Expert advice from the North Wales RIB specialists – Total Boat Sales
Buying a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is one of the most exciting purchases you’ll make – opening up a world of freedom, adventure, and time on the water with family and friends. Whether you’re planning coastal exploration, watersports, or relaxed weekends afloat, choosing the right RIB takes a bit of know-how.
At Total Boat Sales, we specialise in matching people with the perfect RIB – new or used – and guiding them through the buying process from first viewing to handover. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to look for, how to compare options, and how to buy with complete confidence.
Why RIBs Are So Popular
RIBs are the go-to choice for boaters across the UK. They’re lightweight, stable, quick to plane, and extremely versatile – just as suited to family days out as they are to serious offshore performance.
Key Benefits:
- Fast and fuel-efficient
- Lightweight for towing and easy launching
- Excellent safety and stability, even in choppy conditions
- Great for exploring, towing toys, or relaxing on the water
- Easy to handle for beginners and experienced skippers alike
New vs Used RIBs: What’s Best for You?
Buying a New RIB
As authorised dealers for BRIG and Selva, we offer premium RIBs with modern features and full factory warranties. New boats can be tailored to your specific needs with custom layouts, engine choices, and equipment.
Benefits of buying new:
- Manufacturer warranty coverage
- Latest tech, engines, and safety systems
- Custom fit for your usage
- Strong long-term resale value
- Reliable from day one
Buying a Used RIB
Used RIBs offer excellent value and immediate availability. Every pre-owned RIB we sell is carefully selected, fully inspected, and prepped for the water.
Benefits of buying used:
- Lower upfront cost
- Quicker handover
- More options at a wider price range
- Great for occasional boaters or first-time buyers
🔍 Tip: Don’t be lured by low “starting from” prices. Always compare full specifications – including engine size, equipment, and build features – when evaluating value.
Unmatched Knowledge of the RIB Market
At Total Boat Sales, our experience goes far beyond selling. We handle one of the largest volumes of pre-owned and brokerage RIBs in North Wales, giving us hands-on insight into what truly performs on the water.
We’ve worked with RIBs from every major manufacturer – across all shapes, sizes, layouts and construction styles. We know which boats hold their value, which ones are easiest to maintain, and what delivers the best ownership experience over time.
Whether you’re comparing deep-V hulls, deck layouts, tube materials, build quality or long-term durability, we’ll give you honest, experience-based guidance – not just what the brochure says.
What Size RIB Should You Buy?
Choosing the right size RIB depends on how and where you plan to use it.
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| Up to 4.5m | Tenders, solo use, short hops along the coast |
| 4.5m – 6.5m | Family days out, towing toys, versatile all-rounders |
| 6.5m and above | Offshore cruising, larger groups, entertaining, or longer-range boating |
We’ll help you strike the perfect balance between size, storage, usability, and towability.
What to Look for in a RIB
Here’s what really matters when choosing your ideal RIB:
✅ Hull Shape
A deep-V hull handles chop better and delivers a smoother, drier ride.
✅ Tube Material
Hypalon tubes are longer-lasting and UV resistant. PVC is cheaper but less durable.
✅ Seating & Layout
Make sure the layout suits your crew and gear. Storage matters – especially with kids or kit.
✅ Console Design
Controls should be ergonomic and safe. Good visibility and solid build are key.
✅ Deck Drainage
Self-draining decks are a must for safety and maintenance.
✅ Tank Capacity
Choose a fuel tank that suits your cruising range and usage.
✅ Extras & Equipment
Plotters, sound systems, VHF radios, lighting and safety gear – these add functionality and fun.
You don’t need to spec every extra on day one – start with a solid, well-built boat and add as you go.
Comparing Prices & Specs: Don’t Be Fooled
RIB pricing can be deceptive. Some boats are advertised with a “price from” tag that only includes a basic hull and the smallest engine – no electronics, no steering upgrades, and often no trailer.
At Total Boat Sales, we prefer to show you the real value – the full package with popular extras included, so you’re comparing like-for-like from the outset.
When comparing RIBs, check:
- Engine brand, size, and age
- Steering (manual or hydraulic)
- Navigation & electronic equipment
- Seating, upholstery and layout
- Included trailer and covers
- Warranty and aftersales support
Used RIB Condition: What Really Matters
When buying a used RIB, it all comes down to condition and care. A well-maintained 5-year-old boat is often a better buy than a neglected 2-year-old one.
Key signs of a cared-for RIB:
- Clean and damage-free tubes
- Tidy wiring and controls
- Engine with full service history
- Everything works as expected
- Ownership paperwork is in order
The extras – like electronics and sound systems – are nice to have, but engine condition and hull integrity should be your top priorities.
Types of Sale – Know Your Options
🔹 Private Sale
Lowest upfront cost but comes with the most risk. No warranty, no comeback, and often incomplete paperwork.
🔹 Brokerage Sale
You buy from the owner via a broker. Paperwork is managed professionally, and your payment is securely held until the handover. A good broker will help manage communication, inspections, and logistics – but aftercare support isn’t guaranteed.
🔹 Dealer Stock Sale
You buy directly from a dealer like us. It includes warranty, full paperwork, secure client account handling of your funds, and long-term support. This is the safest and most reliable option – especially for first-time buyers.
The Sales Process & Payment Terms
We aim to keep the buying process clear and transparent. Here’s how it usually works:
✅ In-Stock Boats (New or Used)
- Pay a 10% deposit to secure the boat
- We prepare the RIB for handover (service, clean, prep)
- Final payment due before collection
- All funds are held in a client account until you become the legal owner
✅ Custom-Ordered Boats
If you’re ordering a factory-built RIB, a staged payment process is used:
- 10% Deposit – to secure the order
- Hull Payment – when it arrives at our facility
- Final Payment – prior to registration and handover
Want to visit and see your RIB during build or prep? Just ask – we welcome it.
The Importance of Paperwork
For both new and used RIBs, paperwork is everything. It proves legal ownership, VAT status, and ensures future resale or EU travel goes smoothly.
You should receive:
- VAT invoice (original for used boats)
- Bill of Sale (signed and dated)
- CE/UKCA conformity documents (hull and engine)
- Warranty registration documents
- Engine logbook & service records
- Trailer documents (if included)
- Any security scheme (e.g. Datatag) registrations
We’ll handle all of this for you – and help you re-register your details post-sale.
Why Buy from Total Boat Sales?
At Total Boat Sales, we’re boaters first and dealers second. Based at Pwllheli Marina, we live the lifestyle year-round and bring that passion into every sale.
Here’s why buyers trust us:
✅ Authorised BRIG & Selva dealership
✅ North Wales’ No.1 RIB experts
✅ Huge stock of new & pre-owned boats
✅ Transparent pricing and secure payments
✅ Advice you can trust – no pushy sales tactics
✅ Part exchange, delivery, finance options available
✅ Ongoing support, servicing and upgrades
Ready to Find Your Perfect RIB?
Explore our live stock online or drop into our Pwllheli showroom for a proper look around. Whether you’re upgrading, starting out, or looking for the best family-friendly RIB around, we’ll help you find it.
📍 Total Boat Sales – Pwllheli Marina, North Wales
🌐www.totalboatsales.com
📞 01758 437600
Total Boat Sales – North Wales’ Trusted RIB Experts.
Trusted by boaters. Backed by experience. Driven by adventure.