RIB Retube Service with In-House Hypalon Tube Manufacture

Ribcollar manufactures and fits new Orca Hypalon replacement tubes for rigid inflatable boats. We provide RIB retube, RIB tube replacement and Hypalon collar replacement services for leisure owners, commercial operators, rescue services and military users. Where the hull remains sound, a full retube is a practical way to return the boat to reliable service with tubes built to match the hull and its operating role.

Why choose Ribcollar for RIB retubing

Ribcollar is a specialist inflatable tube manufacturer, not just a fitting workshop. Replacement tubes are designed, patterned, manufactured and fitted through our Yeovil workshop using Orca Hypalon fabric.

We hold patterns for a wide range of RIB makes and models. Where a boat is not already on file, we assess the hull and create a pattern to suit the boat, the attachment method and the required finish.

Each retube is specified around the way the boat is used. That includes material choice, wear protection, rubbing strakes, handles, lifelines, valves, pressure relief valves and other fittings needed for leisure, commercial, rescue or military use.

Signs your RIB needs a retube

A RIB retube is often the best option when the hull remains sound but the inflatable tube, collar or sponson 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, RIB tube replacement is a more sensible long-term solution than carrying out repeated repairs on old or failing material.

What RIB tube replacement usually involves

The process starts with a review of the boat, the condition of the current tubes, the attachment method 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 replacement tube package is specified around the boat length, layout, intended use and finish required. Once agreed, the new 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, collar or sponson system
Inspection of hull flange or attachment area
Agreement on material, layout and fittings
Manufacture of the new Orca Hypalon tubes
Fitment, pressure testing and finishing

Replacement RIB tubes made in Orca Hypalon

Ribcollar manufactures replacement RIB tubes using Orca Hypalon fabric, selected for strength, durability and long-term service in demanding marine environments.

Where a pattern is already held, we use it as the starting point for a clean replacement tube package. Where no pattern is available, we assess the hull and create a new pattern to suit the boat.

Replacement tubes are CNC cut for accuracy and bonded using Bostik NE486 adhesive. We use Orca Hypalon fabric from Pennel & Flipo and proven workshop processes to produce tubes matched to the hull.

For customers who want a more technical specification, options include different Hypalon grades, wear patches, rubbing strakes, handles, lifelines, pressure relief valves and other fittings.

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 tube replacement rather than a short-term repair, it remains the benchmark material for many leisure, commercial, rescue and military 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 just about replacing the Inflatable Tube . 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.

Orca Hypalon colour chart
https://ribcollar.com/orca-colour-swatch/

Our RIB retube service is suitable for a wide range of boats, operators and working 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
Boat builders and trade customers needing replacement tube support

RIB retubes for commercial, rescue and military operators

Commercial operators, rescue services and military users need replacement tubes that suit the job, not just the hull. Material choice, wear protection, fittings and layout all affect how the boat performs in service.

Ribcollar supports harbour operators, patrol boats, rescue craft, workboats, sea safari operators and defence users. Tube packages are specified around the operating role, expected wear points and the level of protection needed.

Where a rescue, patrol or military RIB also needs a self-righting system, Ribcollar manufactures and services self-righting bags and associated inflatable systems.

self-righting bags and associated inflatable systems
https://ribcollar.com/self-righting-systems/

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 RIB 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, RIB tube replacement is often the more dependable route.

RIB repairs
https://ribcollar.com/rib-repairs/

RIB retube, collar replacement and sponson replacement

Customers use different terms when searching for the same type of work. A RIB retube usually means removing the original inflatable tube, collar or sponson system and replacing it with a newly manufactured tube package.

The work may also be described as RIB tube replacement, Hypalon tube replacement, inflatable collar replacement, RIB collar replacement or sponson replacement. The correct term depends on the boat design, but the aim is the same: to replace tired, damaged or unreliable tubes with a new system matched to the hull.

Ribcollar will assess the existing tubes, attachment method and hull condition before recommending the right route. In some cases a repair is still sensible. In others, a full retube or replacement collar is the better long-term option.

RIB Retube FAQs

Question: How do I know if my RIB needs a full retube?

Answer: 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.

Question: Do you build replacement tubes in Hypalon?

Answer: Yes. We manufacture replacement tubes in Orca Hypalon and specify the fabric, fittings and wear protection to suit the boat and its intended use.

Question: Can the tubes be repaired instead?

Answer: 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.

Question: Do you work on commercial and rescue RIBs?

Answer: Yes. We support leisure, commercial, rescue, patrol, military and professional RIBs. Tube packages can be specified around the way the boat is used.

Question: Can you replace fittings during a retube?

Answer: Yes. A retube is often the best time to replace or upgrade fittings such as rubbing strakes, wear patches, handles, lifelines, valves, pressure relief valves and other practical details.

Question: Can you match the original tube layout?

Answer: 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.

Question: Where is Ribcollar based?

Answer: Ribcollar is based in Yeovil, Somerset. Retube work is carried out through our workshop and we accept boats from across the UK.

Question: How long does a RIB retube take?

Answer: Timescales depend on the boat, tube specification, material availability and current workshop schedule. Once we have reviewed the boat and agreed the scope, we will confirm a realistic lead time.

Question: Do you supply replacement RIB tubes without fitting?

Answer: Our main service is manufacture and fitment. If you need supply-only replacement RIB tubes, contact us with the boat details and we will advise whether it is suitable.

Question: What is the difference between a RIB retube and RIB tube replacement?

Answer: They usually mean the same thing. A RIB retube is the replacement of the inflatable tube, collar or sponson system. RIB tube replacement is another common term for the same work.

Question: What is the difference between RIB tubes, collars and sponsons?

Answer: RIB tubes and RIB collars are often used to describe the same part of the boat. Some people call them inflatable tubes, while others call them inflatable collars. The term sponsons is also commonly used, especially when referring to the buoyant sections fitted along the side of the hull. In most RIB retube enquiries, these terms describe the same general replacement work. Foam collars or foam-filled alternatives are usually described separately because they are built differently from inflatable Hypalon tubes.

Related guides

Not sure whether your boat needs a repair, a partial replacement or a full retube? These pages will help you decide.

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/

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/

Orca Hypalon 828 vs 866 for RIB Tubes
How to choose between the different grades of Orca Hypalon Fabric
https://ribcollar.com/orca-hypalon-828-vs-866/

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/

Orca Hypalon Colours for RIB Tubes
The full Orca Hypalon colour range for RIB tube retubing, collar replacement and new tube manufacture
https://ribcollar.com/orca-colour-swatch/

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.

Ribcollar is based in Yeovil, Somerset. Retube work is carried out through our workshop, with boats accepted from across the UK. Send details of your boat, tube condition and photographs so we can advise whether repair or full replacement is the better route.