Choosing The Perfect Inflatable Boat
Looking for an inflatable tender? Read this, before making any decisions.
For all but the biggest yachts, inflatable boats make the best tenders. But inflatables are a mixed blessing; at their best, they;combine the convenience of a marine multi-tool with the freedoms of a compact powerboatwith;running costs akin to those of a pet gerbil. At their worst, however, inflatables are a heavy, lumpy, odorous, space-greedy aggravation of a thing that squats in your garage or stowage compartment.I’ve found myself in the latter camp on more than one occasion, so I know just how hateful inflatable tenders can be. Certainly, they enjoy some strong advantages: easy;portability, generous buoyancy, innate dynamic stability, and low power requirements all come to mind.
An;inflatable boat makes a great tender. That is, as long as you choose one wisely.
Do You Need A Boat License For An Inflatable Boat
Generally speaking, if your boat is equipped with a motor that can propel it to speeds over 10 knots, then you will need an operators license. If not, then you wont need a license. However, rules vary from state to state, so its worth checking with your local authorities for further clarification.
Inflatable Boat Comparison Table
Inflatable boats are a relatively new addition to the options available who want to get out on the water. Traditionally only hard bodied canoes and kayaks were easy to find and buy.
Not to mention the best inflatable rafts have to be sturdy, resilient, and puncture proof. With newer and better inflatable boats on the market today its easier to find a boat to fit your needs.
If youve never considered purchasing a new inflatable boat, there are a few things you might miss that are quite important!
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How To Choose The Best Inflatable Boat A Buyers Guide
With the surge in water-based recreational activities, inflatable boats have become extremely popular. These boats are some of the most popular ones and are commonly used as lifeboats or for recreational purposes.;
It is interesting to note that though the updated modern model of a lifeboat has been recently developed, small inflatable boats have been around for a long time. Ancient carvings depict animal skins being filled with air to transport a man across a small water body. This is the earliest depiction of an inflatable boat which was inflated using the mouth.;
Today, inflatable boats are a cost-friendly and convenient option as compared to other boats as they are flexible and lightweight made of synthetic rubber or plastic.;
While inflatable boats are quite versatile, people opt for different types of inflatable boats for different purposes, based on a variety of factors.;
Lets take a look at a few factors that influence the buyer to choose a particular type of inflatable boat.
Do I Have To Register An Inflatable Boat
Registration of an inflatable boat is dependent on your local state laws. Some states require inflatable watercraft to be registered and bear a registration number. If you need to register your vessel, you will be required to fill out a registration form, and provide the boats invoice, manufacturers statement of origin, a bill of sale, and provide details of the boats propulsion system for full registration.
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Check Authenticity Of Seller
The first thing you have to check when buying a used or second-hand inflatable boat is the authenticity of the seller. Make sure that you will be doing transactions with someone who is trustworthy, especially if you are planning to make a purchase online.
For online selling platforms like ebay and amazon, information about the seller can be seen on the product page itself. You will be able to see seller rating and feedback as well. This is usually located at the sides or at the bottom of the page.
If you opt to directly buy from a seller, checking his or her authenticity can be hard. You can, instead, engage in small talk to know a little bit about the sellers background. Most of the time, sellers who are also boat enthusiasts will be more than welcome to accommodate your questions. They might even throw in some tips on how to restore the product!
How Much Do Inflatable Boats Cost
Inflatable boats for sale on Boat Trader are offered at a range of prices from a sensible $1,350 on the accessible end all the way up to $248,410 for the bigger-ticket boats. Models with more power can hold motors up to a blazing 2,021 horsepower, while lighter-weight utility models may have as low as 4 horsepower engines on them .
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Storing Your Inflatable Boat
Making sure your boat lasts long enough to enjoy is probably important, right? I mean, afterall, you invested a lot of money into your boat so it stands to reason that youd want to take care of it.
Your boat should be stored out of the sun. As weve mentioned, sunlight can be harmful to inflatable boats.
On top of that, storing your boat in a cool and dry area is important. Make sure that there is some ventilation to allow air movement. This will help prevent mildew which can severely damage inflatable boats.
Before storing you should clean your boat and let it dry. Be certain to only use cleaners approved for PVC use. Harsh chemicals like bleach can quickly cause the rubber on these boats to decay and crack.
Taking care of your boat can dramatically increase its lifespan!
Airhead Angler Bay Dinghy Inflatable Boat
AIRHEAD Angler Bay Dinghy Inflatable Boat
This is one of the best Inflatable boats available in the market. Aqua Angler bay Inflatable boat is made from good quality and durable products. Aqua Inflatable boat is made up of heavy duty vinyl with electronically welded seams.
