RIB retubing: a second life for your tubes with Orca Retail
What is retubing?
Is your RIB getting on in years? Are the tubes dull, sticky or even porous?
Many boaters are familiar with this dilemma: their boat is still running perfectly, the hull and engine are in excellent condition... but the hull planks are showing serious signs of fatigue.
Does this mean investing in a new RIB, at 15,000 € or even over 50,000 €? Not necessarily.
Retubing - i.e. complete replacement of the tubes - is an intelligent alternative. By retaining the existing hull and equipment, you restore your boat's original appearance, safety and performance, for a much more reasonable budget.
With a premium fabric like Hypalon ORCA, your RIB can even be given a second lease of life for 15 to 20 years.
Retubing: how much does it cost?
In practice, retubing can save you 50-70% compared to buying a new RIB, while offering 15-20 years of longevity when done with Hypalon ORCA fabric.
Order of magnitude:
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Price of a new RIB: 20,000 to 40,000 € on average
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Price of retubing: 5,000 to 12,000 € depending on size.
The result: a refurbished boat for a fraction of the price, with guaranteed strength and durability.
Why replace the tube on your RIB?
Tubes are the first victims of the weather:
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UV rays → main cause of degradation and loss of flexibility
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Salt and humidity → microcracks and delamination
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Friction and impact → maneuvering, docking, transportation
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Natural aging → weakened seams, porous areas, loss of elasticity
Even with occasional repairs, there comes a time when the fabric can no longer ensure the boat's safety. In such cases, full replacement becomes essential in order to :
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restore original safety: buoyancy, stability, comfort
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Avoid a costly new purchase: prolong the life of the hull and motor
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Enhance the value of your boat: a RIB retubed with ORCA Hypalon is easy to resell.
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Personalize your boat: choice of colors, textures and modern finishes
What type of bladder to choose for retubing: PVC or Hypalon?
The choice of material is decisive for the lifespan of new tubes.
PVC: economical but limited
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✅ Advantages: affordable price, lightweight, easy to weld
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❌ Disadvantages: limited lifespan (5 to 10 years), sensitive to UV and heat, occasional use.
Hypalon (CSM-CR): the benchmark for durability
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✅ UV, hydrocarbon and abrasion resistant
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✅ Easy to maintain and repair
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✅ Longevity: 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance
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❌ More expensive than PVC, but incomparable over time
At Orca Retail, we exclusively offer ORCA Hypalon fabrics, the global benchmark for retubing.
Available in several ranges (820, 828, 866, etc.), textures and colors, they combine aesthetics, performance and reliability.
Also read: PVC or Hypalon: which fabric should you choose for your RIB?
How does a complete retubing work?
Retubing doesn't just mean repairing old tubes: it's about making and fitting new tubes from new fabric.
Here are the main stages, as practiced by our RIB repair partners:
1. Complete diagnosis
Prior to any operation, the old tubes are inspected:
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porous areas
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loose seams,
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multiple cracks.
In most cases, the conclusion is simple: the flanges need to be completely replaced.
2. Removal of old flanges
Worn-out tubes are completely removed:
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complete deflation,
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removal of fasteners (glued, screwed or bolted),
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cleaning the hull until the surface is perfectly clean.
This step literally "exposes" the hull, ready to receive its future flanges.
3. Manufacturing the new bladders
This is the heart of the retubing process.
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The old flanges are not repaired: new ones are made to measure, using the exact dimensions of the boat.
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These new tubes are made from Hypalon ORCA fabric, assembled in panels using two-component adhesives.
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Every seam, every valve, every reinforcement is integrated at the manufacturing stage, just as it would be at the factory.
The result: a brand-new set of tubes, perfectly adapted to your hull.
4. Fitting the new tubes to the hull
Once manufactured, the new tubes are fitted to the boat:
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precise gluing to the polyester hull,
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precise alignment to guarantee balance and performance,
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additional fastening with screws or bolts, depending on the model.
5. Finishing and protection
Details make all the difference:
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installation of chafing strips to protect impact zones,
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addition of bow reinforcements,
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installation of new valves, handles, cleats and rings,
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customization with modern colors.
6. Quality control
Before launching:
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progressive inflation over several days,
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watertightness check,
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complete mechanical inspection.
Once these tests have been validated, the boat is returned to its original safety and comfort.
Recommended products for successful retubing
At Orca Retail, we offer the full range of materials required for float replacement:
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Preparation and maintenance products (cleaners, solvents, degreasers, abrasives)
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Accessories (valves, handles, patches, rings)
Discover all our products dedicated to retubing on the Orca Retail store !
Conclusion
Retubing is much more than a repair: it's a complete change of tubes, a real rejuvenation for your RIB.
By choosing ORCA Hypalon fabrics and the appropriate accessories available from Orca Retail, you can be sure of long-lasting, safe and attractive retubing, so you can sail with peace of mind for many years to come.
Ready to give your boat a second life?
Order your ORCA Hypalon fabrics and accessories today from Orca Retail.