Founded in 2005 by three offshore powerboat racers, Airship RIBs builds custom rigid inflatable boats in Vermilion, Ohio. The company applies race-circuit technology to lightweight, foam-cored vessels, with each boat tailored to its customer’s requirements—from yacht tenders to performance craft. Its 288, the original Airship model, remains in the lineup alongside newer designs developed in response to customer requests.
Ocean Craft MarineSince 2011, Ocean Craft Marine has built custom rigid inflatable boats (RHIBs) for military, government, law-enforcement and other professional crews, tailoring each vessel to the mission rather than selling a standard off-the-shelf craft. The company’s Annapolis-based team works with customers from design through delivery, then backs its boats with worldwide servicing and mission-specific operator training. Ocean Craft Marine is also known for its AAS-100 amphibious system, which gives selected RHIBs four independently driven wheels for rapid movement between land and water.ANNAPOLIS, MD
Zodiac Milpro InternationalTracing its roots to the Zodiac company founded in 1896, Zodiac Milpro International makes inflatable and semi-rigid boats for military and professional crews. Its five shipyards in Spain, Germany, Australia, the United States and Canada build craft that are customized for missions ranging from special operations and patrol to search and rescue. The company combines hand-assembled construction with a portfolio of patented marine technologies and supports operators through training, engineering and a worldwide service network.STEVENSVILLE, MD
ASIS BoatsASIS Boats designs and manufactures purpose-built rigid inflatable boats for military, government, and professional users, with each craft built to order for its mission. Headquartered in Dubai, the company sells into more than 80 countries and makes almost all major components in-house at an 11,000-square-meter factory, including its distinctive Air Hull® fiberglass and FoamShield® aluminum designs. Its manufacturing facility holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certifications.ANNAPOLIS, MD
Checkmate BoatsFounded by boat racer Bill Combs in Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1963, Checkmate Boats builds custom high-performance powerboats for speed-focused boating. Its current lineup includes the 2400 BRX, a bowrider that can exceed 90 mph with the Mercury Racing 500R, and the company’s 2024 2400 BRX was named Boating Magazine’s Performance Boat of the Year.BUCYRUS, OH