The boat weighs only 47 pounds and it can hold 4-6 people. Lightweight and portability are the main features of this amazing Inflatable boat.
This Inflatable boat also comes with a moveable inflatable seat for safety and comfort. This boat is best suitable for people who want to go fishing with their friends and family.
The interior of this boat is feature packed and recreational while the outer part is rugged and safe. This boat has two rod holders to hold your rods and also has multiple moulded drink holders to keep your drinks. Aqua Angler bay Inflatable boat also features four drain plugs and a battery storage bag.
This is the cheapest inflatable boat for family boating or fishing.
This boat is one of the best affordable Inflatable boats that you could find in the market. This boat is suitable for fishing because of its portable facility.
Pros
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Saturn Sd330 11ft Inflatable Boat
Saturn is a widely-respected manufacturer of inflatable boats, and the brands SD330 model is one of their best-sellers. Its a premium model that can accommodate up to 5 passengers, is compatible with short shaft motors up to 15 horsepower, and can be used as a yacht tender, pleasure boat, and emergency life saving raft all in one package.
The SD330 is constructed from an advanced Korean-made 1100 Denier PVC fabric with reinforced polyester layers for increased tear, puncture, and abrasion resistance. Its built around three separate air chambers, with a special drop stitch floor that can handle 9 psi of pressure, making for sturdy rigid floor. This floor keeps the boat lightweight and boot performance, and makes it easier to assemble and deflate too.
The V-keel is equipped rub strake protection, and double-layered fabric, to help protect against the effects of sharp rocks, abrasive sand, and the effects of saltwater. Theres a one-way drain valve too, to help keep excess water from accumulating on board.
Other cool features include advanced safety valves that protect your boat from over-inflation, anchoring stainless steel D-rings, towing rings, soft carry handles, a splash guard, a perimeter grab rope, and an epoxy coated marine-grade wood transom.
This is a great choice for beginners and pros alikeand while it has a steep price tag, it really is worth the money. If you take your boating seriously, this is an excellent option.
Why Buy An Inflatable Boat
While some inflatable boat owners get theirs in addition to a bigger craft, you can also use these models as your primary vessel. Why? Because they offer so many unique advantages you canât get with other boats. Theyâre incredibly stable and buoyant, so even though theyâre on the smaller side, you can count on them to stay upright. This can also make your ride drier.;
Theyâre easier to transport, too! Once youâre done with them, you can just deflate them and stuff them in a storage container. Their lightweight design makes them naturally more fuel-efficient, while still providing lots of power. All of this also means theyâre going to be easier to maintain. And, of course, they look cool.
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Sevylor Colossus Inflatable 3 Person Boat
Sevylor Colossus Inflatable 3 Person Boat
Sevylor colossus is another best inflatable boat available in the market. Sevylor colossus boat fits three people and its best for boating with your family.
Its grabline makes it easy for people to climb in and out. Its molded oar allows you to paddle conveniently, and sitting on an inflatable floor is more comfortable.
The heavy-duty PVC structure allows the ship to withstand the severe tests of lakes or rivers, and is backed by a closed system to ensure no leakage. This boat has multiple air chambers and these multiple air chambers allow the other chambers to stay inflated if one is punctured.
Sevylors Double Lock valves use two locking points for easy inflation or deflation
Pros
Yocalos Inflatable boat is a good choice for people who are looking for good quality Inflatable boats and it can hold three to four users.
Similarly, the product is finished in multiple colors to find favorite color options.
The maximum load-bearing capacity of this Inflatable boat is 595lbs, which is ideal for handling most number of users. In addition, the boat can easily be inflated and deflated within five minutes. Yocalo inflatable boats are easy to assemble too.
This boat can be used for multi purposes such as fishing, kayaking, etc.
Yocalo inflatable boats are available in multiple colors.
Pros
How To Choose An Inflatable Boat Based On Design
There are two ways to determine and choose between inflatable boats on the basis of their design. They are boats with keels and boats without keels. A keel is a lengthwise metal structure on the base of the boat which supports its framework and increases its stability.;
Let us take a look at both the types of boats:
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Inflatable Boats For Sale
In Summary: What Is The Best Inflatable Boat
Since there is a huge range of inflatable boats out there, coming in diverse shapes and sizes, and designed and engineered for a wide range of different purposes, theres no single model thats better than the rest. Similarly, no two customers are the same, and a boat thats the right fit for one customer wont be the right tool for another. However, if we had to whittle down our favorites to three distinct models, a best of the best, then it would be these three:
Our standout choice for budget-boaters would have to be the Intex Excursion. Its cheap but effective, and comes with a surprising number of features that you wouldnt expect from such a budget-focused product. Its tough and durable, with clever valves, and a well-engineered design. Plus, it ships with everything you need for instant boating fun, including oars, a pump, a carry bag, and a puncture repair kit. Its cheap, but highly effective.
