RIB Retube with New Hypalon Tubes
Ribcollar provides a professional RIB retube service for ageing, damaged and worn rigid inflatable boats. We manufacture and fit new Hypalon replacement tubes for leisure, commercial, rescue, military and professional RIBs. Whether your existing tubes are leaking, suffering from seam failure or no longer dependable in service, we offer a practical route to extend the life of a sound hull.
Why choose Ribcollar for a RIB retube
A full retube is often the right answer when the original tubes are worn out, damaged beyond sensible repair or no longer reliable in service. Ribcollar builds practical replacement solutions around the boat, the duty and the finish required. We support private owners, commercial operators and professional users who need a straightforward route to new tubes / collars.
Signs your RIB needs a retube
A retube is often the best option when the hull remains sound but the original inflatable tube system has reached the end of its service life.
- Persistent air leaks
- Seam failure
- Worn or perished outer coating
- Exposed fabric weave
- Previous repairs no longer holding
- Damaged attachment areas
- Tubes no longer reliable in operational use
In many cases, replacing the tubes is a more sensible long-term solution than carrying out repeated repairs on old material
What a RIB retube usually involves
The process usually starts with a review of the boat, the condition of the current tubes and the fittings that need to be replaced or reused. The existing tube is then removed and the hull flange or attachment area is inspected to make sure it is sound.
From there, the new tube package is specified around the boat length, layout, intended use and finish required. Once agreed, the replacement Hypalon tubes are manufactured, fitted, pressure tested and finished ready for handover.
- Initial review of the boat and existing tube condition
- Removal of the old tube system
- Inspection of hull flange or attachment area
- Agreement on material, layout and fittings
- Manufacture of the new Hypalon tubes
- Fitment, pressure testing and finishing
How we manufacture replacement Hypalon tubes
We manufacture replacement tubes using Orca Hypalon, widely regarded as the industry standard for strength, durability and long-term performance. Tube specification is based on the hull, the intended use and the level of wear protection needed.
Ribcollar holds an extensive database of tube patterns for many existing RIB models. If your boat is not already on file, we can scan the boat and create an accurate pattern for manufacture. This allows us to build replacement tubes that are properly matched to the hull rather than forcing a generic pattern to fit.
Tube packages can be specified with practical fit-out options including rubbing strakes, wear patches, handles, lifelines, valves and other fittings required for the job.
Why we use Orca Hypalon
Hypalon remains the preferred material for many replacement RIB tubes because it offers strong long-term resistance to UV, weathering and hard service conditions. For owners and operators looking at a proper replacement rather than a short-term fix, it remains the benchmark material for many leisure, commercial and professional applications.
We specify the tube fabric to suit the size of the boat and the duty it is expected to carry out. Where required, we also recommend additional reinforcement in higher-wear areas such as boarding points, rubbing areas and working contact zones.
RIB retube options and fittings
A RIB retube is not only about replacing the main air chambers. It is also the opportunity to specify the layout, fittings and protection details needed for the way the boat is used.
- Rubbing strakes and additional cladding
- Wear patches and boarding protection
- Grab handles and lifelines
- Bow protection and fairleads
- Custom boat names and tube markings
- Pressure Relief Valves as standard
- Practical finishing details
Whether the boat is used for leisure, patrol, rescue, commercial support or heavy-duty professional work, the fittings can be specified to match the application.
Who our RIB retube service suits
Our RIB retube service is suitable for a wide range of boats and operating roles.
- Leisure RIB owners replacing tired or leaking tubes
- Commercial operators extending vessel service life
- Rescue and patrol operators needing dependable replacement collars
- Professional and military users requiring hard-wearing Hypalon tube systems
- Owners restoring older RIBs with sound hulls
Is it better to repair or retube a RIB
That depends on the condition of the existing material. If the tube fabric is still structurally sound, a repair may still be worthwhile. If the coating has worn away, the weave is exposed, seams are failing or multiple repairs are already present, a full retube is often the better investment.
For older PVC or PU tubes in particular, long-term repairs are often less reliable as the material ages. In those cases, replacement is often the more dependable route.
RIB Retube FAQs
How do I know if my RIB needs a full retube?
A full retube is usually the right option when the original tubes are old, leaking, badly worn, suffering from seam failure or damaged beyond sensible repair. If the hull remains sound, a retube is often a practical way to extend the life of the boat.
Do you build replacement tubes in Hypalon?
Yes. We manufacture replacement tubes in Orca Hypalon and specify the fabric and fittings to suit the boat and its intended use.
Can the tubes be repaired instead?
Sometimes, yes. Hypalon is often repairable where the material is still structurally sound. Once the coating has worn away and the fabric weave is exposed, repair is often no longer the best long-term solution. PVC and PU can be harder to repair reliably, especially as they age, so replacement is often the better route.
Do you work on commercial and rescue RIBs?
Yes. We support leisure, commercial, professional, military and rescue RIBs.
Can you replace fittings during a retube?
Yes. A retube is often the best time to replace or upgrade fittings such as rubbing strakes, wear patches, handles, lifelines, valves and other practical details.
Can you match the original tube layout?
In many cases, yes. Where patterns are already held on file, we can work from those. If not, we can assess the boat and create a pattern to suit the hull and the replacement package required.
Related guides
Not sure whether your boat needs a repair, a partial replacement or a full retube? These pages will help you decide.
RIB Retubing
When a full retube is the better long-term option.
https://ribcollar.com/rib-retube/
What Material Is Your RIB Tube Made From?
Check whether your tubes are Hypalon, PVC or PU before committing to repairs.
https://ribcollar.com/what-material-is-your-rib-tube-made-from/
New Hypalon Tubes
Replacement tube and collar options built to suit your boat.
https://ribcollar.com/new-hypalon-tubes/
Tube Attachment Methods Explained
Useful background on how tubes are fixed and why that affects repair and replacement work.
https://ribcollar.com/rib-tube-attachment-methods-explained/
How to Retube a RIB
A step by step guide to the retube process.
https://ribcollar.com/how-to-retube-a-rib-rigid-inflatable-boat-step-by-step-guide/
Trade and OEM Support
Support for boat builders, fleets and trade customers.
https://ribcollar.com/rib-tubes-boat-builders/
Request a RIB Retubing Quote
To help us assess your boat, send clear photos, the make and model, overall length and a short note on the work required. We will review the job and advise whether a RIB retube, replacement tube package or repair is the right route.
