Research Boats & Survey Boats

Building superior, purpose built, Research and Survey aluminum boats for over twenty years.

Northwind Marine’s research and survey boats are built on our Extreme Class RIB and Hybrid Foam Collar RIB and Reliance and Argus Class mono-hull platforms that range in length from 14- to 40-feet.

Northwind Marine’s Extreme Class RIB and H-RIB and Reliance and Argus Class are some of the most rugged mono-hull platforms on the market. The design of these hulls makes it possible to build a wide variety of Research and Survey boat configurations that are extremely stable, fast and will withstand just about everything that man and the elements can deliver.

Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats - RIBs

Precision Engineered

The boats are precision-engineered using CAD/CAM and plasma cut with computer navigation.

Marine Grade Welding

They are made of welded, marine-grade 5000 series aluminum.

Impact Resistant

RIB’s are strain-hardened for impact resistance.

Stability & Performance

All boats have exceptional stability, ride, and handling combined with performance and lift.

Speed

They are capable of high rates of speed with your choice of power and propulsion systems.

Decks & Ports

All have self-bailing decks with closeable scupper drains.

Hull Sides

Some designs have full height hull sides.

Towing Capacity

All boats can be equipped with tow bollards.

Customization

Some boats may be custom outfitted.

Build To Order

While the list of options that we have developed over the years is extensive, our capabilities allow us to design and build about anything the owner may desire.

Inflatable Tube RIBs

Polyurethane Tubes

Polyurethane is four times more abrasive-resistant, and twice as puncture-resistant as PVC, Neoprene and Hypalon.

WING Inflatable Collar

The WING inflatable Collar is constructed of 40 oz. polyurethane.

Expert Seamings

All seams are over-lapped one and one-half inches, seams are then taped inside and out, and thermo welded instead of glued.

Low Maintenance

They are tough, long lasting, UV resistant and low maintenance.

Multiple Chambers

Multiple air chambers with pressure release valves add additional safety.

Superior Quality

In pursuit of durability, safety and strength, Northwind Marine’s Design team feels they have found the highest quality inflatable tube in the industry.

Real world testing

The U S. Navy Seal Team has tested and used these tubes!

Air & Foam Hybrid Tube - H-RIBs

Toughness & Durability

These tubes or collars offer the toughness and durability of a polyurethane sheath and the pneumatic shock absorption of a small air bladder.

Fortified Fender

The combination of dense, resilient, closed cell foam and air cushion, housed in a durable 40oz. urethane fabric creates a strong, great looking fender.

Puncture Resistance

They offer the greatest puncture resistance of any suitable material on the market.

Levels of Protection

Navy tests have shown that the collar around the hull may offer a secondary level of protection for crew members under small arms fire.