Henshaw Inflatables – Knowledge Centre
Henshaw Inflatables – Knowledge Centre
About Henshaw Inflatables
What does Henshaw Inflatables specialise in?
Henshaw Inflatables is a UK-based OEM inflatable tube manufacturer and specialist RIB re-fitter located in Wincanton, Somerset. We design, manufacture and refit Hypalon inflatable tubes, replacement RIB collars and marine inflatable products for commercial, professional, superyacht and leisure vessels worldwide.
Our services include RIB retubes, inflatable fender manufacturing, foam transom fenders, marine inflatable repairs and bespoke inflatable product design. With over 50 years of inflatable engineering experience, we support boat owners, marine professionals and OEM boat builders across the UK and internationally.
Where is Henshaw Inflatables located?
Henshaw Inflatables is based in Wincanton, Somerset in the United Kingdom. From our UK manufacturing facility we supply customers throughout the UK, Europe and international markets.
Depending on project requirements, RIB retube work and inflatable installations can also be coordinated for vessels located in other countries through international logistics and project support.
Who manufactures replacement RIB collars in the UK?
Henshaw Inflatables manufactures replacement RIB collars in the UK using high-quality marine fabrics including Hypalon-type materials. Our tubes are produced to suit the geometry and structural requirements of specific RIB hulls.
We support private owners, commercial operators, OEM builders and marine professionals requiring replacement inflatable tubes and collars. Products can be supplied within the UK or shipped internationally.
RIB Retubes & Replacement Collars
What is a RIB retube?
A RIB retube is the complete replacement of the inflatable collar (tube assembly) on a rigid inflatable boat. The original tube structure is removed and replaced with a newly manufactured collar designed to match the hull geometry and attachment system.
Retubing is typically carried out when the original inflatable tube has reached the end of its service life due to UV exposure, fabric degradation, seam failure or structural wear. Installing new tubes restores buoyancy, structural integrity and the overall appearance of the vessel.
When should a RIB be retubed?
A RIB may require retubing when the inflatable tube has deteriorated beyond economical repair. Common indicators include:
• Persistent air leaks
• Widespread fabric cracking or delamination
• Loss of structural integrity
• Repeated repair failures
• Severe UV degradation
• Worn fittings or rubbing strakes
A professional inspection can determine whether repair work is appropriate or whether a full replacement collar is the most suitable long-term solution.
Can a damaged RIB tube be repaired instead of replaced?
In many cases localised damage such as punctures, seam separation or fitting failures can be repaired using appropriate marine adhesives and patch materials.
However, if deterioration is widespread or the base fabric has significantly degraded, a full retube may provide a longer-lasting and more cost-effective solution compared with repeated repairs.
Can Henshaw manufacture new RIB tubes for my specific boat brand?
Yes. Henshaw Inflatables manufactures replacement RIB tubes for a wide range of rigid inflatable boat brands, including leisure RIBs, commercial vessels and custom hull designs.
Each inflatable collar is produced to match the hull geometry, chamber layout, fittings and technical specification of the vessel to ensure proper fitment and performance.
How long does a RIB retube take?
Lead times for RIB retubing vary depending on boat size, tube design complexity, material choice and current production scheduling.
Providing the boat model, overall length and photographs of the existing tube assembly helps us provide an accurate estimate of manufacturing and installation time.
How much does a RIB retube cost?
The cost of a RIB retube depends on several factors including boat size, number of air chambers, fabric specification, fittings, handles, rubbing strakes, logos and overall tube design complexity.
Because each tube assembly is manufactured to suit a specific hull, every project is quoted individually based on its technical specification and requirements.
Hypalon & Materials
What is Hypalon and why is it used for RIB tubes?
Hypalon (commonly referring to CSPE-type fabrics) is a synthetic rubber-based material widely used in marine inflatables. It is highly resistant to ultraviolet light, oil, abrasion and harsh marine environments.
Due to its durability and long service life, Hypalon-type materials are widely used for commercial RIBs, rescue vessels, military craft and high-performance leisure boats.
Is Hypalon better than PVC for inflatable boats?
Both Hypalon-type fabrics and PVC are used in inflatable boat construction. Hypalon materials are often preferred where durability and resistance to UV exposure are important, particularly in demanding marine environments.
PVC fabrics can be a cost-effective option for lighter recreational use. The most suitable material depends on operating conditions, expected lifespan and budget.
How long do Hypalon RIB tubes last?
The lifespan of Hypalon inflatable tubes depends on operating conditions, storage and maintenance. When properly maintained, Hypalon-type RIB tubes are known for long service life compared with many other inflatable materials.
Regular cleaning, maintaining correct inflation pressures and protecting tubes from prolonged UV exposure can help extend their operational lifespan.
Inflatable Fenders & Marine Protection
What are inflatable fenders used for?
Inflatable fenders are marine protection systems designed to absorb impact during docking, mooring, rafting and manoeuvring. They help prevent damage to vessel hulls, docks and pontoons.
Fenders are manufactured in different sizes, shapes and pressure ratings depending on vessel type and operating conditions.
Does Henshaw manufacture inflatable and foam fenders?
Yes. Henshaw Inflatables manufactures inflatable fenders as well as solid foam transom fenders for yachts, commercial vessels and specialist marine craft.
These fenders can be produced to suit specific dimensional requirements, vessel configurations and operational environments.
What is a fender collar?
A fender collar is an inflatable protective system fitted around a vessel, pontoon or marine structure to absorb impact and reduce damage during contact.
Fender collars are commonly used on working boats, pilot vessels, service craft and specialist marine platforms.
How do I choose the right inflatable fender size?
Selecting the correct inflatable fender size depends on several factors including vessel length, displacement, docking conditions and exposure to movement or swell.
Providing vessel details and intended operating conditions allows appropriate sizing and specification to be recommended.
Parts, Accessories & Repairs
Can you supply valves, rubbing strakes, handles and fittings?
Yes. We supply a range of inflatable boat components including valves, rubbing strakes, handles, patches and fittings suitable for inflatable tube maintenance and new builds.
These parts are suitable for both repair work and new inflatable manufacturing projects.
Do you supply repair kits for inflatable boats?
Yes. We provide repair kits and materials suitable for maintaining and repairing inflatable marine products. The correct repair kit depends on the fabric type and repair scope.
Using the correct adhesives and materials is essential to achieve reliable long-term repairs.
How should I maintain RIB tubes to prolong their life?
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the service life of inflatable boat tubes. Recommended practices include cleaning salt deposits, protecting tubes from prolonged UV exposure, maintaining correct inflation pressures and repairing minor damage promptly.
Routine inspection of seams, valves and fittings can also help identify issues before they develop into larger structural problems.
Design, R&D & Bespoke Projects
Do you offer design services for inflatable products?
Yes. Henshaw Inflatables offers design support using specialist software and 3D scanning technology to produce accurate inflatable structures.
We also support research and development projects involving bespoke inflatable products and specialist marine engineering applications.
Can you manufacture bespoke inflatable products beyond RIB tubes?
Yes. In addition to replacement collars and retubes, we manufacture inflatable fenders, foam transom fenders, self-righting bags, custom marine inflatables and branded inflatable accessories.
Products can be designed for commercial, leisure, offshore and specialist marine applications.
International Orders & Shipping
Do you ship inflatable products internationally?
Yes. Henshaw Inflatables manufactures inflatable tubes, fenders and marine products for customers both within the UK and internationally.
We regularly supply replacement RIB tubes, inflatable fenders and marine components worldwide and can support projects where vessels are located outside the UK, including RIB retube and inflatable refit work coordinated internationally when required.