RIB’s come in a variety of sizes and they are used in many different applications. RIB’s that are 12 feet and under are generally used as tenders and they are most likely going to be pulled all the way up a beach to prevent it from drifting off during a rising tide. Larger ribs may be used as a primary boat (not as a tender) or as a tender to larger vessels.
With these two distinctions made you can determine how you want to protect your bottom.
For smaller RIB’s up to 11’
For complete beaching protection:
1)Measure from the bottom of the bow eye to the transom.
2)Take this measurement on center to the transom radius.
3)Add 4” to this measurement which can be turned up the transom.
4)If you have a drain plug in the transom, you can “punch” a hole to accommodate the drain plug.
By turning up the KeelShield at the transom, the KeelShield will not get caught on rocks and it will make it easier to slide the RIB off the beach.
For RIB’s in the 11’ up to 13” Range
1)For RIB’s pulled up a beach completely we recommend that you follow the guidelines for a smaller RIB (As above) and protect the keel completely with KeelShield.
2)For Ribs that are used as a small boat and are not pulled up completely you can use a 5’ piece.
3)If you have been using your RIB for a period of time and have present wear on the keel, you can measure from the bow eye to the aft end of the damaged section and add 2’ for a safety margin.
For larger RIB’s over 13’;
1)For RIB’s 13’ to 16’ use a minimum 6’ length
2)For RIB’s 16’ and over use the minimum length as recommended in the standard size chart on the KeelShield site.
