Change or Repair a Semi-Rigid Tube: Costs and Methods

Inflatable tubes, also called floats, are essential parts of a RIB. They contribute directly to the boat's buoyancy, stability and handling on the water.

Over the years, however, tubes can suffer various forms of wear: abrasion, fading, small punctures, tears, lifting seams or gradual deterioration of the material.

When the tubes start to show signs of fatigue, RIB owners often ask the same question: should the tubes be repaired, renovated or replaced?

The answer depends mainly on the condition of the material, the extent of the damage, the age of the tubes and the budget available.

In this guide, Orca Retail explains how to assess the condition of your tubes, when to consider a repair or a replacement, which methods to use and how much these different solutions can cost.

How long do the tubes of a RIB last?

The life of a RIB tube depends on many factors: the material used, how often the boat goes out, sun exposure, the marine environment, maintenance and storage conditions.

As a rough guide, tubes can generally last several years, or even several decades when properly maintained. They do not necessarily age evenly, though: a tube can stay airtight while its outer fabric is badly degraded, or it can leak while its coating still looks in good condition.

The main factors that speed up tube wear

• UV rays and prolonged exposure to the sun
• Salt water and humidity
• Rubbing against pontoons, quays, rocks or trailers
• Knocks and impacts while under way or manoeuvring
• Large temperature variations
• Hydrocarbons, oils and chemicals
• Unsuitable maintenance or storage

Regular maintenance therefore slows down tube ageing and, above all, helps you spot repairable problems early enough.

During periods of heavy use, it is advisable to inspect the tubes regularly, especially before and after the boating season.

To find out more, read our dedicated article: How to maintain your RIB

What are the most common problems with RIB tubes?

The tubes of a RIB are constantly exposed to mechanical and environmental stresses. Several types of damage can appear over time.

Punctures and small holes

A puncture can be caused by a sharp object, repeated rubbing or an impact. It can lead to a gradual loss of pressure or, in some cases, a leak large enough to make the boat unusable.

A small puncture is generally the easiest type of damage to deal with, provided it is properly located and the material around it is still in good condition.

Tears and cuts

Tears can be caused by snagging, contact with a sharp object or heavy rubbing. How they are repaired depends largely on their size and position.

The larger the tear, or the closer it is to a highly stressed area, the more important it is to have the tube assessed by a professional.

Lifting bonds

Over time, some bonds can lose their adhesion. Lifting areas may appear at joints, around fittings or on certain parts of the tube.

A localised lifting area can sometimes be re-glued. However, when the bonds are badly degraded overall, a larger renovation may become necessary.

General wear of the material

A tube can also be heavily marked without any visible puncture: faded fabric, a cracked surface, heavy abrasion or material that has become less resistant.

In that case, the question is no longer just about a one-off leak. You need to decide whether the material can still be kept or whether it is better to renovate or replace the tubes.

Valves and pressure loss

A loss of pressure does not necessarily come from a hole in the fabric. The valve can also be the source of a leak.

Before considering a full tube replacement, it is therefore important to identify exactly where the pressure loss is coming from.

To find out more, read our dedicated articles: What to do if your Zodiac tube is punctured and Emergency repair of a puncture at sea.

Replace or repair a RIB tube: how do you decide?

When a tube is damaged, it is not always necessary to replace it completely straight away.

The first step is to assess the extent of the damage and the overall condition of the material. A small puncture on fabric that is still sound obviously does not call for the same treatment as a tube with many old repairs or widespread deterioration.

The following table gives a first assessment:

Tube condition / problem found	Repair possible	Consider replacement
Small puncture or localised leak	✅ Yes
Small tear on material that is still sound	✅ Yes
Localised lifting	✅ Often
Faulty valve	✅ Often
A few old repairs but material sound overall	✅ Possible
Many repairs across all the tubes	⚠️ To be assessed	✅ Possible
Very worn or heavily cracked material	⚠️ Not really worthwhile	✅ Yes
Widespread deterioration of the fabric		✅ Yes
Major structural damage		✅ Yes

This table is a first indication: the actual condition of the material remains the deciding factor. When the integrity or safety of the boat is at stake, a professional inspection is preferable.

How much does it cost to repair a RIB tube?

The cost of a repair depends mainly on the type of damage, its size and position, the tube material and the labour time required.

For a simple repair, such as a small puncture or a limited tear, allow around 50 to 100 euros in labour depending on the complexity of the job.

The cost of the repair fabric must then be added. For Hypalon fabric, the order of magnitude given in our estimate is around 100 to 150 euros per linear metre.

A small repair can therefore remain relatively affordable, especially when the rest of the tube is in good condition.

When is renovating the fabric worthwhile?

When the outer material of the tubes is heavily marked but their structure is still usable, another option can be considered: renovating or recovering the fabric.

This approach both reinforces ageing tubes and gives them a much newer look.

For a localised repair, 1 or 2 metres of fabric can sometimes be enough, which means around 100 to 200 euros of fabric, excluding fitting and shipping.

To recover the tubes completely with repair fabrics, the cost given by Orca Retail is around 1,200 to 2,500 euros, excluding fitting and shipping, depending on the size and layout of the boat.

Discover our repair fabrics for RIB tubes.

How much does it cost to replace a RIB tube?

Replacing a tube completely is a much larger investment than a localised repair.

The price depends in particular on the length of the boat, the material used, the tube design, the brand and how complex it is to make and fit.

