Merger boosts inflatable market

The recent merger of Global Force Marine and Gemini Inflatables (Australia) has seen the formation of RIB Force Inflatables at the Gold Coast City Marina -- now a one-stop shop for every inflatable need.

In addition the current inflatable names Caribe and Aurora, RIB Force Inflatables has been appointed the exclusive distributor of AB Inflatables, the top-selling brand in the Caribbean and number two in the United States.

With RIBs and other inflatables gaining increased market share as tenders for big boat owners and recreational vessels for families, RIB Force will now provide one-stop access and support for the three top brands.

While inflatables were once thought of as little more than toys, they are now the vessels of choice for Australian Defence Special Forces, rescue services, the Surf Lifesaving association and water police. Combining multiple independent buoyancy cells with reduced weight, a lower center of gravity and smoother, quieter passenger ride, inflatables are hard to beat in most aquatic situations.

RIB Force Inflatables is operating from three factory units at the Gold Coast City Marina and offers a showroom with the country’s largest range of premium inflatables, a mechanical workshop for full outboard and inboard services and a general engineering division that can also handle fibreglass repairs.

The company will use the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show to release two exciting new products in the AB Inflatable range -- the light-weight ALX10 centre console that features an alloy hull that is davit friendly and a range of Ultra Light alloy hulls with hypalon tubes.