Choosing the Right Boat for Larger Lakes: 9' RIB vs 12' V-Hull Aluminum

Choosing the Right Boat for Larger Lakes: 9' RIB vs 12' V-Hull Aluminum

If you love spending time on the water, choosing the right boat for your adventures is crucial, especially if you plan to venture onto larger lakes with more boating traffic and choppy water. If you currently have a 12' v-hull aluminum boat with a Tohatsu 9.8hp 4-stroke EFI motor, you might be wondering how it will handle larger bodies of water, especially with waves and wakes that can come from other boats.

1. Understanding Your Current Setup

Your current setup—a 12' v-hull aluminum boat with a 9.8hp motor—is great for small lakes with calm water, reaching speeds of 20mph unloaded and about 18mph with an additional person and gear. However, as you move to larger lakes with more boating traffic, you start to worry about being swamped by wakes, which is a valid concern for smaller boats. Larger wakes can cause instability and discomfort, even for boats with strong motors.

2. The Benefits of a RIB for Rougher Water

A RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) is designed with inflatable tubes around the hull, which provide extra buoyancy and stability in rough waters. RIBs are excellent at handling chop and wakes, making them a good choice for boating in larger lakes or areas with more traffic. If you pair your Tohatsu 9.8hp motor with a quality RIB rated for 10HP, you will likely have a smoother, more stable ride on rougher water, especially in 1' to 1.5' waves/wakes.

3. Speed and Performance on Smooth Water

When it comes to speed, a RIB will not be as fast as your 12' v-hull aluminum boat on smooth water. While a RIB’s inflatable tubes provide superior stability in choppy waters, they also create more drag on flat, calm water, which can affect the boat's top speed. With your 9.8hp motor, the RIB may feel slower on smooth water, but this is a trade-off for better performance in rough conditions.

4. Safety and Comfort in Rough Water

A RIB’s inflatable tubes make it more stable and less prone to sinking, even in rough conditions, compared to a traditional boat. However, it is important to note that RIBs are still susceptible to capsizing if not properly managed. Additionally, while they handle chop well, the ride may not be as comfortable as a larger boat. RIBs can be wet and less dry than you might expect, especially in rougher conditions.

5. Considerations for Larger Boats

If you plan to spend a lot of time on larger lakes with bigger waves, you might want to consider upgrading to a larger boat. A 16' or even a 20' boat with more freeboard (the height of the boat’s sides above the water) will provide a much smoother and safer ride. The larger size, increased beam (width), and extra freeboard will help you handle larger wakes and rougher water more comfortably and with greater stability.

6. Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance

While a 9' RIB is a great option for handling choppy water, it might not offer the same speed and comfort as your 12' v-hull aluminum boat on calm water. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences and what you want from your boating experience. If you're primarily concerned with handling wakes and rough water, the RIB is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize speed and comfort on smooth water, you may want to stick with your current setup or consider a larger boat for better all-around performance on bigger lakes.