Conquering the Norwegian Fjords: Hierro's Review of the Colton 700cm Aluminum RIB
In the land of majestic fjords, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking, rugged coastlines, a boat isn't just a luxury—it's a tool for exploration that must be as tough as the landscape itself. We spoke with Hierro, a seasoned seaman and explorer from the western coast of Norway, about his experiences with the rib inflatable boat Colton 700cm (approximately 23-foot) aluminum RIB. His verdict? A boat built not just for the water, but for the challenges of the North Sea.
On Durability and Build Quality:
"The primary reason I chose the Colton 700cm was its all-aluminum construction," Hierro states. "In our fjords, you have rocky shores, submerged logs, and the constant need to beach the boat. A fibreglass hull would be a constant worry. The Colton's hull is incredibly tough; a minor scrape is just a mark of character, not a structural concern. It’s built for the long haul, and the low maintenance is a significant advantage in a saltwater environment."
Sea keeping in the Swells: "It Inspires Absolute Confidence"
When asked about performance, Hierro’s review is emphatic.
"The first thing you notice is the stability. The 700cm platform is massive, and with the deep-V hull cutting through the water, it tracks like a train. We have steep, short-period waves here that can make other boats hobby-horse terribly. The Colton powers through them. The bow rises sharply to meet the wave, and the hull then settles smoothly without the jarring slam you might expect. Combined with the shock-absorbing quality of the inflatable tubes, it makes for a ride that is both secure and remarkably comfortable, even when the weather turns."
He adds a crucial point for Nordic waters: "It’s a dry boat. In the cold Norwegian climate, getting soaked by spray isn't just uncomfortable—it's a safety issue. The Colton’s design keeps the cockpit dry, which means my crew and I stay warmer and safer for longer. That is not a small feature; it's essential."
Durability in a Demanding Environment: "Built for the Long Haul"
The harsh Norwegian environment—with its saltwater, cold temperatures, and strong UV—is the ultimate test of a boat's build quality.
"After two full seasons, the boat shows almost no signs of wear," Hierro states. "The aluminum hull is, of course, impervious to the rot and osmotic blistering that can plague fibreglass here. The Hypalon tubes have resisted the fading and hardening that I've seen in other materials. The hardware—the cleats, the rails, the tow eyes—all of it is over-engineered in the best way possible. You can see and feel that it was built for commercial use, which means it laughs at recreational demands. The maintenance is straightforward, which is vital when your time is better spent on the water than doing upkeep."
Final Verdict:
"Here in Norway, we have no use for equipment that is almost good enough," Hierro concludes. "The rigid hull inflatable for sale Colton 700cm is more than good enough; it is exceptional. It has expanded what is possible for my operations, increased our safety margin, and its dependability is absolute. For anyone who needs a serious, indestructible platform for challenging conditions, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a masterpiece of marine engineering."
Inspired by Hierro's Experience?
The Colton 700cm rigid hull inflatable boat is built for those who refuse to be limited by the elements. If you operate in demanding environments and require unparalleled durability, performance, and versatility, this is the vessel for you.
