15 · Questions
RIB boat maintenance: a simple checklist
What to check after every trip, every month and every season to keep tubes, hull and engine in shape.
2026-10-27 · By Hugo Ramírez
Short answer. Rinse after every trip, check the tubes and fittings every month, and do a full inspection of hull, trailer and engine once a season. An aluminum RIB asks for little, but it asks for it often.
After every trip
- Rinse hull, tubes and trailer with fresh water, especially after salt.
- Flush the outboard as the engine maker recommends.
- Open hatches so the boat dries before you cover it.
Every month
- Check tube pressure with a gauge, not by feel.
- Look at valves, handles and rub strakes for wear.
- Inspect trailer lights, tire pressure and bunks.
Every season
- Walk the hull and look for dents, scrapes or corrosion around fittings.
- Clean and protect the tubes with a product made for Hypalon or PVC.
- Service the outboard: oil, gear lube, impeller, plugs.
- Grease trailer bearings and check the winch strap.
Storage
Keep the boat covered and out of direct sun when you can. UV is what ages tubes fastest. More on tube materials in Hypalon vs PVC.
Related reading
Built one at a time.
The ADB 420 is welded aluminum, numbered, and designed by the person who answers the phone.
See the 420
