Ribcraft Retube and Replacement Tubes.
Ribcollar manufactures and fits new Orca Hypalon tubes for Ribcraft rigid inflatable boats. We cover the entire Ribcraft range, and our team carries over 25 years of hands-on experience with this class of boat across build, tube specification and long-term service support.
Patterns are held for many Ribcraft hull sizes and tube configurations. Where yours is on file, the job moves straight to manufacture.
Ribcollar Inflatables Ltd is an independent business. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorised by or acting on behalf of Ribcraft Limited. The name "Ribcraft" is used only to identify the boats to which our services apply. This is consistent with standard UK independent specialist practice under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
- 25+
- 100%
- Full Range
Years of hands-on experience in Ribcraft tube manufacture and fitment.
Orca Hypalon used on all replacement tube and retube work.
Patterns and manufacture across the whole Ribcraft range and many other makes.
25 years working with Ribcraft boats.
Our technicians carry over 25 years of direct, hands-on experience in the manufacture and fitment of tubes for Ribcraft rigid inflatable boats.
That covers tube specification, assembly methods, attachment systems and the practical requirements of keeping these hulls in long-term service. We operate as independent specialists, the same model that works throughout the automotive trade.
That experience sits with the people who do the work here, and it is applied independently through Ribcollar. There is no commercial or contractual relationship between Ribcollar Inflatables Ltd and Ribcraft Limited.
- Pattern records held for many Ribcraft hull sizes and tube configurations.
- Coverage across the entire Ribcraft range, and many other makes.
- Direct experience of Ribcraft tube layouts, specifications and build methods.
- Accurate specification advice for replacement Hypalon tubes.
- Familiarity with fittings, attachment methods and finish standards.
- Scanning capability to create accurate patterns from existing tubes where required.
Six independent services for Ribcraft hulls.
All tube work uses Orca Hypalon from Pennel Flipo, European manufactured. Specification is built around the boat, the duty and the finish required. Every set carries a five year fabric warranty, with full terms supplied at quotation.
Specifying a Ribcraft retube.
A retube is the point at which you decide how the boat is set up for the next decade of use, not simply a like for like replacement.
Tell us how the boat is used and we will specify it properly rather than repeating what came off.
- Fabric grade. Orca 828 for leisure and lighter commercial duty, Orca 866 for rescue, patrol, workboat and defence use and for boats kept on moorings or davits. We specify against how the boat is worked rather than its length alone.
- Colour. The primary Orca colours are held in stock, including the greys, the blues and orange. Anything outside that range comes in from Pennel on a short lead time. Plenty of owners take the opportunity to change the boat's look entirely.
- Wear protection. Additional cladding and reinforcement at boarding points, contact zones and davit areas, specified against where the boat actually takes punishment.
- Fittings. Rubbing strake profile, handles, lifelines, fairleads, D-rings and pressure relief valves. Carry the original arrangement over, or change it.
- Branding. Cut boat names, unit markings and identification numbers in Hypalon rather than vinyl, so they last as long as the tube.
Why we specify Orca Hypalon.
All replacement tube work uses Orca Hypalon, manufactured by Pennel Flipo in Europe. It is the same material class used on high-specification rigid inflatable boats for professional, commercial and military applications.
Hypalon offers strong resistance to UV degradation, weathering, fuel contamination and hard operational use. For owners investing in a proper replacement, it remains the most dependable choice for tube longevity.
We specify the fabric weight and reinforcement to suit the size of the hull and how the boat is used. Higher-wear zones are reinforced as standard where required.
| Origin | European manufactured |
|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Strong long-term performance |
| Chemical | Resistant to fuel, oil and contamination |
| Repairability | Good, suited to early intervention |
| Cold Flex | Maintains flexibility at low temperatures |
| Adhesive | Bostik NE486 (professional grade) |
| Colour Range | Practical range to match original or update |
| Status | Independent replacement, not Ribcraft branded |
| Warranty | Five year fabric warranty, full terms supplied at quotation |
Ribcraft projects from the workshop.
