NS390C — Premium RIB Deep Review for Canadian Waters (2026 Full Sea Trial Edition)

The INNOVOCEAN™ NS390C Premium RIB is engineered specifically for Canadian lakes and coastal conditions. With a rigid fiberglass hull, oversized inflatable tubes, and compatibility with up to 50HP outboards, the NS390C is built for serious boating — whether you're cruising Lake Ontario, navigating BC’s coastal inlets, or fishing offshore in Georgian Bay.

Unlike many imported RIBs designed for tropical climates, the NS390C was developed and tested in Ontario to handle cold water, sharp wind shifts, and Canada's unique boating environments. This deep review covers the NS390C's hull design, performance, stability, load capacity, rigging configurations, and real-world test results.

1. What Is the NS390C Designed For?

The NS390C is a premium 3.9m (13 ft) Rigid Inflatable Boat designed for:

• Medium to large lakes (Ontario, Simcoe, Huron)
• Coastal inlets (BC Vancouver Island waters)
• High-speed cruising
• Offshore fishing
• Transport and utility use
• Commercial support applications

Its rigid hull and large-diameter tubes provide stability and speed unmatched by traditional inflatable boats.

2. Hull Geometry — Designed for Canadian Waves

The NS390C features a deep-V fiberglass hull optimized for cutting through chop. Hull geometry is the key reason this RIB performs so well in rough water.

2.1 Deep-V Entry

• Reduces pounding in waves
• Improves ride comfort at speed
• Enhances directional stability

2.2 Wide Rear Hull for Planing Stability

• Supports heavier engines (up to 50HP)
• Reduces porpoising
• Provides better stern lift

2.3 Fiberglass Transom Reinforcement

Reinforced to handle maximum torque from modern 4-stroke outboards.

3. Tube Construction — Safety and Stability

The inflatable tubes act as stabilizers, making RIBs exceptionally safe and stable.

3.1 Oversized 18-inch Tubes

• High buoyancy
• Fantastic roll stability
• Smooth ride even with uneven weight distribution

3.2 Multi-Chamber Design

The NS390C uses a 3+1 chamber layout:

• Three primary tubes
• One bow chamber

Even with one chamber deflated, the vessel remains afloat and maneuverable.

4. Real-World Performance Testing

4.1 Sea Trial — Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is one of the most demanding test bodies of water in Canada due to:

• Sudden wind changes
• 1–3 ft short chop
• Boat wakes from ferries and larger vessels

Performance results:

• Handles 2–3 ft waves comfortably
• Dry ride thanks to tube deflection
• Stable during high-speed turns
• Minimal slamming in chop

4.2 Sea Trial — Lake Simcoe

Known for steep, short-period waves. NS390C performed exceptionally.

• Maintained speed safely in choppy crosswinds
• Held plane with 3–4 passengers
• No significant hull pounding

4.3 Sea Trial — BC Coastal Inlets

• Excellent wave bridging
• Predictable handling at low and high speeds
• Very controlled docking behavior

5. Outboard Performance — 30HP to 50HP Range

The NS390C is rated for up to 50HP and works best within 40–50HP. Below is a breakdown of engine performance:

30HP

• Good acceleration
• Top speed approx. 22–25 knots (load-dependent)
• Best for light loads

40HP

• Strong performance in chop
• 26–30 knots top speed
• Efficient mid-throttle cruising

50HP (Recommended)

• Best acceleration
• 30+ knots top speed
• Performs well even with 4 adults
• Handles Lake Ontario waves with ease

Recommended partner engine: Tohatsu MFS50A

6. Load and Passenger Capacity

The NS390C supports 4–6 passengers depending on weight distribution.

Load Performance Results:

• 2 passengers: aggressive performance
• 3–4 passengers: strong mid-range handling
• 5–6 passengers: stable, slower planing

Because of the deep-V hull, even with multiple passengers on board, the NS390C maintains great balance and trim.

7. Deck Layout and Usability

The NS390C offers a practical and efficient layout for multiple activities.

Fishing

• Stable standing platform
• Plenty of tube space for mounting rods

Adventure / Exploration

• High carrying capacity
• Stable entry/exit from shore

Commercial Use

• Rescue applications
• Patrol operations
• Transport utility

8. Comparison With Other RIBs in the 3.8–4.2m Class

8.1 Stability

The NS390C has superior stability due to tube size and hull balance.

8.2 Build Quality

• Thicker fiberglass hull than most imports
• Better PVC tube material
• More reinforcement at stress points

8.3 Performance

Outperforms most competitive RIBs from China or Europe when operating in rough water.

9. Winter Storage Considerations

NS390C, like all RIBs, should be stored:

• On a trailer or dolly
• With tubes slightly deflated (not rock-hard)
• Indoors if possible
• Covered and elevated off the ground

10. Who Is the NS390C For?

This RIB is ideal for:

• Big-water boaters
• Ontario and BC coastal boaters
• Fishers needing stability and speed
• Adventure explorers
• Commercial operators

Conclusion — Why NS390C Is One of the Best 13ft RIBs in Canada

The NS390C is not just another small RIB — it is a Canadian-engineered, high-performance vessel built for real, challenging water conditions. Whether used for family boating, fishing, or high-speed runs across large lakes, the NS390C offers unmatched stability, speed, and confidence.

With its fiberglass deep-V hull, oversized tubes, and compatibility with 30–50HP outboards, it stands out as one of the best RIBs in the Canadian market in 2026.

For boaters who want the safest, most capable boat in the 3.9–4.0m class, the NS390C is the clear choice.