If youre shopping with deeper pockets and youre looking for a premium inflatable boat thats versatile in nature and wont let you down, then our number one choice would be the Bris 12ft Inflatable Fish Hunter Boat. This is a serious vessel that can be used day in, day out, in a wide range of conditions. Its made from top shelf materials and components, and is designed for professional use. Its pricey, but its incredibly capable. Plus, it has a three-year warranty.
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Boats Used For Patrolling And Surveillance Rigid Inflatable Boat
RIBs are rigid-hulled inflatable boats. They are an amalgamation of the traditional boat and an inflatable boat. These boats provided excellent buoyancy due to the inflatable tubes, are easily manoeuvrable and seaworthy due to the rigid hull.;
These boats cannot be folded or taken apart due to the rigid hull. However, Rigid Inflatable Boats are also virtually unsinkable.
To choose an inflatable boat, one must know more than just its uses. It is important to classify boats according to their designs, as it determines the speed and the strength of a boat. Here are a few steps on how to choose an inflatable boat based on its design.
The Best Inflatable Boats For 2021
In todays enticing market for inflatable waterborne vessels, you might find it overwhelming to find the best inflatable boat that fits your budget and needs. Manufacturers are introducing new and even more promising products regularly, and that might as well pile up your confusion even more.;
That is why we wrote this article to help you find the best inflatable boat that will suit your preference and meet your every need. You will find various types of inflatable pontoon boats, inflatable dinghy, and styles of blow-up boats in our extensive list of recommendations.
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What Type Of Inflatable Boat Is Right For You
Just like traditional hard bodied boats, inflatable boats come in many varieties. Whether you want a kayak, canoe, single or tandem theres an option out there. But how do you know where to start?
Canoe-type inflatable boats are generally a good choice for 1-2 people with some gear. A canoe can handle enough gear to comfortably go out on a fishing trip or multi-day canoe camping trip.
These boats arent as small and agile as a kayak but the greater storage space provides more flexibility for boaters to choose their favorite activity.
Kayak inflatables are the smallest and most nimble boat available. Theyre lightweight and will very easily fit in any vehicle when packed down.
The smallest and lightest inflatable kayaks can even be packed into a backpack!
Rafts and larger inflatable boats can handle up to half a dozen people or more. These boats are usually party boats. Unless, of course, you upgrade to a full-on river raft.
Most inflatable rafts for recreational use feature additions such as coolers, cup holders, and often mounted oars.
Boats Used For Recreation Inflatable Raft
The most common and widely used type of inflatable boats, the inflatable raft is used everywhere as a lifeboat and a mode of transport over small water bodies, in addition to being used for recreational purposes.;
The simple structure of inflatable rafts makes them difficult to withstand currents of the sea. Hence, they are used on small water bodies. Inflatable rafts are available in a wide range of qualities which are reflected in their prices.;
The bigger these rafts, more the features. Some of these include safety valves, multiple air chambers, fishing rod holders, grab ropes and inflatable keels.
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How To Choose The Best Inflatable Boat In 2021
Picking the best product is a subjective matter. It all comes down to matching the features in an inflatable boat to what you need it to do. While it is still true that the more you spend on an inflatable boat, the better quality you will get, spending a lot of money doesnt guarantee that youll be getting all the features that you need.
You can ask yourself several questions to help narrow down your options and make the best investment for your own inflatable boat.
Considering the type of boating activity that you will do helps minimize your options as there are various types of inflatable boats, dinghies, inflatable kayaks, and rafts which are all designed for a specific use case scenario. Here are several most common inflatable boat use cases out there:
Meet The New Generation
Discover the worlds most advanced rigid inflatable boats for sale today. At BRIG, we fuse the cutting-edge design, technology and precision engineering of military aeronautics with the very finest marine craftsmanship. We have created a new generation of affordable yet uncompromised RIBs that deliver the very highest levels of performance, safety and enjoyment.
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Consider Buying Gently Used Returns Or Refurbished Items
Gently used returns are products that were sent back to the manufacturer because of minor issues. Some will show signs of wearing or have cosmetic scratches, but these are probably the best type of second-hand inflatable boats that you can get a hold of.
Refurbished goods are items that have been sent back to the manufacturer, and are just like new in all regards. Look for refurbished items, as they will always be sold at a discount to their brand-new counterparts.