We retube every make of RIB.
Ribcraft, Brig, Highfield, Ribeye, Scorpion, XS Ribs, Humber, Zodiac, Solent, Ribtec, Rib-X, Avon, Tornado, Cobra, Osprey, Redbay, Delta, Ballistic, Gemini, Valiant and many more.
Boat not listed? We pattern makes we have never seen before as a matter of routine. Send photographs and we will quote it.
Common questions.
Are you connected to Ribcraft Limited?
No. Ribcollar Inflatables Ltd is a fully independent business. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorised by or acting on behalf of Ribcraft Limited. We use the name "Ribcraft" only to identify the type of boats we work on. There is no commercial or contractual relationship between Ribcollar and Ribcraft Limited.
Where does your experience with Ribcraft boats come from?
Our technicians carry over 25 years of hands-on experience in the manufacture and fitment of tubes for Ribcraft rigid inflatable boats. That experience is held by the individuals who make up the Ribcollar team and is now applied through Ribcollar as an independent business.
Do you cover the whole Ribcraft range?
Yes. We manufacture and fit replacement tubes across the entire Ribcraft range, and for many other makes of RIB.
Do you hold patterns for Ribcraft tube layouts?
Yes. We hold pattern records developed by our team for a number of Ribcraft hull sizes and tube configurations. Where a pattern is on file, we manufacture directly from your hull details. If your boat is not already covered, we can scan existing tubes and produce an accurate template for manufacture. This scanning service is available for Ribcraft boats and any other make of RIB.
What material do you use for replacement tubes?
All replacement tube work is manufactured in Orca Hypalon from Pennel Flipo, European manufactured. This is not a Ribcraft branded part. We specify fabric weight and reinforcement to suit the hull and its intended use. We do not use PVC or PU for retube work.
Do I need a full retube or can the tubes be repaired?
It depends on the condition of the existing material. Where the fabric is structurally sound and the damage is localised, a repair is often worthwhile. Where the tube is old, the outer coating is worn away, the weave is exposed or multiple areas are failing, a full retube is usually the more sensible long-term investment. Send us photos and we will give you a straight answer.
Do you work on older Ribcraft boats?
Yes. Much of our work involves older or heavily used Ribcraft hulls where the original tube system has reached the end of its service life. Providing the hull is sound, a retube is a practical and cost-effective way to bring the boat back into reliable service.
Can you supply tubes for self-fitting?
In some cases, yes. Contact us to discuss the hull, the tube layout required and the attachment method. We will advise on whether supply-only is a practical option for your project.
How long does a Ribcraft retube take?
Usually 8 to 12 weeks from the boat arriving with us, depending on workshop loading. Booking lead time is given on enquiry.
What does a Ribcraft retube cost?
Every boat is quoted individually. Length, tube layout, fabric grade, fittings and hull condition all move the figure. Our cost guide sets out what drives it.
What warranty applies?
A five year fabric warranty. Full terms are supplied with every quotation.
Send the details. We will review the job.
Clear photos of the boat, the tube condition and a brief note on what you need is enough to get started. We will confirm scope, provide a clear quote and advise on the best route forward.
- Retube service
- See the full Orca colour range
- Compare Orca 828 and 866
- How RIB tubes are attached
- What a retube costs
- Ribcollar Inflatables
- Contact Ribcollar
Ribcollar Inflatables Ltd provides independent retube, new tube and inflatable boat repair services for a wide range of rigid inflatable boats, including Ribcraft vessels. Ribcollar is not affiliated with, authorised by, endorsed by or acting on behalf of Ribcraft Limited. The name "Ribcraft" is used only to identify the boats to which our services relate. It does not imply any commercial connection with Ribcraft Limited.
Need advice about your Ribcraft?
Contact us and put our technical knowledge to the test. Whether you need a full retube, a new set of tubes or just want to talk through the options for your boat, we are happy to help.