Ribcollar

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Independent Specialist

Replacement
Tubes & Retubing
for Ribcraft
Boats.

Ribcollar manufactures and fits new Orca Hypalon tubes for Ribcraft rigid inflatable boats. Our team carries over 25 years of direct, hands-on experience with this class of boat — covering build, tube specification and long-term service support.

Ask About Your Ribcraft Retube Service
Independent Business Statement
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+
Years of hands-on experience in Ribcraft tube manufacture and fitment.
100%
Orca Hypalon used on all replacement tube and retube work.
On File
Pattern records held for many Ribcraft hull and tube layouts.
Background

25 years working with Ribcraft boats.

That experience is now applied independently through Ribcollar. No manufacturer connection. Just the work.

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.

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.
  • Direct experience of Ribcraft tube layouts, specifications and build methods.
  • Understanding of common failure points on Ribcraft inflatable systems.
  • Accurate specification advice for replacement Hypalon tubes.
  • Familiarity with fittings, attachment methods and finish standards.
  • Scanning capability to create accurate patterns from existing tubes when required.
Services

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.

01
Retube Service
Full replacement of worn or end-of-life tube systems. Manufacture and fitment in Orca Hypalon, matched to the hull layout.
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02
New Replacement Tubes
Replacement tube sets manufactured to pattern. Where a record is on file, manufacture proceeds directly from your hull details.
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03
Replicating Original Specification
Where pattern records or confirmed hull data are available, we manufacture to match the original layout and intended fit.
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04
Inflatable Boat Repairs
Leaks, seam repairs, valve replacement and localised damage — assessed and repaired where the material is still sound.
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05
Tube Specification Advice
Send photos and a condition report. We will give you a straight answer on repair, partial replacement or full retube.
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06
Fittings & Finish
Rubbing strakes, wear patches, grab handles, lifelines, Pressure Relief Valves and custom tube signwriting to suit the boat.
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Material

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.

Read the material guide
Orca Hypalon — Pennel Flipo
Specification
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
Recent Work

Ribcraft projects from the workshop.

Ribcraft 500 retube project by Ribcollar with new Hypalon tubes
New Hypalon replacement tubes fitted to Ribcraft hull by Ribcollar
Ribcraft collar replacement in progress at Ribcollar workshop
Ribcraft tube seam detail showing Hypalon construction by Ribcollar
Completed Ribcraft retube ready for handover by Ribcollar
Ribcraft RIB with new Orca Hypalon tubes fitted by Ribcollar
FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers on independence, materials, patterns and repair vs retube.

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 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.

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.

Ask About Your Ribcraft
T  01935 722988 E  sales@ribcollar.com Workshop: Yeovil, Somerset
Related Pages
RIB Retube Service New Hypalon Tubes Inflatable Boat Repairs What material is your RIB tube made from? Orca Hypalon Colour Options 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.

Contact a Ribcraft specialist