Rust boats compared: Rowboat (~125 scrap) vs RHIB (~300 scrap) — costs, speed, fuel and where to buy.
By Frozen · checked in-game on the live patch · Updated 3 July 2026
Two boats in Rust: the Rowboat (slow, cheap, fishing-friendly) and the RHIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat — fast, more expensive, ideal for Cargo Ship raids and ocean travel). Both come from Fishing Village Boat Shops.
A RHIB costs ~300 scrap and a Rowboat costs ~125 scrap from the Boat Shop vendor at any Fishing Village monument. Both come pre-loaded with 50 Low Grade Fuel. The price is fixed at the vendor — it does not change with your blueprints, the server, or wipe length.
| Stat | Rowboat | RHIB |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~125 scrap | ~300 scrap |
| Capacity | 2 players (driver + 1 passenger) | 5 players |
| Top speed | Slow | Fast (3-4× rowboat speed) |
| Storage | Small (12 slots) | Larger (18 slots) |
| Fuel type | Low Grade Fuel | Low Grade Fuel |
| Pre-loaded fuel | 50 LGF | 50 LGF |
| Best use | Fishing, light coastal travel | Cargo Ship raids, fast ocean travel |
Cheap and fine for: fishing trips, exploring coastal cliffs, hopping between Fishing Villages, basic ocean fishing crate runs. Don't expect to outrun anything.
Fast enough to chase / catch the Cargo Ship event, transport 5 players to underwater labs, and outrun Rowboats in PvP. The serious water vehicle.
A RHIB costs ~300 scrap from the Boat Shop vendor at any Fishing Village. A Rowboat is cheaper at ~125 scrap. Both come pre-loaded with 50 Low Grade Fuel, and the price is fixed regardless of your blueprints or the server.
Boat Shop vendors at any Fishing Village monument (Small or Large). Rowboat is ~125 scrap, RHIB is ~300 scrap. Both pre-loaded with 50 Low Grade Fuel.
Yes. RHIB top speed easily catches Cargo Ship's patrol speed. Rowboats can't — they're too slow to chase a moving Cargo Ship reliably. If you're raiding Cargo Ship, bring a RHIB.
Rowboat: 12 inventory slots. RHIB: 18 slots. Both can carry plenty of loot but neither is comparable to a Modular Car flatbed for bulk hauling.
Yes — both Rowboat and RHIB take damage from any source (gunfire, melee, explosives) and can be destroyed. They're also stealable: any player can mount and drive them if you leave them unattended on shore.
Yes, both run on Low Grade Fuel. Rowboat consumption is light; RHIB burns faster due to higher engine output. Always carry spare LGF on long trips.