Ukrainian RIB manufacturer expands to Australia

Grand Inflatable Boats, a Ukrainian manufacturer of fibreglass rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), is opening a new sales and distribution office on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Currently available in over 40 countries, the Grand now offers a range of yacht tenders, family leisure boats and commercial RIBs in the Australian market.

“Grand’s move into the Australian market is a response to the growing demand and interest we are seeing for leisure and commercial RIBs in the region,” says Dmitriy Borodin, Grand International sales manager. “We’re a brand internationally renowned for our quality materials and approach, and we’re incredibly proud to be expanding into Australia to offer our range of premium, practical dayboats to customers across the region.”

Founded over 23 years ago in Ukraine, Grand’s range of RIBs starts at 3m and extends to high-performance adventure boats and recreational family RIBs up to 9m. Grand specialises in fibreglass deep-vee hulls and UV-resistant Hypalon tubes.

The brand launched its latest model — the Grand G680 centre console RIB — in September 2023.

“From new product launches to this expansion into the Australian market, it’s an incredibly exciting time for Grand Boats which I am thrilled to be part of,” says Daniel Arscott, managing director of Grand Boats Australia.

“Grand has the potential to be a real disruptor in the modern luxury leisure boat market, and we’re looking forward to developing new partnerships as we bring Grand Boats into the Australian region.”

Available in Australia from June 2024, Grand RIBs will have its national debut later this year at the Sydney International Boat Show 2024.