• Activity-Specific Accessories: Stainless Steel/AL 6061 T6 T-Top Canopy, Aft Watersport Arch, dive tank rack, VHF Radio/GPS Chartplotter/Fishfinder/Navigation Lights, Remote Search Light, Marine Speaker with Bluetooth Stereo, Deck LED Lighting, T-TOP LED Down lighting.

Explore the complete range of Outborn RIB models to see available configurations.

FAQs About Custom RIB Design

What makes a RIB stable? 

RIB performance and stability come from the combination of a deep V-shaped rigid hull and oversized inflatable tubes. The hull cuts through waves while maintaining directional control. The inflatable tubes provide enhanced buoyancy and shock absorption, making the boat almost unsinkable and extremely stable even in rough water conditions.

We can also integrate advanced stabilization systems into your build. As an authorized dealer in Indonesia, we supply and support Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers, high-performance systems that virtually eliminate boat roll both at anchor and underway, and Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control, which provides automatic, precise control of your boat’s running trim, heel, and heading for enhanced performance, fuel economy, and comfort.

How long does a custom RIB build take? 

Build time varies depending on specifications and additional features. Contact Outborn Watercraft for a timeline tailored to your requirements.

How do I choose RIB size? 

Determine your main needs: the 5m model is great for utility and easy powering, the 6m is the best-seller for diving and watersports, and the 7m offers versatility for longer trips with up to 12 passengers. Consider passenger capacity, intended activities, and storage requirements.

For comprehensive guidance, visit the RIB selection guide. Contact Outborn Watercraft for a custom design consultation.

Why Choose Outborn Over Imported RIBs?

When purchasing a RIB, buying locally from Outborn in Bali offers significant advantages over importing from overseas manufacturers:

Why Build Your RIB With Outborn Watercraft

In-house manufacturing in Bali: For two decades, Outborn Watercraft has designed, built, and manufactured high-performance RHIB vessels from its boat-building HQ in Bali, Indonesia. All design and manufacturing is done in-house, ensuring consistent quality from design to delivery.

ISO & quality standards: Whether for leisure, government, military, or commercial, Outborn follows International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. All builds undergo testing to ensure they meet international standards of precision and safety before handover.

End-to-end design & build: Outborn’s team of design experts works with the general public as well as luxury yacht charter operators, military, and emergency service personnel. The collaborative RIB boat design process begins with deep consultation to understand needs, challenges, and expectations. Engineering excellence blends modern naval architecture with real-world field knowledge.

After-sales support: Expert support includes personalized consultation and excellent after-sales service, including maintenance and repair. Services include general service, rigid inflatable boat re-tubing service, engineering design, and parts & accessories.

Contact Outborn Watercraft for a custom design consultation. Because no two missions are the same, your boat shouldn’t be either.

Conclusion

Custom RIB design ensures you get the exact tool your team needs to work more effectively on the water. Whether your mission involves RIB for rescue operations, RIB for patrol and security, RIB for commercial use in tourism and diving, or personal recreational adventures, a custom rigid inflatable boat delivers performance, durability, and efficiency that standard models cannot match.

By choosing customization, you gain control over the entire RIB boat design process—from hull design and RIB construction materials to engine configuration and deck layout. The combination of rigid hull construction with inflatable tube technology creates a platform with exceptional RIB performance and stability across diverse marine environments.

Outborn Watercraft brings together two decades of engineering expertise, ISO-certified manufacturing, and commitment to customer satisfaction. With various types of RIB boats from 4 to 12+ meters and full customization capabilities, Outborn stands ready to build the Rigid Inflatable Boat that matches your vision. Explore Outborn’s RIB collection or contact the team to begin your custom RIB design journey today.

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