Price of a new PVC tube

• Indicative range: from 2,000 to 10,000 euros depending on the size of the boat
• Indicative size: around 3.5 to 12 metres

Price of a new Hypalon tube

• Indicative range: from 4,500 to 20,000 euros depending on the size of the boat
• Indicative size: around 3.5 to 12 metres

Hypalon is therefore a bigger investment than PVC, but its resistance and longevity can make it a particularly attractive choice for a boat you intend to keep for a long time.

It is important to distinguish this full tube replacement from a renovation by recovering with repair fabric: the two operations have neither the same cost nor the same purpose.

To find out more, read our articles: PVC or Hypalon: which should you choose for your inflatable tubes? and All about Hypalon: a versatile and durable synthetic material.

Renovating the tubes rather than replacing them: a worthwhile alternative

Replacing a tube completely is not always the only solution when the outer fabric starts to age.

When the structure of the tubes is still sound, renovating their coating can extend their life while giving the boat a new look.

This solution has two main advantages:

• Reinforcing ageing tubes with a new protective layer.
• Customising the look of the boat with a choice of colours and finishes.

Orca Retail offers neoprene repair fabrics designed to reinforce and customise tubes.

These fabrics are available in 4 finishes: Carbon, Fabric Impression, Perlage and Smooth, and in many colours.

They are designed to resist abrasion, UV and hydrocarbons and are compatible with the main RIB brands on the market.

See Orca Retail repair fabrics

How do you replace the tubes of a RIB?

Replacing a complete tube is a job that requires precision and know-how. It is generally carried out by a professional, especially when the tube has to fit the hull perfectly.

Step 1: Remove the old tubes

• Deflate the tubes completely.
• Remove the fixings and gradually peel the worn tubes away from the hull.
• A suitable solvent may be needed to remove glue residue.

Step 2: Prepare the hull

• Carefully clean the surface that will receive the new tubes.
• Remove old glue residue and dirt.
• Check that the surface is perfectly clean and suitable for bonding.

Step 3: Position the new tubes

• Position the new tubes on the hull to check their alignment.
• Mark the fixing areas precisely.
• Check the position of the various fittings before final bonding.

Step 4: Prepare and apply the glue

• Use a glue suited to the tube material: PVC or Hypalon.
• Prepare the surfaces according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations.
• Apply the glue to the intended surfaces.
• Respect the recommended drying times and application conditions.

Step 5: Fix the tubes

• Carefully position the tubes on the hull.
• Press the surfaces firmly together to achieve even adhesion.
• Use a roller to remove air bubbles and improve the bond.

Step 6: Drying and checks

• Leave to dry according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations.
• Check the bonded areas.
• Check that the tubes are airtight before putting the boat back into service.

Given the precision this job requires, a full tube replacement is generally best carried out by a specialist professional.

How do you repair a RIB tube with repair fabric?

When damage is localised and the surrounding material is sound enough, a repair with suitable fabric can extend the life of the tube.

Step 1: Prepare the damaged area

• Clean the area thoroughly with fresh water and a suitable detergent.
• Leave it to dry completely.
• Prepare the surface according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 2: Cut the repair fabric

• Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the damaged area.
• Choose a rounded or oval shape to avoid corners, which lift more easily.
• The patch must extend well beyond the damaged area to give a good bonding surface.

Step 3: Prepare and apply the glue

• Use a glue specifically suited to the tube material.
• Apply the glue to the patch and to the prepared area.
• Strictly follow the waiting time and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 4: Apply the fabric

• Position the patch precisely over the damaged area.
• Press the fabric down firmly.
• Use a roller to push out air bubbles and achieve an even bond.

Step 5: Respect the drying time

• Leave the repair to dry for the time recommended by the glue manufacturer.
• Do not reinflate the tube too early.
• Then check the airtightness and quality of the bond.

Find a RIB specialist near you in France to carry out your repairs or tube replacements.

Repair, renovate or replace: which solution should you choose?

In the end, the choice depends less on the age of the boat than on the actual condition of its tubes.

A relatively old RIB can still have plenty of potential if its tubes remain structurally sound. Conversely, a newer boat may need major work after an accident or poor exposure to outdoor conditions.

• Repair: the right solution for punctures, small tears, leaks or localised damage.
• Renovate: a worthwhile option when the fabric is ageing but the tubes are still usable.
• Replace: to be considered when the material is badly degraded or the damage is too extensive and widespread.

In every case, it is best to compare the cost of the work with the overall value of the boat. On an older RIB, for example, investing several thousand euros in new tubes may mean reassessing the economic value of the whole boat.

Conclusion

Tubes are among the most important parts of a RIB. However, the fact that they are ageing does not automatically mean the whole set has to be replaced.

A small puncture or localised tear can often be repaired. When the outer fabric starts to be heavily marked, renovating the tubes can also be a worthwhile alternative to full replacement.

On the other hand, when the material is badly degraded, the damage is extensive or the integrity of the tube is compromised, replacing the tubes may become the most sensible solution.

Before making a decision, take the time to assess the overall condition of the tubes, the cost of each solution and the value of your boat. Well-chosen work can significantly extend the life of a RIB.

ORCA products for repairing a tube

• ORCA 820 Hypalon fabric: for RIBs under 5 m
• ORCA 828 Hypalon fabric: for RIBs up to 6 m
• ORCA 866 Hypalon fabric: for RIBs over 6 m and professional use
• Neoprene glue + hardener kit: everything you need to glue a patch onto Hypalon
• TECH 288 reinforcement sheet: to protect areas that rub
• CEREDI tube end cones: for the ends of the tubes
• Find an ORCA repairer: for major damage