Rigid Inflatable Boats Market Report 2025

The rigid inflatable boats market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.46 billion in 2024 to $1.57 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to military and defense adoption, maritime search and rescue, leisure and recreational boating, coastal patrol and law enforcement, and expansion of water sports.

The rigid inflatable boats market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.12 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to smart technology integration, expanding fishing and diving activities, evolving maritime security needs, development of hybrid propulsion, and growing adventure tourism. Major trends in the forecast period include adaptation to adventure cruising, eco-friendly and sustainable practices, increased focus on stability, compact and portable models, and high-performance racing ribs.

The increase in leisure activities is anticipated to drive the growth of the rigid inflatable boats market in the coming years. Leisure activities are recreational pursuits that individuals engage in for enjoyment, relaxation, personal fulfillment, and growth. Recreational experiences on rigid inflatable boats provide fun, stress relief, exercise, camaraderie, exploration, and a close connection with the sea. For example, in April 2024, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, a US-based government agency, reported that in 2022, the outdoor recreation sector generated $563.7 billion in added value, reflecting a 15.1% increase from the previous year, 2021. Consequently, the rise in leisure activities is propelling the growth of the rigid inflatable boats market.

The increasing maritime security threats are also expected to drive the growth of the rigid inflatable boat market. Maritime security threats encompass risks and dangers posed to vessels, ports, and maritime activities, including piracy, terrorism, smuggling, and other illicit activities. Rigid inflatable boats are well-suited for addressing maritime security threats due to their agility and versatility, making them ideal for rapid response, patrolling, and interdiction. According to a report by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in April 2023, there was an increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, with 72 incidents reported compared to 70 incidents in 2021. Notably, approximately 81% of the incidents recorded in 2022 involved targeting a moving ship within these straits. Consequently, the rising maritime security threats are a significant driver for the rigid inflatable boat market.

Leading companies in the rigid inflatable boat market are concentrating on developing innovative solutions, such as sport rigid inflatable boat models, to address the increasing demand for versatile, high-performance watercraft. Sport rigid inflatable boat (RIB) models are high-performance RIBs specifically designed for recreational pursuits like water sports, day cruising, and fast leisure boating. For example, in September 2022, Highfield Boats, a boat manufacturer based in China, introduced five new Sport RIB models for 2023, including the Sport 700, 760, 800, 900, and 660. These boats feature military-grade aluminum hulls that provide durability and lightweight performance, making them suitable for both leisure activities and watersports. The Sport 900 and Sport 760 are set to debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, highlighting Highfield's expanding presence in North America. With over 54,000 boats delivered since 2011, Highfield is committed to sustainability by utilizing recyclable materials in their construction to align with environmental objectives.

Major companies in the rigid inflatable boat market are focused on developing innovative solutions, such as rigid-hull inflatable pilot boats, to meet changing market demands. A rigid-hull inflatable pilot boat is a specialized type of rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that combines the characteristics of both a rigid hull and inflatable tubes. For instance, in November 2023, BRIX Marine, a US-based boat manufacturer, launched the Aldebaran, a new 11.3-meter rigid-hull inflatable pilot boat designed for a client in Central America. This vessel is powered by twin 300-horsepower Yamaha outboards and features a Naiad hull with a 23-degree progressive deadrise, made from durable 5086 alloy aluminum. The Aldebaran can accommodate four passengers and one crew member and is equipped with shock-mitigating seats for comfort. It also includes advanced navigation systems, such as a Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv MFD/Sonar, and features an insulated cabin with air conditioning.

In February 2022, Vortec Group Limited, a UK-based company specializing in sailboat maintenance, repair, and refit services, successfully acquired Rib-X International Ltd. The specific financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. This strategic move serves to expand, diversify, and enhance Vortec's capabilities in producing high-quality British-made products. The acquisition is anticipated to facilitate further business growth for Vortec, which already possesses a well-established market presence and a reputable history of supplying leading superyacht manufacturers. Rib-X International Ltd., the acquired company, is a UK-based manufacturer specializing in the production of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).

Major companies operating in the rigid inflatable boats market include Mercury Marine, Damen Holding B.V., Damen Shipyards Group, Vector Ltd., ASIS Boats, Brig Boats, Zodiac Nautic, Highfield Boats, Falcon Inflatables, Williams Jet Tenders Limited., Sealegs International Limited., Walker Bay Boats Inc., AB Inflatables, Novurania of America Inc., Bombardier Recreational Products, Tornado Boats, Ribcraft USA LLC, Grabner GmbH, Quicksilver Boats, Achilles Inflatable Boats, Maxxon Inflatable Boats, Grand Marine International, Avon Marine, Woosung I.B. Co. Ltd., Honwave, Crompton Marine.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the rigid inflatable boat market in 2024, and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the rigid inflatable boats market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the rigid inflatable boats market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) represent versatile and high-performance watercraft that amalgamate the features of tube-based vessels with those of conventional construction boats. Their utility spans across multiple activities including water sports, defense operations, and tourism.

The primary types of rigid inflatable boats include flying inflatable boats (FIB), foldable rigid inflatable boats (FRIB), amphibious rigid inflatable boats (amphibious RIB), and other variations. Flying inflatable boats (FIBs) specifically blend the capabilities of a powered paraglider or paramotor with those of an inflatable boat, offering unique functionalities on water surfaces. These boats can feature hulls constructed from materials such as aluminum and fiberglass and are propelled by various means including outboard and inboard propulsion systems. They find applications across diverse end-user segments such as commercial, military, rescue operations, and other specialized uses.

The rigid inflatable boat market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides rigid inflatable boat market statistics, including rigid inflatable boats industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a rigid inflatable boat market share, detailed rigid inflatable boat market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the rigid inflatable boats industry. This rigid inflatable boat market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The rigid inflatable boats market includes consists of sales of sports rigid inflatable boats, inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), and recreational rigid inflatable boats. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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